BOC questions county employees on vehicle use

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Staff Writer
in News Links, Top Stories
Wednesday, February 24. 2010
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The nine county employees who drive vehicles home were questioned Tuesday afternoon on why they need to drive a county vehicle home.

“The reason we are asking these questions and asking you to justify why you are taking them home is that we are under a budget crunch,” commissioner Joe Barefoot told the employees. “We have done all we can to that budget. We are trying to determine how necessary it is (for take-home cars). Don’t get your feelings hurt that you have been asked to justify how you use your vehicle. We have to make decisions…in an effort to save money.”

In a 4-1 vote, the BOC voted to postpone action on use of county vehicles until the March 23 meeting, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the courthouse.

Commissioner Charles Turk voted against this and asked: “Why do we keep putting this off.”

Barefoot said the additional time would give the BOC time to establish a policy on the use of county vehicles.

“This will give us an opportunity to develop some solid policies,” Barefoot said.

Turk said, “We also need a policy on employees going to breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and taking a two-hour lunch.”

Commissioner Rickey Cain agreed that the BOC could investigate the issue further before taking a vote.

“If I get a call that a vehicle is in Gainesville, I’m going to get in my truck and go see,” Cain said.

All but one of the employees, Jason Mosley, was present to defend their use of a county vehicle. It was Mosley’s use of a county vehicle that brought the most discussion.

Fire chief Jeff Taylor spoke on Mosley’s use of the vehicle and said that it is used in search and rescue missions and Mosley is on call at all times.

Commissioner Charles Turk said he has been told that the k-9 unit Mosley drives has been “abused” and has been spotted outside of the county, including one time at 2 a.m. at a Gainesville hospital.

Taylor responded that he has checked out reports of the vehicle being outside of the county and has not confirmed it.

“I keep hearing that it is and we are checking but so far it isn’t,” Taylor said.

Turk also questioned whether Mosley is certified to assist in search and rescue missions. Taylor said that he is not.

OTHER VEHICLES

Other employees who spoke on their use of county vehicles all said they are on call after hours. They include:

•Wayne Andrews, road superintendent.

•Leonard Burris, technology administrator.

•Kenny Crumley, maintenance supervisor.

•Steve Reece, public utilities director.

•Robin Thomas, water distribution leader.

•Deidra Moore, E-911/EMA director.

•Jeff Taylor, fire chief.

•Brian Eubanks, administrative officer, fire department.

BOC chairman Milton Dalton said: “This is all of the vehicles that the commissioners have any control over. We have control over nine. We have control of nine out of 36.”

The other county vehicles that are driven home are used by the sheriff’s office deputies.

Some of the employees live outside of Banks County and this is a concern of some of the commissioners.

