Prior to the Greene County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Compensation Board met yesterday to discuss increasing the salaries of the county elected officials.

Compensation Board Chair Mary Jane Fields suggested a 2.5% increase because that was the same increase that the Sheriff’s office and Secondary Roads Department’s union had decided on for the next fiscal year.  However, other board members felt that 3% was fair and keeps them competitive with neighboring counties.  Another factor was the difference in the amount of money between the two rates which was $6,000.  The Compensation Board recommended a 3% across-the-board increase.  The Supervisors are expected to act on the recommendation later this winter.

During the Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Dawn Rudolph talked about her conservation with a representative with Elderbridge Agency on Aging.  There were conflicting reports about where Jefferson Congregate Meals was getting their reimbursement money from preparing and delivering meals.  Rudolph reported that the representative said that Elderbridge is reimbursing Jefferson Congregate Meals for its meal expenses.  Further discussion needed to be done to figure out how the meals were going to be delivered for next year and what amount the Supervisors were willing to give for funding.

The Board heard a report on the 2016 fiscal year estimates for its insurance.  Representatives with MacDonald Insurance said based on their figures for the next fiscal year, the county could expect to pay $7,800 less than they are paying this fiscal year in coverage.  For workmen’s compensation, it was mentioned that there was going to be a 3% reduction in rates state-wide.

Next, the Board approved the County Treasurer’s investment and driver’s license report for December.  Donna Lawson told the Board that there was a total of $5,795,899.19 in investments and there were 242 driver’s licenses issued last month.

Finally, there was an annual report and a funding request made by the Greene County Libraries Association.  Activities that the libraries collaboratively did last year included hosting the ninth annual Toddler Fest in which 260 people attended, Greene County Reads program where 30 participants discussed the book “Letters From Skye” at three of the libraries, a summer reading program for children and teens and continuing to show movies with a movie license.  They requested $76,000 which is $6,000 more than what was given last year by the Supervisors.  The base amount for each library would be $3,500 with the remaining balance be disbursed to all six libraries based on circulation with a 28% maximum amount.  In addition, the libraries association asked for a $6,000 increase so that each library would receive $1,000 of guaranteed money to use for different programs throughout the year.  The Supervisors took no action on the request.