FILED IN THIS OFFICE FEB. 15, 2012 AT 10:08 A.M., F. FLOYD HUNTER, CLERK OF COURT APPLING CO.
OFFICERS
FOREPERSON: FELITA TURNER
VICE FOREPERSON: SHIRLEY TAYLOR
SECRETARY: KIMBERLY POWERS
MEMBERS
Sharon O. Williams, Lennis Paulk, Donia S. Padgett, Renea McCall, Calvin V. Morris, Andrea L. Rentz, Kelly L. Moody, Dorothy A. Miles, Valeria G. Lewis, Patricia K. Keeton, Barbara J. Baker, Robert C. Tanner, Jeanette L. Davis, Joseph W. Boyette, Johnny L. Drake, Angela T. Hanson, Gail H. Branch, Brenda R. Harvey, Fredrick B. Simmons and Susan D. Knox.
BAILIFFS
FAYE GRIFFIN AND LEVY WILKERSON
OCTOBER 7, 2011
GRAND JURY MEETING
APPLING COUNTY COURTHOUSE
District Attorney Jackie L. Johnson called the roll of the appointment of Grand Jurors to serve the October 2011 term. A brief over site of the Grand Jury?s responsibilities were presented, and a handbook with more detailed guidelines was given to each juror.
We were informed to select officers and bailiffs to serve for the term of the Grand Jury. Chosen were the following:
FOREPERSON: FELITA TURNER
VICE FOREPERSON: SHIRLEY TAYLOR
SECRETARY: KIM POWERS
District Attorney Jackie L. Johnson conducted the swearing in of the jury. Photographs for badges were taken. One case was presented and was returned as a true bill.
DECEMBER 8, 2011
GRAND JURY MEETING
At the request of the District Attorney?s Office, Jan Kennedy, the Grand Jury met to consider indictments. Evidence was presented on 18 cases. All were returned as true bills.
JANUARY 10, 2012
GRAND JURY MEETING
At the request of the District Attorney?s Office, Jan Kennedy, the Grand Jury met to consider indictments. Evidence was presented on 9 cases. All were returned as true bills.
The Grand Jury met on the above date after receiving a request from Bailiff Levy Wilkerson for a raise in the very first meeting of this term. After consideration, this Grand Jury recommends a raise for the bailiffs from thirty dollars to forty dollars per day. Additionally, the Grand Jury recommends a raise for all jurors from twenty-five dollars to thirty dollars per day.
JANUARY 18, 2012
INSPECTION OF THE SHERIFF?S OFFICE, JAIL AND 911 DISPATCH.
On the above date, Foreperson Felita Turner led a group of Juror?s to inspect the Sheriff?s Office and Jail facilities. Sheriff Benny Deloach and Officer Adam Bell led the tour and answered questions regarding the daily operations. This Grand Jury found the facilities in good condition. It was very clean, well lit, and for the most part, in good repair. The jail personnel were very professional and cooperative. Grand Jurors noticed that on some days and shifts, there are only 2-3 deputies on duty each 12-hour shift. Upon receiving a domestic dispute call to the Sheriff?s Office, 2 deputies are sent out on each call for safety reasons. Grand Jurors were concerned that this would leave the department understaffed for other problems that might arise.
When asked if he had any concerns Sheriff Deloach asked if we would recommend a raise for the jailers. Presently they are receiving $8.46 hourly initially.
This Grand Jury would like to recommend an increase of deputies per shift, fix water leak in shower of the strip search room, exterminate more often, replace plate over light switch in the visiting room, paint handicapped signs in the parking lot and increase salaries for jailers.
Members of the Grand Jury also inspected the 911-dispatch area. Grand Jurors observed operation of computer systems, which enables emergency responders to locate unfamiliar addresses quickly and accurately. Personnel in the office were very professional and cooperative. Sheriff Deloach asked that the Grand Jury recommend a raise in salary for the 911 dispatch staff.
CLERK OF COURT ? F. FLOYD HUNTER
The Committee found this office to be warm and inviting. Mr. Hunter gave the committee a tour and explained the daily transactions of the Clerk?s office. The Clerk?s Authority furnishes all equipment, using monies obtained through recording fees. The Clerk?s Office handles recording deeds, liens and court cases (Superior, State, Juvenile, Civil and Criminal). They also store old newspapers. This office handles collection of fines, which are split 15 ways. It also handles jury selection. Mr. Hunter stated that the State will soon start sending each county lists of potential jurors. The Transfer Tax that is collected by this office is split 5 ways (fire department, county, city, schools & state). Auditors check this office?s books yearly. This committee found that better signage needs to be centrally located in the annex.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY?S OFFICE
Sue Spell gave the committee a tour of this office. When the building was remodeled, it was done with state prison labor. Mrs. Spell stated that this office is in need of more storage space. Emily Hardwick, victim?s advocate, works out of this office also. In addition to her duties as victim advocate, Emily schedules mental health counseling and forensic interviews for children.
PROBATE COURT
Diane Hallman, Probate Judge, was out of the office and Gretchen Johnson gave this committee a tour of the office. Probate handles fire arms, licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, wills and estates and elections. The Probate Judge also marries people. Gretchen stated that Mrs. Hallman marries half of the people in this county. This office?s safe space is very limited.
Recommendations ? Better signage in annex and more storage in DA and Probate Offices.
This report is respectfully submitted on the 13th day of February, 2012.
FELITA TURNER
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
The foregoing presentments of the Grand Jury of the October 2011 Term, of the Superior Court of Appling County, Georgia, having been duly presented and received, it is ordered that same be filed and published as recommended therein, also a copy be given to the office of the Board of Commissioners of Appling County.
HONORABLE E. M. WILKES, III
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
BRUNSWICK JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
HONORABLE F. FLOYD HUNTER
CLERK OF COURT
APPLING COUNTY, GEORGIA
BRUNSWICK JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
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