“I’ve always had a problem in driving them outside of the county,” commissioner Ernest Rogers said. “I strongly believe the vehicles should stay in the county. Once that car leaves the county, the county is not getting any service out of it. That is my big thing--vehicles leaving the county.”
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#1 Concerned citizen on 02/24/10 at 10:12 AM [Reply]
I have known Moseley for some time and he is an abuser in more ways than one. It is a shame that I live in a county that encourages this behavior. He is not even certified to participate in the search but he has a county car because he houses a search dog? C'mon, this is rediculous! I would love to see this entire system shook up. Banks county is percieved as a bunch of incompitent selfish liers. Moseley is a fraud and needs to be stoped.
#1.1 1234 on 02/25/10 at 11:00 AM [Reply]
Mosley is Certified to train and use the K-9. Give Mr. Mosley a break! Everyone loves to tell what they saw. They only have words, bring some proof with you next time people. It is only Mosley's job to bring, train and use the K-9. Serach operations should be planned and carried out by law enforcement unless Banks county developes another agency or creates a trainned and certified team within the Fire and EMS department. Maybe if Banks County would quit cutting the budget and putting the money into the commissioners pocket they would have the funds to offer classes and training to the county's current personel who would love the oppritunity that work for a living unlike our BOC. What ever happened to a mutual respect among professinal adults, men and women in a 21first century society? When did we start putting people in positions of leadership in of our county that have already proven they are childish, inmature and only out for their own personal gain with no remorse for the good people of Banks County GA? The county employees taking two hour lunch breaks in county vehicles, sounds like Mr. Turk is talking about his own kind. Inmature and selfish.
#1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/25/10 at 11:47 AM [Reply]
Very well written! Agree with you totally!
#2 etienne on 02/24/10 at 03:00 PM [Reply]
well lets see if we have 9 cars that get in real use less than 30% of the time these cars all cost at least 30,000. hmmmm thats a lot of money and those 9 cars could be reduced to 4 and reduce cost on brakes, gas, and sitting in driveways, wow wish I had 60 percent more car than I have.and free gas and oh yeah not having to worry about tires and oil. wow glad that Banks county can afford to let county deputies that dont even live in the county take a car out of the county and are paying for the gas for that car also.
#3 Make it two on 02/24/10 at 08:02 PM [Reply]
I saw Mosley at the hospital at 11:20 AM. I called Jeff Taylor...you lier Jeff Taylor I watched your office all day and you never left to check on this.
Hey Jason is going to the golden pantry with your kids training ? LMAO !
Mosley doesn't show up to defend himself ??? That says it all now doesn't it.
Thank you Charles Turk having the guts to say out loud what so many have failed to do.
The truth will Catch up to those cheating Banks County !
#3.1 Anonymous on 02/24/10 at 10:20 PM [Reply]
When your kids are lost I hope you feel it necessary to wait an extra 30 minutes for a certified person to go get the truck, then the dog, and then respond. That is, if they are avaiable while off duty since the county does not pay anything for being on call and available at all times. It will seem like an eternity when you are waiting. I'm sure you will change your story then. Kind of like calling for an ambulance; You want to cirticize it until the minute you need it then complain about how long it took the service you cut to get there. You can't have your cake and eat it too. I gaurantee the k-9 team has done more training in the past year than you have. Fire Department employees are not POST certified in regards to the previous post. Nor are they required to be for this type of operation.
#3.2 Anonymous on 02/24/10 at 10:26 PM [Reply]
I'm glad you have time to watch the hospital at 11:20 AM, sit outside his house and follow him, and sit outside Jeff Taylor's office all day. Sounds like stalking on behalf of Charles Turk and you don't have a providing job or anything better to do. Maybe the law outght to get involved, stalking is a crime. My guess would be you are GC, GW, LB, WB, or RC. Hope you had your big spoon with you cause all you are doing in stirring a bottomless pot.
#3.2.1 Wade B. on 02/28/10 at 10:23 PM [Reply]
First of all im not scared to put my name on here like all these anonymous ppl do. I have not and nor has my wife stalked anyone and have no reason to, i could careless what other ppl do as long as they leave us out of it. All I want to do is help the citizens of Banks Co. without any problems so please leave us out of the fight.

