Smith asks for details on BM&K

Wednesday, November 17. 2010

Commissioner Dwain Smith asked Monday night that a discussion on BM&K, the company owned by Don Clerici that provides engineering and construction management services to the county, be added to the agenda.

The other commissioners didn’t agree for this to be added to the agenda. Smith then asked if he could make a comment on the matter and BOC chairman Hunter Bicknell told him “no.”

“We will take this up in December,” Bicknell said.

So far this year, Jackson County has paid $1 million to BM&K.

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#1 John Smith on 11/17/10 at 05:22 PM [Reply]

I just want to say that first I know Mike Buffington you have to know more about the issues surrounding Don Clerici. Now Im not here to get into with Mike Buffington because its pointless but come on you have an opinion on anything and everything and are not afraid to poke and prod but this has been a dead issue for you but not for anyone else with half a brain. I'm glad you opened the door though. Someone should ask why we are paying this man approximately $85 for his services when the same posistion pays less at counties far larger than Jackson County. Hunter Bicknell how did the Georgia football tickets work out for you this year that Clerici gave you? Too bad they didn't have that good of a season. Clerici do you enjoy that brandy new Chevrolet Suburban you just upgraded too while other County employees are losing their homes. There is a lot more going on involving shady backroom deals with Bicknell, other commissioners and Clerici but Mr. Buffington I'll let you do your job as a reporter and poke and prod like you did when you wanted to see what teachers and Sheriff's Office employees were making, then promptly posted them in the paper without telling people that the numbers they were seeing included their benefits package and overtime. Please look into this. It is time that the people of Jackson County speak up and walk tall. I think Bicknell and Clerici better taken a lesson from Gwinnett County and go ahead and step down.

#2 Jim Smith on 11/17/10 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

I think it is about time someone addressed the issue of BM&K. I don't know what Commissioner Smith has on his mind, but maybe someone on the Board of Commissioners has finally seen the absurdity of paying a former county employee over $1 million to do what an experienced civil engineer could do. According to Salary.com, you can hire an engineer with 10 years experience for under $150,000 per year, including benefits.

If it is Mr. Smith's intention to try to put an end to this madness, then I applaud his efforts.

#2.1 Dorothy on 11/18/10 at 04:15 PM [Reply]

Don Clerici was an employee that left the County and started his own company. He's a private contractor/consultant doing work for Jackson County. So, why does the county provide him with an office? Does he get staff too?
A better question is how much has Jackson County paid BM&K since it was formed 3+ years ago?
This has not passed the "smell test" from the begining!

#2.1.1 adam smith on 11/18/10 at 08:28 PM [Reply]

Amazing what's in that contract.

#3 Crazy on 11/18/10 at 04:43 PM [Reply]

I think Smith is onto something....if tax payers have paid $1 million to this company then Smith should get to ask any question he wants! Dig Mike Dig!

#4 Adam Smith on 11/18/10 at 04:46 PM [Reply]

According to the poll 65 percent of people don't believe the contract should be "re-evaluated." Evidently BM&K employees have been busy today.
As for Mike looking into this - won't happen, but why don't you look at the contract and tell the people of Jackson County what all is supplied? Then explain why county employees are losing jobs while the county is paying out this kind of money to a consulting firm.
I also applaud Mr. Smith for asking questions - but my bet is by next month Mr. Bicknell will have smoothed this over and swept it right under the rug.

#5 John Smith on 11/18/10 at 07:22 PM [Reply]

Please go to the Commissioners meeting in December if you are tired of crooked politicians spending our hard earned money. We work for it and they spend it without even thinking about it. It's not just about county employees being furloughed, getting benefits cut, and being laid off....it's about what is right and what is wrong, period. We put them in office to look after the best interest of the county we live in, raise our children in, and work in. All they have done is put us more in debt by their careless spending and building all because it benefits their bank accounts. I think while Mr. Smith is at it he should question Blue Frog Construction too. Funny how they keep coming up with the winning bid and the owner of the company is the son of a county employee that is employed by the Jackson County building and grounds. Just saying while we are throwing stuff around we should bring this up too. People are seeing taxes at an all time high but are steadliy losing their jobs, houses, and cars all while the Commissioners and other fat cats just keep getting fatter. Please stand up for what is right.

#5.1 one in the know on 12/27/10 at 10:38 AM [Reply]

i have also questioned the blue frog and the building and grounds association. the county employee is the building and grounds superintent.

