November 18, 2005 at 7:30 am
APPROVED MINUTES
Members: Kurt Behrenfeld, Chairman; Dr. Paul DiGiovanni, Vice Chairman; Kay Breed, Marilyn Brown, Danny Ross, Newell Willcox
Others Present: Scott Steve, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Paul Allen, Merwin Armstrong, Dan Tagliente, Katrina Spicer, Donald Ferris, Carolyn Kennedy, Lee Price, Donald Chambers, Robert Buerkle, John Carroll, Eric Mulvihill, Patrick Ruppe,
Absent: Carol Tytler
Mr. Behrenfeld called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m.
Mr. Behrenfeld began the meeting with continuation of the Budget Review process and added that the current 2005 Budget should be taken into account. He added that there has been much discussion surrounding the Tentative 2006 Budget and additional review had been indicated. Behrenfeld turned the meeting over to Mr. Schrader. Mr. Schrader commented on issues surrounding Fund Balance. He commented on the new prescription drug coverage, which was passed by the Legislature the night before, November 17, 2005, and the savings that it will create. To adjust the Tentative 2006 Budget, the savings surrounding the new prescription drug coverage should not come from every department’s budget but instead the adjustment can be made in the Retiree Health Insurance figure. Additionally, Mr. Schrader commented on the Medicaid Cap figures and the fact that they are just preliminary figures. He discussed the manner in which these figures could be adjusted. Reduction of the Tentative 2006 Budget was discussed along with some contracts that are expiring are not budgeted for 2006. Mr. Schrader briefly discussed concerns with Sales Tax Revenue. Mr. Schrader continued to address the committee on Fund Balance and it’s uses to mitigate reoccurring operating expenses. The committee discussed revenue. Mr. Schrader stated that budget expenses can be controlled to a degree but revenue is not as easily controlled. He discussed the fact that some figures and information will not be available until later in 2006. Mr. Behrenfeld discussed and questioned if 10% would be enough to cover unknown expenses. The State Comptroller recommends 10% but leaves it up to the individual county. Mr. Schrader discussed the Fund Balance and what the 10% allows the county to do. Mr. Behrenfeld discussed issues related to funds over 10%. Chairman Steve discussed the CPI and the goal of maintaining the property tax around or a little under the CPI. Chairman Steve discussed the needs to respond to the Nursing crunch and to look at the position of Deputy County Auditor. Dr. DiGiovanni brought up some discussions that were discussed in the past related to what to when we reach the 10% and how to return it to the taxpayers. Ideas and ways to return it to the taxpayers were discussed. Addressing the needs of the infrastructure, which have been neglected, were discussed. Mr. Willcox commented the bonding of long-term projects. Mr. Armstrong commented on moving Department of Motor Vehicles out of the Courthouse. Chairman Steve commented on the Tobacco Securitization money and infrastructure problems. Mr. Armstrong commented on looking at how to give money back to the taxpayers. The fact that the budget addresses issues of the infrastructure and the contingency funds were discussed. Ms. Breed commented on returning funds to the taxpayers to assist in the added fuel expenses. Mr. Behrenfeld opened the discussion surrounding the part-time position in the Budget Office. Mr. Schrader commented on the clerical position and Deputy Audit Officer. Mr. Schrader discussed that the position and a new purchase order system. He also commented on the idea that the “system” has been addressed but not fixed yet, and that there is a need to keep working on it. Ms. Breed addressed and agreed on a purchasing system. She stated that funds could be saved by using a purchasing system and some of those funds could help pay for the position. Chairman Steve commented on needing someone to monitor a new system. He also stated that he does not want to leave the new Legislature with problems. Mr. Behrenfeld asked Mr. Schrader if he could recommend the position. Mr. Schrader commented on the position. Ms. Brown commented that she did not want to second-guess the County Administrator and his need for staff. Mr. Behrenfeld opened the discussion for any additional comments. Mr. Ross commented on moving Payroll out of the Treasurer’s Office. Mr. Ross distributed a statewide survey concerning which where Payroll is located in other counties. Chairman Steve commented on the Payroll position. Mr. Ross addressed some of the issues discussed. Mr. Ross commented that leaving the Payroll position in the Treasurer’s Office will save money. Mr. Schrader discussed the information distributed by Mr. Ross and the idea of cross-training. Mr. Schrader further discussed why the position of Payroll should be in the Personnel Office. Mr. Ross responded to Mr. Schrader’s comments. Chairman Steve and Mr. Ross briefly discussed the current CSEA contract. Mr. Ross made a motion to change the position of Payroll Coordinator from the Personnel Office back to the Treasurer’s Office; no second. Mr. Behrenfeld opened the meeting to any further discussion related to the Tentative 2006 Budget. Mr. Schrader discussed the SPCA and the possibility that there may be a change on the floor on December 8, 2005, to this budget. He had requested information regarding it and has just received the information and has not had an opportunity to review it. Dr. DiGiovanni and Mr. Schrader discussed the JM Murray Center. Mr. Schrader addressed the committee regarding making changes to the Tentative 2006 Budget on the floor and if they are cost neutral they will assist Mr. Cinquanti in the preparation and mailing of property tax bills in a timely manner. Dr. DiGiovanni made a motion to adopt the changes in the Tentative 2006 Budget previously adopted by the Budget and Finance Committee and additionally approve the following three changes, 1.) Add to County Auditor (page 34), A 1320 5 51010 – Part-time Personal Services, a change of $20,000; 2.) Amend Personnel (page 73), A 9060 5 58805 – Retiree’s Health Insurance, a change of -$153,000; 3.) Amend Social Services (page 169), A 6010 5 56102 – Medicaid (MMIS), a change of -$686,927; seconded by Ms. Breed. All members voting in favor; none opposed; amendment to the budget carried. Dr. DiGiovanni made a motion to reduce the property tax levy by an amount equal to the amount the amended budget will be reduced by; seconded by Ms. Brown. All members voting in favor; none opposed; amendment to the budget carried. Ms. Breed stated that she would like to see the Roads Project move forward. The committee was informed that Mr. Allen is currently working on a resolution to present to the Highway Committee. Mr. Behrenfeld thanked the committee for their best efforts on the budget.
Dr. DiGiovanni made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Breed. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m.