Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, announced some good news and some bad news at the Monday morning Monthly County Commissioner meeting.
First, the bad news, at least for those who oppose wind turbines in the county.
A senate bill that would have imposed a set-back in the locations of the turbines failed to get out of a senate committee.
“The senate bill had some modifications, but the committee killed the amendments. We’re going to run it again next. It won’t be the same exact bill, but we believe the count should decide if they want it. We should be able to set limitations,” he said. “The turbines have no monetary value to our community.”
The good news is that the commissioners are getting a hike in the amount of money they will have to spend on their roads.
“Road making money in the amount of $25 million was added to the state budget,” Turner said. “Anyone who gets less than $4,000 per year per road mile will get an increase.”
McIntosh County receives $3,200 per road mile.
More good news, seven rural fire departments in the county will receive a total of $500,000 to be used for firefighting equipment.
Also, the commissioners voted to allow the school district to begin spending almost $20 million in renovation projects for the district.
Voters approved a bond to cover the project earlier this year.
Financial advisor Jeff Riley stated that it was merely a formality and would allow the school to begin drawing down on the funds to begin work.
Approval of the commissioners is required because they are on the Board of Trustees of the McIntosh County Educational Facilities.
“The law allows us to do this. We release revenue from the bonds for payment of which is guaranteed by the sale of general obligation bonds. It allows the school to get all their money up front, construct their improvements under one contract, and then pay it back through the sale of general obligation funds,” Riley said. “In other words, it allows us to build the school with current dollars, pay it back with inflation dollars, as opposed to the alternative.”
Riley said although the bonds are for about $20 million, probably only $16 million ultimately will be needed.
County Clerk Deena Farrow said the procedure is normal.
“We’ve done this in the past. (The Board of County Commissioners) is a passive agency. You are just a conduit,” she said.
Other business
The commissioners approved placing a 25mph speed limit sign on 4210 Road in Sandy Bass Bay, which is in the district of Clifford McElhaney.
District 3 Commissioner Bobby Ziegler said he also has an issue regarding a 25 mph speed limit, this one at Paradise Point, where the limit was reduced from 45 mph.
“Some folks are upset and want to know if it’s legal,” Ziegler said.
Assistant District Attorney Greg Stidham said the sign is legal, as long as the commissioners voted to approve it.
