The county commission last week voiced displeasure with county attorney Denny Mobbs, argued with Sheriff Bill Davis over a budget amendment, increased the litigation tax and took other actions at its regular meeting.

Commission Chairman Mark Bishop announced that he planned to seek a private act in next year’s legislature to create the office of county attorney, noting, “I’m not real  pleased with some things that happened.” Under current law, there is no official office of county attorney but the county executive can hire an attorney for legal matters. With a private act, Bishop said, the county commission could hire the position.

Bishop said he had some citizens contact him after some of the statements made by Mobbs at a recent meeting, adding some people were hurt by the things Mobbs said. “People who have lived here all their lives have a culture that is not the same as people in bigger areas,” he said. “We have our own culture. I’m proud of this county, but we’re not the most privileged people in the world.” Wanda Cheek commented that different areas have different dialects, “but that doesn’t mean you’re illiterate or stupid.”

Greg Brooks asked if anyone on the commission was interested in retaining Mobbs for the next budget year, noting that Stinnett says it’s his call. There was no comment.

Each June, commissioners approve a variety of budget amendments shifting funds to make sure there are no line items with a deficit at the June 30 end of the fiscal year. Among them was a request by Sheriff Bill Davis to add $2,600 to the salary line for the jail administrator. John Pippenger questioned that, saying he thought they had worked last year to make it right. Davis said it will come up short and Mark Bishop said it is already over budget. Davis said he thought the holiday/vacation pay was not fully included but Pippenger insisted it had been adjusted.

Davis commented, “We have this disagreement every year over whether he is entitled to holiday pay.” Wanda Cheek wanted to be sure that approving the budget amendment didn’t raise that salary. Davis said that was not the case, adding, “We need to get the figures the same.” The amendment was approved.

Another budget amendment that raised a question was putting in funds to cover debt service payments for the hospital bond payment. County Executive Mike Stinnett said hospital administrator David Hyatt assured him the money would be paid to the county but Stinnett said the bank wants the money by June 30. He said the county has been paid back for a hospital bond payment made in January.

The litigation tax on every civil and criminal case was increased from $15 to $25 following state action allowing the increase. The funds can only be used for jail or courthouse repair and renovation. Pippenger said the amount of money generated could go from $15,000 to $35,000.

Approval was given for the Sheriff’s Department to give some out-of-service vehicles to Bradley County Sheriff’s Office in exchange for mechanic services, such as putting a transmission in one vehicle that could be used. Det. Joe Price explained they had sold old vehicles for $100 through the Internet last year and it was a hassle. He said there are six cars out of service, some being nothing but hulls and one that can be repaired. He said the BCSO has a body shop and mechanics and can use the parts that are left on the old vehicles.

A request by Alice Couch Thompson to purchase a small piece of property near the rock quarry in Benton was delayed again for more research into whether the county actually owns it. Register of Deeds Kandi Bramlett said a no-man’s land might have been created when the county allowed Haren to build a road to the rock quarry. Couch said she owns both sides of the lot in question, noting it is an eyesore. “If it is county property, I want the county to take care of it. If it belongs to Vulcan, they should take care of it.” Mark Bishop said he would have no problem selling it to her if it does belong to the county. Wanda Cheek suggested she just keep it mowed and use it like it’s her own, noting nobody would complain.

Several items carried over from the May meeting were quickly taken care of. A suggestion to turn the county jail into a dog pound was tabled for a month because Buster Lewis was absent. A citizen had asked him to submit the idea. Discussion of the possible sale of county property was delayed until the budget is passed. Discussion of Ocoee Utilities was dropped after Pippenger explained that the utility district has signed off on sewer service for the developments under discussion. No action was needed on a request to have Jimmy Logan represent the commission in a possible library lawsuit because Stinnett had already hired him for that after vetoing the commission’s motion because the commission does not have authority to hire an attorney.

• Approval was given to reapply for the Litter Grant.

• Approval was given for the county to operate on a continuation of this year’s budget until the new one is passed. Bishop said he wanted to get final figures from this year’s budget before continuing to work on the new one.

• Brooks read a letter from Director of Schools James Jones taking issue with a letter sent to the commission by attorney Roger Jenne, who is representing Friends of the Library. Jones said he and several School board members were offended by comments about student achievement and pointed to test scores and a variety of accomplishments of graduates of the county school system.