After pausing to research the impact of the loss of inventory tax and weigh all available data, including specific taxpayer information, Carroll County Council decided to stay the course on the local Economic Development Income Tax rate for the time being.

"I think it would be the best thing for the county," council member Jerry Hendress stated.

At the Friday morning meeting council member Steve Ashby explained the loss of the inventory tax may be offset by the increase of the homestead exemption, at least for the present.

The decision was made by consensus. According to county attorney Barry Emerson, no vote was needed because a new tax rate was not advertised. Other news

In a six-to-one vote, the council approved use of the sheriff's commissary fund for YMCA memberships for road deputies. Council member Carl Abbott voted against the action. Sheriff Dennis Randle was not present to discuss the matter.

County auditor Beth Myers reported $11,000 received from an insurance payment and deposited into Randle's commissary fund was transferred into county general as requested by the council.

Council member Ann Brown expressed concern the memberships, which could be construed as an addition to the workers' benefit package, might be subject to income tax.

Emerson said because the money was coming out of a fund that was in the sole control of the sheriff, Randle was responsible for providing 1099s to the benefit recipients. Those workers would be responsible for reporting the income to the IRS.

County assessor Doris McLeland was granted permission to replace the first deputy in her office.

County clerk Laura Sterrett made a second request to hire a part-time clerical person. She was asked in January by the council to do without the position for the first quarter of 2006 and evaluate the level of need.

"We're just keeping our heads above water is what it amounts to," Sterrett reported.

She said her office is very busy due to the loss of the position and election-time duties. Sterrett said some procedural obligations have gone undone and monthly financial reports are not upto date.

"If there are things not getting done that are supposed to be done, that's not good," Ashby said. "She cut $3,000 out of her last budget already."

"I'm leaning towards giving her some money, but not the full request," Hendress stated.

Council members decided to address the matter further after public advertisement of an appropriation. Transfers:

+ Highway department $150 from office supplies to training and education;

+ Treasurer $300 from office supplies to computer update module;

+ Election $500 from HAVA to legal advertisement; and

+ Park board $500 from mowing expenses to mileage.The next meeting is June 1 at 8 a.m.