Tax revenues up for county
County initiates moratorium
on wind farm applications
In the wake of recent funding cuts announced by Governor Bill Graves, Clerk Carol Maggard was pleased to report Monday to Marion County Commission that sales tax receipts were up in November.
Sales taxes generated in Marion County in September, collected by the state in October, and sent to Marion County in November were more than last November. They totaled $41,135.04.
Last year's November sales tax receipts were $35,864.08. Total receipts for the year are down $4,539.04 from a year ago.
Zoning director David Brazil requested that commissioners initiate a six-month moratorium on applications for wind farm permits in the county.
Brazil said he wants to study the new comprehensive plan before accepting such applications. No applications have been received at this time, he said.
After Brazil draws up a draft of the the moratorium proposal, it will be presented to the Marion County zoning board for its approval. The board then will recommend that commissioners pass a resolution to put the moratorium into effect. It will be retroactive to Dec. 2.
Commissioner Howard Collett said he and the other commissioners aren't opposed to wind farms at this point but want to become more educated on the issue before making any decisions.
He said state and federal laws prohibit taxation of wind farms but they may have other local benefits.
Commissioners met 10 minutes in executive session with county attorney Susan Robson to discuss county issues.
In open session, they reviewed an ad to be published to fill the position of equipment operator at the transfer station which the county will operate beginning Jan. 1. They also agreed to seek bids from private companies for a trucking contract.
"When it comes to trucking waste, timeliness is important," Wetta said.
Michele Abbott-Becker, emergency management/communications director, reported a total of 229 911 land-line calls in November. Another 409 calls came from cell phones.
Abbott-Becker noted that sometimes one incident such as a vehicle accident evokes a large number of calls.
In addition to emergency calls, the communications department handles administrative incoming and outgoing calls. In November, 2,651 incoming calls and 1,144 outgoing calls were recorded.
An example of an administrative matter, according to Abbott-Becker, is when someone reports cattle out and the operator makes calls to try to locate the owner.
Sometimes people call about the weather. To cut down on those calls tying up the emergency line, a separate line has been established to handle weather-related inquiries. Toll-free, the number is 866-786-7625. Local residents can call 382-5652.
Noxious weed director Bill Smithhart submitted a list of bids received on parts needed to equip the department's one-ton truck as a spray truck.
Commissioners approved a motion to accept the lowest bid for each item but authorized Smithhart to check on boom bids and be sure the one purchased is of high quality. They also authorized him to spend an additional approximately $500 to purchase fittings, clamps, and so forth.
Commissioners conducted a tele-conference in executive session with attorney Jim Kaup before adjourning.