Thank you
WB
#4 Truth on 02/25/10 at 06:10 AM [Reply]
I hope this gets published because it's the truth.
I have known Mr.M for over 10 years, yes he has issues but his heart is in the right place.
With that said I am 100% positive he took the vehicle to the hospital as is being reported. His parents where both ill and in the hospital, would you go see them if it was your only way?
I strongly believe that Jeff Taylor and Brian Eubanks attempting to cover his tracks is the bigger crime here...Jason needs some help and to get his backside in church again.
Let's all pray for him and his family so that they might find guidance and the strength to face there issues with dignity and truth.
Jason people still care even if there trying to teach things with discpline don't shun them but embrace them for giving a darn.
#5 Truth 2 on 02/25/10 at 07:42 AM [Reply]
Just a follow up, Mr Parson I am not a former Volly and if you don't quit posting I WILL contact the state about your invovlment here.
#3.2 Anonymous I didn't watch him but if you and Jason had a brain it might occur to you who would and why???
When the truth comes out those defending the guilty will look foolish.
If I was a BOC member I would get in damage control mode quick.
#6 Outside the box on 02/25/10 at 12:22 PM [Reply]
Typical policy used in other Counties for County Police or Sherrif cars being driven by non county residents is for the deputy or officer to drive and park in the nearest County fire dept and leave the car there and use their own personal vehicle to drive to their home. This leaves the county vehicle in the county at all times and available for emergency.
#7 To 1234 on 02/25/10 at 12:27 PM [Reply]
Why bring Proof when it gets swept under the rug ?
Must be slow at 911 and the Fire dept so Eubanks and Cook are posting.
Respect is a two way street it's earned and Mr Mosley has earned none .
#8 woof woof on 02/25/10 at 06:35 PM [Reply]
The dog is NOT the issue unless it's driving. I saw this person in front of wal-mart with his wife in this unit a couple months ago what stuck out was the little boy getting in the side.
If he has personal isssues as was stated above then maybe he should be placed on leave until that works out ?
I just can not see anything justfing misuse of county vehicles barring a family emergency and I also take great offense to those bleeding hearts who jump to this persons offense because it "could save someone" That's horse hooey ! It's my money and my neighbors and we want it watched after! Got it Barefoot?!
#9 Anonymous on 02/25/10 at 08:14 PM [Reply]
The fire department has no business with a dog. It should be handled by the sheriffs office. Besides the county is so mismanaged, how can parking a few cars help? The BOC is worthless just like the department heads they keep in place. Fire 'em all and get some people with real education in key places to run things better. Banks County cuts budgets so they can pay off all the law suits against them. Pathetic.
#9.1 Taxpayer 4 on 02/27/10 at 09:36 AM [Reply]
The problem is that they had some with education and they did even worse. Remember that the previous Board of Commissioner chairman had degrees but no common sense that follows budget issues on ways to cut back.
#10 greg on 02/25/10 at 08:40 PM [Reply]
so what if a deputy lives across the county line,you know we have lost a lot of fine deputies to other counties for better pay and better benefits,banks county has got a good group working to protect this county,and it would be a blessing to keep what we have,as far as the boc goes,people complain about them and so on,but ever election you dont see the complaining peoples name on the ballots,if you have a problem with the boc,put your name on the ballot......
#11 NOW I'M PISSED!!! on 02/27/10 at 10:46 AM [Reply]
