Questions & Answers

The following questions were asked by Ms. Cindy Wilson and answered by the County Administration:

• 5013 000 233 Legal Settlement – What is the $30,000 paid for over the last several years?

This account is used to settle matters in lieu of going to trial. $37,525 was budgeted in FY 07 and $30,000 was spent. $39,900 was budgeted in FY 08 and nothing has been spent to date.

• 5827 Matching Grants – Who are vendors paid? How do Council members receive these matching funds, and why is Palmetto Agriculture paid from this account? Request accounting of all funds spent from this line item.

These funds are traditionally used to match grant received during the year of which we were unaware during the budgeting process. The Administrator and County Council members work together to allocate these funds such as to secure matching funds for the farm-to-school program.

• 5067 Public Information – Why the increase in advertising? What is the total advertising budget?

Total proposed budget for advertising for all funds for FY 09 = $202,190. The increase in advertising in 5067 is due to increased advertising costs to the County, primarily the local newspaper.

• 5111 Animal Shelter – In account 304, how much has been paid to American security? What was the bid procedure to have the service of American Security?

To which fiscal year are you inquiring? American Security offers professional services that are not required to be bid.

• 5221 Roads and Bridges – What/Who is paid service contracts? And 5225 what/who is paid government management consulting?

Service contracts are for license fee for software used to track road maintenance and inventory. Management consulting is used for firm to assist in organizing files and converting to electronic data.

• 5944 Broadway Lake – Why were meals and travel paid from this fund?

Visit of delegation in order to secure funding for much needed spillway and dam replacement.