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Administration - 9:30 a.m. <br /> Dr. John Crumpton, County Manager, provided an overview of the Administration's <br /> budget. He said his budget covers four employees and there was a request of an <br /> additional employee that he is not recommending at this time. He is recommending the <br /> purchase of one vehicle for the Development Services Director to utilize while driving to <br /> each project. There is also funds for branding and marketing and moving forward on the <br /> strategic plan. There was discussion surrounding the Communication Specialist position <br /> and Dr. Crumpton is determining what to recommend for this position now that it is <br /> vacant. Staff explained to the Board what they considered this year in recommending <br /> new positions for each department. Mrs. Minter explained that in the budget book there <br /> was backup for each position requested so the Board knew what was submitted. There <br /> was a question about positions that are recommended due to the lack of inmate labor and <br /> if that labor becomes available will we need those positions any more, Dr. Crumpton <br /> indicated we would need to continue funding those positions because as we continue to <br /> build facilities we need additional employees for the maintenance. <br /> There was then a question about how we can get more citizens involved related to the <br /> spending through the American Response Plan Act that will be implemented soon. There <br /> was general discussion about what we can spend the ARPA money on. Dr. Crumpton <br /> explained we will be unable to cover loss revenues, it appears the ARPA funds are more <br /> about growth and moving forward. Many of the funds are related to COVID expenses but <br /> in some of the infrastructure areas, such as water and sewer, the guidance seems to be <br /> more about growth. Questions arose about how we could use the ARPA monies on <br /> broadband infrastructure. There are still areas of the county that are without broadband <br /> available. The Chair stated there are holes in the reporting system as to where the <br /> broadband coverages are. The Chair stated it would be great if we can expand <br /> broadband especially with kids learning at home and having difficulty with internet <br /> connections. Dr. Knecht indicated we need to get conversations started with the providers <br /> to determine what capital expenses could be. Dr. Crumpton said he has the IT Director <br /> trying to get these conversations started. <br /> 2 <br />