King Doofus and his court of bumkins had better listen to the people. The personal use of county vehicles will stop. Do you hear this King Doofus? I agree, It's my (explitive) money and I'm tired of you, BAREFOOT double dipping and justifying it by counting the toilet paper in the courthouse! And Milton can't stay anywhere but Tiny Town while the tax payers LOSE THEIR HOMES!! Oh, goodness, the county is out of money what shall we do? Raise TAXES!! ('Explitive') YOU COMMISSIONERS!! READ MY TYPE, WHEN I DON'T HAVE EXTRA MONEY, I DON'T DO ('EXPLITIVE' IT!!) DO YOU WANT RECALLED? What are you going to do next year when the sales are even lower? Anger? Pissed the people off? You're past that point, you've made them MAD AS HE77!
#11.1 outside observer looking in on 02/27/10 at 05:00 PM [Reply]
have you ever stopped and found the real reason counties are out of money ,,,,did this start 13 months ago???did you'all have enough money then???? OR,,,,,,did this start some 9 years and 2 monts ago.....HOW A'BOUCHA REPUBLICIANS,,,,,,now YOU'ALL can complain,shout,whine,curse,,,grip,,,and do what ever,,,,,but you would probably still vote for ole ,,JEB Bush if he run for office...while all the time their attemt to crush the middle class was full throttle...
#12 Greg - are you blind? on 02/27/10 at 10:51 AM [Reply]
Greg my lad, have you ever been outside of Banks County? The other counties that we've lost these fine deputies to, also HAVE JOBS TO PAY THE TAXES TO THESE COUNTIES!! While Banks County leaders play tiddly winks (and probably Texas Hold'um' in the back room) these other counties, Hall, Jackson, Franklin, Habersham are obtaining companies that provide tax income! Banks seems intent to 'STUDY' the projects well into the 23rd century!! Um, ah, Martin Bridge Road for some reason keeps poping into my head!!!
#13 Allen on 02/28/10 at 09:18 AM [Reply]
I would like to know why any public official think they have the right to abuse everything they think they get. Just goes to show that they are nothing but a bunch of crooks. Just like Nancy Pelosi thinking she can spend tax payers money for herself and her cronies. If these public officials want to drive the county cars home should pay for all the gas and insurance on these vehicles. Hmmm they probably have have nice cars but they odn't want to drive and get them dirty. Just goes to show they are thieves by waisting taxpayers money.
#14 none on 02/28/10 at 09:46 AM [Reply]
My question is this, how do we justify paying some of the employees in the county when they don't even do the jobs they are supposed to do? For example, I called an ambulance to my home to pick up my mother and carry her to the hospital. She was weak and couldn't walk on her own. When the "EMT's" arrived they looked at my mother and told me that she was not sick enough to warrant carrying her to the hospital in the ambulance but they would help me get her into my car so that I could take her. They did not check her vital signs or temperature or anything. My mother told them she thought she was dehydrated and wanted them to take her but the female EMT looked at her and said "no honey you are not dehydrated". They did help get my mother into my car and I had to carry her to the hospital myself. When I got to the hospital the nurse who brought the wheelchair out asked me why she wasn't brought in an ambulance. She ended up in the hospital for 4 days due to severe dehydration and several other life threatening issues. But according to the EMT's that night she wasn"t "sick enough" to be transported in an ambulance. Furthermore when I called to file a complaint about the incident. My phone calls were never returned. So again why are we paying some of these people who obviously do not properly do their jobs.
#14.1 Sounds like a lawsuit to me - on 03/01/10 at 12:23 PM [Reply]
Go talk to a lawyer. If the council and fire depts won't talk to you, let them talk to a jury!!
#15 wow on 02/28/10 at 04:41 PM [Reply]
Some very interesting things in this article.
Why would Mr.Mosley who is unemployed not show up for this meeting ?
Why is the board stalling in making a policy ?
"Taylor responded that he has checked out reports of the vehicle being outside of the county and has not confirmed it.

