VIENNA — After some discussion in closed session Thursday, the Dooly County Commissioners reached a settlement with John W. Sherrer Jr., who served as interim probate judge for several months in late 2008 and early 2009.
Sherrer had claimed he was due additional compensation from the county. Commissioners received notice in September of 2009 from Sherrer’s attorney, Charles Jones who said that Sherrer should have been paid at the same rate as Judge Dwayne Forehand whose annual salary was $89,293.55.
Sherrer was appointed to fill the position until an election could be conducted when Forehand retired before his elected term ended.
His compensation was based on an annual salary of $60,000, Jones contended, and he claimed that he was owed an additional $17,662.19 for the seven and a half months he served as Dooly County’s probate judge.
County Attorney Bill NeSmith informed Commissioners Thursday that he had negotiated a proposed settlement in the amount of $13,335.67. The board voted unanimously to authorize that payment.
Also, during Thursday’s meeting, County Administrator Steve Sanders notified board members that Arthur Ross, on behalf of Friendship Baptist Church, had submitted a request that the county abandon Friendship Road.
Sanders said that proper notices had been sent and a public hearing on the matter is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 1, during the next regular meeting.
Sanders also informed the board that the Department of Transportation has issued notice to proceed on several resurfacing projects including Drayton Loop and Lilly Road, Jalappa Road, and Greenhouse Road.
Preparation of a county contract for the resurfacing of 4.89 miles of Third District Rd. (beginning at Pinehurst/Hawkinsville Rd. and ending at Hwy. 27 and 1.23 miles of Dooly High Rd. beginning at Tippetville Rd. and ending at Coody Dairy Rd. also has been authorized, he said.
Finally, Sanders shared information from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) concerning several legislative proposals.
ACCG recommends opposition to House Bill 517 and House Resolution 1. If passed, House Bill 517 places a cap on property assessment increases.
In the past, assessments could increase no more than 3% per year or 9% over a three-year period. Upon transfer of ownership the assessment could be increased to the sale price over a 7 year-period.
House Resolution 1 calls for a constitutional amendment to create 159 county referendums in November 2011 to decide if each county should have an assessment cap not to exceed 3% per year on all property.
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