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The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 9:00 am. Members present were Brandon Braddy, Mark Burns, Charles Truett, and Ronnie Smith. Commissioner Thomas was in Texas helping fight wildfires.

Chairman Truett called the meeting to order. Invocation was led by Commissioner Braddy followed by the pledge to the flag.

The agenda was approved as written.

The minutes were corrected to change a number and approved as amended on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy. Motion carried.

Toombs County Commissioner Louie Powell and Mel Kelley from Medstar appeared before the Board to give an update on the ambulance service. Mr. Powell stated that they had received three bids. Commissioner Smith has been working with Mr. Powell and Mr. Kelley on the ambulance service. Commissioner Smith stated that there are risks with the Counties operating their own ambulance service but based on the information they have at this time he felt this was the way to go. Mr. Powell stated that there was a possibility that Mel Kelley could be hired to run the service. Mr. Powell said he could not predict what the costs would be because they had no trends or financials except what Medstar had provided and that this would be a monthly work in progress with both counties working together. When this is taken over in July there will be a three month lag where there will be no income from the ambulance service because of the transition of medicade, medicare, and insurance payments. Mr. Powell asked the Board if they wanted to proceed with a joint ambulance service with Toombs County. Commissioner Braddy made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Burns to appoint Commissioner Smith to a joint committee with Toombs County to negotiate an ambulance service contract. Motion carried.

Joe Filippone, Director of Development Authority reported that Harpe Foundation of Vidalia is working on putting a girls youth home in the county creating 15 new jobs. Mr. Filippone reported on two businesses that are locating in the Higgston Park. One of these sites is nine acres containing two acres that Dr. Smith donated to the St. Luke AME Church to do something on within two years or it would go back to Dr. Smith. During the two years the church did not pay the taxes on this property because they believed a church did not have to pay taxes. The property was transferred back to Dr. Smith on March 5, 2008. On April 11, 2008 Dr. Smith got a notice that a FiFa had been filed. This property will be auctioned off in June. The taxes are around $1,298.00. The new owners will pay Dr. Smith the original $8,000.00 for the property. Commissioner Braddy made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Burns to forgive the taxes on the property. Commissioner Smith abstained from voting. Chairman Truett had to vote in order for the motion to pass. The Chairman voted in favor of the motion. Motion carried.

Mr. Filippone informed the Board that Jenny Wren Denmark CEO of East Georgia Healthcare had informed him that Howard Holman of Meadows Regional Medical Center planed to challenge the grant for the new clinic coming to Mt. Vernon because the clinic would compete with the hospital. Commissioner Smith went on record saying that he was really disappointed in Mr. Holman, Allen Kent and the whole hospital board for protesting a primary care clinic being in Mt Vernon. Commissioner Smith stated that this was a slap in the face to us.

Bill Mitchell, Director of Toombs Montgomery Chamber of Commerce informed the Board of upcoming events including Showcasing Toombs Montgomery on May 16 and ground breaking for the new Dental Center of Vidalia located on Pete Phillips Drive behind Wal Mart on May 13 and of other upcoming events. Mr. Mitchell told the Commissioners that he sat on the hospital board and this was the first he has heard of this protest and that he will be meeting with Allen Kent of MRMC today and would convey the Boards feelings on the clinic to him.

At this time the Board listened in on a phone conversation concerning the jail. Things are continuing to move forward.

Administrator Curry reported that 231 hours had been put on the machines and Ram O’Neal Road was almost ready for the paving to begin. Seven applications have been received for the grass cutting positions. Mr. Curry and Commissioner Thomas will review the applications and select the best applicants. A request for the resurfacing of Foxfire Drive and Lakeview Circle was discussed. It will take around 40 to 50 thousand dollars to resurface these roads as roughly quoted by Ellis Wood Construction, who is paving Ram O’Neal Road in the same area. Commissioner Smith made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Burns to pursue with the resurfacing after a consultation with DOT. Motion carried.

The Board accepted the proposal from Whitfield and Butler for the 2008 compiling of the elected officials accounts and special funds accounts on a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Burns. Motion carried. This proposal is the same as last year.

On a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Smith the Board appointed Kathy Moses to the Mental Health Board. Motion carried.

In comments the Commissioners discussed how hard it would be to give the City of Vidalia a portion of the SPLOST when Vidalia keeps annexing into Montgomery County.

They also discussed closing part of Stacy Road.

On a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Smith the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Motion carried.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy the Board came out of Executive Session. Motion carried.

No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy. Motion carried.