---
date: 1990-05-07
title: May 7, 1990 Minutes
source: 1990-05/1990-05-07_May 7, 1990_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

May 7, 1990

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA MAY 7, 1990

The special meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held May 7, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Pro Tem
Harold Cochran presiding and members present were John Dabney, G. W. Evans, H. M. Kersey and Ronnie
Simmons.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to convene, seconded by Ronnie Simmons, motion carried.

This meeting was called to discuss problems with the Volunteer Fire Department personnel. Ted Strickland
reviewed a letter he wrote Eddie Buckholts regarding funds raised by the Volunteers. He noted that of the
approximate $19,773.97 raised by the Volunteers, approximately $4,000.00 to $5,000.00 was actually spent
on equipment for the Fire Department. Checks were written to cash with no actual documentation for how
the money was spent.

Eddie Buckholts was notified in December 1989 to bring financial records for the 1989 fiscal audit. These
records were requested several times after the original request. These records were not brought in until
March 1990, causing a delay in getting the audit completed.

Bob Fitz, auditor, called Mrs. Manders to report a $2,000 shortage. It appears the Volunteers closed a fund
raising account transferring the funds to their regular checking account. He could not determine when or
where these funds had been deposited.

Jimmy Whitaker, auditor, came to City Hall unannounced and called a meeting with Mayor Kelley, Eddie
Buckholts and Ted Strickland. Mr. Whitaker questioned where these funds had been deposited. Mr.
Buckholts advised the auditor that the funds were at the Fire Department. Mr. Whitaker physically counted
$3,275.37 in cash and checks in a drawer at the Fire Department.

Mr. Buckholts was instructed to bring his financial records to City Hall on a monthly basis to be included with
the City's monthly report effective with the May 1990 report. He was notified the deadline for reporting was
May 1, 1990 but his records have not been submitted as of this date, May 7, 1990.
Ronnie Simmons stated that it is apparent that Eddie Buckholts plans not to do as he is instructed and that
Volunteers think they can do anything they want. Mr. Simmons recommended that the Volunteers not be
allowed to hold any outside fund raising events after the 1990 Hook and Ladder Festival and the Circus
scheduled later in May.

Ronnie Simmons recommended several different solutions. One solution discussed was the possibility of
merging with the Henry County Fire Department. Another solution would be to hire a full-time Fire chief and
full-time Firefighters. If the Council chooses to employee a full-time Fire Chief, Mr. Simmons feels that in the
best interest of the City, the Council should appoint an interim Fire Chief selecting one of the three firefighters
presently employed by the City.

In the meantime, Mr. Strickland will contact Atlanta Regional Commission to conduct a study to determine
whether to go with County Fire Department or a full-time City operated Fire Department.

Mr. Simmons suggested meeting with the Fire Chief at the close of this meeting. The Council should thank
Mr. Buckholts for past service but advise him that the Council is ready to make a change and their decision
regarding an interim Chief would be forthcoming at the May 14, 1990 Council meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Merle Manders, City Clerk Harold Cochran, Mayor Pro Tem