“I keep hearing that it is and we are checking but so far it isn’t,” Taylor said."

Sorry Chief add me to the list of those that have seen this unit at the store and wal-mart.
I would say only 2-3 of those folks need a car for after hour use the rest need to be parked.
This policy will tell us if are chairman was telling the truth when elected or it was all smoke.
#16 concerned taxpayer on 03/02/10 at 07:47 AM [Reply]
There are only 9 cars, per the commish, that the county has control over...but how many does the sheriff's office have?? And as all the county knows, the sheriff claims he is NOT under the county policy. Which means, basically, he can do whatever he likes and has to answer to no one. Except the public, during election time. I believe in the policy, it states the county employees are not to smoke in county cars...and how many times do you see deputies smoking in these cars??? And especially in the canine unit with Jo Jo, the drug dog??? Bet that will destroy his drug sniffing ability!! And how much did he and his training COST US???? And yes, I follow a deputy car into town EVERY morning; he's driving from his home, out of the county, making his daily stop for a biscuit breakfast, and then to his work. Hmmm...interesting. Wish I could use a car everyday to do those type things and not have the burden of paying for the gas. Maybe the commish she take tips from the sheriff. I hear the custodian for the county, drives her personal vehicle to each of the buildings she cleans..the annex, the courthouse, the 4H building and the health dept.. why can't they give her a van to work out of??? But the technology guru for the county gets a brand new work truck??? Oh yeah, that makes ALOT of sense!!! What are you commissioners doing up there?!?!?!!!!
#17 ticked off 2!!!!! on 03/02/10 at 11:48 AM [Reply]
Tiny town isn't the only place the head commissioner has been seen!! How about 2 hour lunches with the misses?? And everyone knows that when you have the kind of surgery he had...?? You are required therapy several days a week. So when and where are those appointments??? Breakfast at tiny town, lunches with the misses, surgery, therapy and motor homing it...ALL ON COUNTY TIME???? Oh yeah, but I forgot...If I was on a $70k plus salary?? I could do all that too...But at my workplace, I have to take earned time to go to the doctor when I am sick or to take my children to the dentist. Glad to see other citizens are seeing things outside the box as well!!
#18 Laura B, on 03/02/10 at 05:02 PM [Reply]
Rumors are like debts, everyone has one. Somebody let me know if there is an evil twin out there running around doing these things I am being accused of. I really need to know. If someone has a problem they need to approach me personally, instead of hiding behind a false name. I work two jobs and I am in school. Who has time to "stalk" someone? Grow up and act like an adult and maybe problems will be solved. As long as people think like children nothing will be achieved.
#19 OH please on 03/03/10 at 06:06 AM [Reply]
So the best the Banks County Fire Guys and The retired Dog Guy can come up with is it's the former volunteers or currant staff ?
WRONG ! Just a little hint here.
Jeff Taylor needs to act like a Chief and kick some of his officers square in the backside.
Why worry about being watched boys if your not doing anything wrong ???
hmmm ? Do tell.
#20 Hey Milton, Joe, Ricky, Humpty and Dumpty - on 03/06/10 at 01:27 PM [Reply]
Are you listening? I want a cheese job, where do I apply? I can even count toilet paper for Joe!!!!!
#21 Hey #2... on 03/07/10 at 03:05 PM [Reply]
Mr. Joe is a JOKE!! Who else could have a "part time" job WITH benefits?!?! He makes more from his part time commission "job", than some of the employees of the county that has been there for over 2 decades...hmm. And from what I can understand, the county pays his insurance as well. For WHAT reason??? He already has a full time position with the BOE!! Why is this county WAISTING money on his and the other "part timers" health insurance policies??!! Thought we were trying to CUT the budget???!!! Uh huh!! From what I've been told, a full time employee chose to work part time to coincide with their childs schooling...losing maybe 4 hours a week...the county took every benefit away from them...including health insurance. So again..why are they paying these "part time" commishes health policies?? For coming to how many meetings a month?? Two at the most??? And that employee works 34 hours a week and lost everything??? Makes NO sense whatsoever!! Sounds like the commishes are robbing from Peter to pay Paul. Opps...I mean to pay themselves...!!!
#22 kathy on 03/16/10 at 06:42 AM [Reply]
This is really funny....my question is, in Banks County Georgia, what the hell goes on after hours that so many people have to have a county car in case of "emergency"? What??????

There is such a thing as reimbursement, you know. I'm betting the (maybe) one time a year there is a truly government-related "emergency" that the tech guy (or any of these people) has to respond to after hours, he/she could drive their own vehicle & just turn in the mileage for reimbursement.

You got some real winners in office if they have to do "studies" to figure that out! Sheesh!!!
#23 ETIENNE on 03/16/10 at 12:04 PM [Reply]
WELL THE MISUSE OR PRIVATE USE SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE irs UNDER UNREPORTED INCOME, AND COMINGLING SINCE AS PRIVATE COMPANY YOU WOULD GET CHARGES FILED FOR PRIVATE USE AND NOT PAYING THE TAX OWED FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF ITEMS.
SOME uNION PRESIDENTS IN THE SAME USE OF THE LOCALS VVECHILES ARE SERVING HARD TIME FOR USE OF COMPANY PROPERTY FOR PERSONAL USE. HMMMM!!!!! MAYBE THE FEDERAL PENN IN atl AND FEDERAL CHARGES WILL FIX THE MISUSE OF tAX DOLLARS. coONTACT THE IRS AND THE USDOJ.
#24 Poor man # 1 on 03/16/10 at 08:22 PM [Reply]
I remember when Charles Turk was running or was it Greg Wells? The first man they were going after was Taylor. They kept saying he was a SOB and when Turk got in, he would be the first man to go.I see Turk is kindly
quiet now since he has gone to stalking or having it done. Its still a crime.
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