#6 Concerned Citizen on 11/18/10 at 08:53 PM [Reply]

I think people need to have all the facts before making assumptions. But, since we are all assuming now I might as well. I'm assuming a couple of years ago the county was looking at ways to cut costs & save money during this recession. Has anyone considered what the county would have been paying employees to do the job that a private company is doing (nothing against gov't workers - hopefully they have been employeed by a private entity by now). There are insurance costs the county no longer has to pay for (Liability, Health, Work Comp, etc.) No More Vehicles to purchase, maintain, service, insure, etc. - this us up to the private company now) No more down time taxpayers pay for (Now it is up to Clerici A PRIVATE CORP NOT GOV'T ENTITY to handle those situations. I can assure a private corp will handle things such as long lunches, etc. better than any gov't agency. As a private business owner I am making the assumption that the county has probably saved lots of money using this private firm. I also am going to assume that the person who published this article didn't have all the facts before publishing something like this because of time restraints between the meeting & publish time. I am also assuming this paper/editor would not slander somebody before all the facts are in the open.

#6.1 Mike Buffington on 11/19/10 at 07:40 AM [Reply]

It was a county commissioner who brought this matter up. While you may assume that the county has saved money with this arrangement, apparently others question that. We'll follow this story closely in the coming weeks.

#6.1.1 Concerned Citizen # 2 on 11/19/10 at 08:30 AM [Reply]

It is very easy for someone on the outside of a particular situation to make a snap judgment without obtaining all the facts. When Mr. Buffington states "Jackson County has paid $1 million to BM&K.", it is easy to assume that all the money goes straight into someone's pocket. Anyone who owns their own business knows this is not the case. As mentioned in a previous post, there are many things that the private company has to be responsible for (Insurance, vehicles, salaries, services, and actually performing the function they were hired to do). I think in certain situations that having an outside agency provide services on an as-needed basis can be very beneficial and a good way to actually lower the cost of providing those services; rather than having the County cover the employees and their expenses during the "slow times". Many government and private sector companies engage in these types of agreements because of the cost savings and advantages. I'm sure BM&K brings several skillsets to the table that the county would pay a certain amount of money for no matter who they contracted with (Engineering expertise, Project Management, Construction Management, etc.). The county obviously needs the services and you don't get them for free, even if you have full time people performing the function. I'm glad to hear a local company is overseeing projects for the county versus a non-county based company. It makes sense to keep money and jobs within our borders. Mr. Clerici is an upstanding individual and businessman who has a vested interest in doing what's best for Jackson County. He lives in the county and his children attend school in the county. He pays taxes just like everyone else. If the county has contracted with BM&K to provide a service, I'm sure he is performing those services to the best of his and his company's ability.

#6.1.1.1 Jackson County business owner on 11/19/10 at 05:40 PM [Reply]

It might be more digestible if Don had actually shown a favorable record of awarding contracts to local businesses. As you investigate the matter further, you will find that most firms that he elected to use (not remotely low-bid) were firms located outside of Jackson county. I assure you there was a surplus of local expertise for a more reasonable rate. At least a local business has a genuine interest in local projects and furthermore pays local taxes (which the county loves to spend)!! Did Jackson County really have 1 million dollars worth of project management needs this year? I doubt it!!

#6.2 Proud of Dwain on 11/19/10 at 08:37 AM [Reply]

I would like to say way to go Dwain!!! Mr. Bicknell shame on you for not wanting to discuss this. Maybe Mr. Bicknell should check around to see the going rate for the same services from other firms. Until a month ago, Mr. Clerici had his secretary on the JC payroll. JC also has been paying for the building, utilites etc for his company. It makes one wonder how much of his equipment/supplies has been paid for by JC. If JC has saved money by having Clerici on staff prove it. Does Gwinnett pay this much for the two firms they have on staff? I would strongly recommend, the employees of JC both the current and the ones that were terminated be at the next commission meeting. Let Mr. Bicknell explain why Mr. Clerici is being paid a percentage for projects such as paving the parking lot of the old 911 building at Gordon Street that is not necessary,especially when cutbacks are needed.
Mistakes have obviously been made, learn from them, correct the matter and move on.

#7 Concerned County Tax Payer on 11/19/10 at 08:13 AM [Reply]

My question is why does Don Clerici's company "BM&K" get all of the county work at a charge that is higher than normal. What ever happened to putting county work out for open bidding with the best qualified/best price firm getting the work. This is how normal govt. entities work. There is something going on here and we need to investigate thoroughly to get to the bottom of this problem. We as a county will not survive until the right thing happens.

