County considers new investments
Published 8:05 am Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Escambia County’s County Commission met Monday and was interested in seeking ways to get more money for the county.
Commissioner Larry White asked the commission if they would consider adding to the agenda to seek a reinvestment of funds.
“I would like for us to ask the Attorney General’s opinion on other avenues of investment,” White said. “We do not get a lot of income from our current investments. I just would like to see if we could ask for an opinion to see what other resources we could look at to get more money for the county. Can we do something other than CD or trust fund?”
In other business matters at Monday’s meeting, county EMA director David Adams said there would be changes to the flood zone program.
“The next phase is a government effort to fix the budget from passing on full cost of flood insurance to users,” Adams said. “Some people have been declared in a flood zone and they have never had any flooding there. It is mainly for the cross sections in Atmore. We want them to compare it with our data.”
Adams said the county’s data shows a difference in elevation and other issues, compared to what FEMA’s data showed.
“We have to get the data more realistic,” he said. “It is causing some people a 10-percent increase. Our data shows one ditch to be eight to 10 feet deep while their data only shows it to be four feet deep. We just want to encourage FEMA to relook at the flood zones with hard data and show that there is an error. It won’t happen overnight, but maybe two to three years later.”
In other business, the county commission:
• Heard from commissioner David Quarker, who said a recent repaving job in Atmore on some roads resulted in damage to some cars.
Cars affected by the tarring of the roads can contact Mobile Asphalt at (251) 408-0770. The answering service will be automated. Those calling can press “0” and ask for Brandi.
• Learned that Poarch has a need for some sidewalks and has its 20-percent match. The commission would be the sponsor for the grant.
• Held a public hearing to close the last 0.45 miles of Woods Road in Atmore in Quarker’s district.
• Chose to rebid on certificate of deposit bids from banks in Escambia County to a 3-month maturity rate for the Escambia County Oil and Gas Trust Fund.
• Considered a resolution for a countywide day of recognition for national service for AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.
• Amended the personnel policy and procedure policy. The policy needed clarification for annual sick leave and personal leave.
• Agreed to advertise for a heavy equipment operator position.
• Designated April 18-25 as “Earth Week.” Garbage bags will be available to anyone wanting to pick up garbage. They can contact (251) 867-0208 or (251) 867-0236 or any commissioner.