Budget and Finance Committee

2008 Tentative Budget – Budget Review

November 1, 2007 at 1:00 pm

DRAFT MINUTES

Committee Present: Ron VanDee, Chairman; John Troy, John Daniels, Danny Ross – Absent: Sean Clark, Dan Tagliente & Newell Willcox

Others Present: Scott Schrader, Angie Wyatt, Don Spaulding, Bob Duell & Ida Pease

Legislature Budget - Health Insurance and Mileage Reimbursement

~ should Legislators receive Health Insurance and Mileage Reimbursement

Mr. Troy feels that the mileage reimbursement and health insurance for Legislators be left in the budget.
Mr. VanDee suggested that we have a written policy for mileage reimbursement.
Ms. Wyatt explained that the Legislators who do claim mileage reimbursement usually claim it on a monthly basis.
Mr. VanDee would like the mileage reimbursement policy to include how far back the Legislators would be able to claim mileage and that they will only be able to go back 60 days.

COMMITTEE MOTION BY MR. TROY – 2^ND BY MR. DANIELS THAT MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT FOR LEGISLATORS CAN ONLY GO BACK 60 DAYS – ALL PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – MOTION PASSES

√ - Mr. Schrader recommended not cutting anything more from the budget.

County Attorney

· County Attorney, Mr. VanDonsel eliminated an Assistant County Attorney from the County Attorney Budget and Mr. Schrader put it back in.

· Mr. VanDee feels that the County Attorney should be a full time position.

· Mr. Daniels suggested that the County Attorney position should not be a political appointment – it should be a hired position

· Mr. VanDee agreed and said that they should look at this next year.

· Mr. Schrader feels the same way and would like to see the politics eliminated and have a goal for next year.

Fire & Emergency Management

· Fire & Emergency Management Director, Mr. Duell provided a brief history of his department. He explained that he had asked for a Keyboard Specialist in his budget and the position was taken out. He explained that in his office there is only himself and Ms. DeRusso. They are overloaded with their work with grants and just day-to-day activities just as Munis and answering phones among many other things. Mr. Duell said that there would be enough work for even a part time person.

· Mr. VanDee indicated that they have talked about having a secretarial pool for many years.

· Mr. Schrader answered that we actually have that now.

· Mr. Schrader indicated that he would try to provide some part time clerical support for this year and next year too. The trouble with part time going to full time is that the benefits would cost the County more.

Mental Health

· Mr. Schrader indicated that we have to spend the state aid provided or we have to give it back. In 2008 we plan to spend the state aid and the Psychiatrist position is in the budget. If we are unable to fill the Psychiatrist position then we do not spend the money. Mr. Schrader indicated that Dr. Capanzano will be retiring in April and that would be the time to reorganize the Mental Health Department. Maybe combing positions to free up some money. Mr. Schrader said that he would be studying this more.

· Mr. Schrader advised the Committee that the Horizon House needs to have a plan of corrective action or the state aid will be pulled. The mental health day treatment center space has been outgrown.

All the Committee members complimented and praised Mr. Schrader for a job well done in the preparation of the Cortland County 2008 Budget.

MOTION BY JOHN TROY – 2^ND BY DANNY ROSS TO ACCEPT THE BUDGET AND SEND IT TO THE FULL LEGISLATURE FOR FINAL APPROVAL – ALL PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – MOTION PASSES

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30p.m.

Minutes taken and prepared by Angie Wyatt, Secretary to County Administrator

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