#8 Jim Smith on 11/19/10 at 02:28 PM [Reply]

Please don't fault Mr. Clerici. He has found a cash cow. Whom among you wouldn't take the same opportunities? However, I would like to address Concerned Citizen. While it is true that a private company assumes some responsibilities, such as insurance, vehicles, etc., Mr. Clerici seems to have had the benefit of free office space, office furniture, computers, telephones, and staff that other businesses would have to pay for. All at the taxpayers expense. Also, as I noted earlier, log on to Salary.com and see what an experienced civil engineer would make for a year, with benefits. It shows $139,697 per year. That is a far cry from the reported $1 million that Mr. Clerici earned this year, and a lot of money that could have been used to pay down debt. And did I mention the $139,697 included benefits? You can try to justify it if you want, but the citizens of this county are getting the shaft. In tough economic times, we all have to cut back, do more with less, so let us all watch carefully how the Board proceeds with this issue and respond accordingly.

#8.1 one in the know on 12/27/10 at 10:23 AM [Reply]

is it not amazing that mr. cleric's secretary was a county employee until the week of september 17th? she submitted her resignation to the commissioners/county manager two or three days before september 17th and it was accepeted as soon as it was brought before them, she was then immediately hired by mr. cleric's comapany. amazing concicdende or not??? his company does have office space and utilities furnished be JC, and no telling what else!!!!!!!!

#9 donnie on 11/19/10 at 02:29 PM [Reply]

I would not be as concerned about the money the county has paid to Don Clerici as to what the county has paid for engineering services and other consulting services that Don Clerici awarded to non-local firms, with commission approval. How about the engineering contract for the new jail? That service was not bid and cost three times what I would have paid on project of this size. Why is it that we have excellent engineering services in Jackson County, but they are never hired by the county (They can pay their taxes to the county, but will not give them any business).
If the citizens of Jackson County want to get to the bottom of this, forget the commissioners and get the GBI to look into this. A package of information was sent to the Athens Banner Herald about this situation a few years ago with a request to investigate. You may want to check with them to see if they did any investigating. Maybe they still have the information and could share it or start investigating now.
You could also check with some of the Planning Department personnel to see what transpired when Don was their Director and brought in outside plan review (consultants). Oh, that would be hard to do since most have quit or been laid off. Since Don’s “Golden Boy” career with Jackson County began during Pat Bell’s Commission Chairman Days, maybe we should ask her how this got started. How was Don able to keep his county benefits after he left the county and signed on as a consultant? Dare we mention the allegations of inappropriate relationships with personnel that he directly supervised!
It appears that there has been a serious breach in the ethics of everyone connected with this situation. Demand that someone without “A Dog In The Fight” step in to get to the bottom of this.

#9.1 My Prediction on 11/21/10 at 08:14 AM [Reply]

This will be discussed and then nothing will happen. Don Clerici will bill us $1 million next year too!

Unfortunately there are a majority of BOC members and IDA members that "worship" Don Clerici. They all lack the objectivity to step back and look at this issue from purely a cost/business stand point. They have all convinced themselves that they cannot operate without the expertise that Don Clerici provides, regardless of the cost.

I have watched Don "WORK" this BOC and the prior BOC. I have always been amazed at the control he has over them and the decisions they make. Sometimes I felt like they would follow him off a cliff if he said it was the way to go.

Government business always runs amuck when elected officials develop too tight a bond with employees or consultants. That is what has happened here with Don Clerici...he is not going anywhere!

#9.2 one in the know on 12/27/10 at 11:44 AM [Reply]

if memory serves me corectly, mr. clerci began working for JC during Mr. Fletcher's term, as director of public works, after Mr. Brown left the county, screwed this up, was transferred to the planning office, screwed this up and then faced termination, BUT was assigned the position as county engineer and we know or at least have heard the rest of the story!!!!!!!! came out smelling like the proveriable ROSE!!! this gives the old saying "being in the right place at the right time" a whole new meaning dosn't it.............

#10 More Money Next Year on 11/20/10 at 06:50 PM [Reply]

Mr Clerici will be making more money next year. His contract gives him an automatic 4 percent raise every year. His contract renews itself every year unless the BOC stops it and there has not been one year that the BOC questioned it or stopped the contract.

#10.1 It has been questioned on 11/23/10 at 06:55 AM [Reply]

This contract has been questioned in the past!

The former county manager (Crandall Jones)wanted the contract stopped and we all know what happened to him...

#11 concerned taxpayer on 12/28/10 at 05:05 AM [Reply]

makes you wonder who in the county government does Don "have the goods on". other wise why are they protecting him?

#12 one in the know on 01/21/11 at 12:54 PM [Reply]

i was under the inpression that bicknell told Mr. Smith that this position would be discussed (?) in a boc meeting sometime in December. evidentually it has been swept under the "rug" by the boc boc chairman, bicknell & company (hampton included). i dare to speculicate that Mr. Smith has gotten a severe tounge lashing from some of his fellow boc members and the county head monkey, hampton.. Mr. Smith does NOT work for the boc, he was elected by us and therefore he must be our employee not theirs!!!
Mike, PLEASE follow up on this for us.

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