by Maya Quinn

The Greene County Commission met on Monday, May 11th, for its regular session. During the meeting, commissioners discussed plans for continuing to support the Greene County EMS (GCEMS) payroll and engineering plans for a splash pad at The Old Carver School Site. All commissioners were present for the session.

During commissioner reports, Commissioner Smith of District 2 reported that everything is running well. Commissioner Summerville of District 5 thanked the highway department for their efforts and yielded the floor to hospital CEO Roderick Williams. Williams updated attendees on the progress of the hospital’s community garden and drug detox program. Williams stated that the hospital was able to hand out fresh produce to residents, namely collard greens. The detox program aids in helping citizens regain their footing after being devastated by drugs and/or alcohol abuse.

Commissioner Johnson thanked staff and the attorney for their tireless efforts. She stated the chairman’s work is an inspiration. Commissioner Spencer detailed his trials of asking other municipalities to invest in GCEMS. Noting that the town of Forkland has definitively denied offering any assistance.

The CFO report detailed that the county commission currently has $2,685,122.21 in unrestricted funds at Citizens Trust and $749,642.12 at Merchant & Farmers. Although unrestricted, many of the funds have been earmarked for road repairs and other city infrastructure, leaving approximately $145,000 in the general fund that can be allocated for other projects. A full bank statement report will be uploaded to http://www.greenecodemocrat.com

Mrs. Marilyn Armstead presented a proposal for Eutaw City Hall and the commission to collaborate on renovations at the old Carver School Site. The collaboration would turn the site into a recreational facility with walking trails splash pad. “We’re looking at something that involves the whole family,” Armstead stated. The commission would be responsible for approximately $37,000 in engineering fees, while the city would pay for land, sewage, water, and partial facility. Some concerns were raised regarding the decision to fund this project while the GCEMS is in dire need of financial assistance. “At the end of the day, we need something to keep people here. We need something for the kids to do,” Mayor Cokrell asserted.

The EMS board representative came to request assistance with payroll. With a bank account balance of $9,908.00, they would still be short about $20,000 for payroll. Questions were raised regarding whether funds from billing had already been used. EMS Director James Robinson explained that they were still awaiting reimbursements as far back as January, so financial intervention from municipalities is imperative. “We want to make this service way better than it has ever been,” Robinson stated.

The approved new business items are as follows:

1. The  proposal from Mrs. Marilyn Armstead on the recreation site at the Old Carver High School
2. The contribution of $10,000 for EMS payroll (Commissioner Turner opposed)
3. Purchase Ad in the Greene County Democrat Graduation Edition – $600.00
4. Naming a road in District 1 – Lucious Morrow Drive

The next regular session for the commission is scheduled for June 8th.