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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/9/2003L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2003\Exec Minutes 090903.docPage 1 of 2 Executive Committee Minutes 4:00 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2003 County Board Room Members Present: John Blahnik, Marco Bichanich, Delores Kittleson, Harold Maki, Kenneth Jardine, Brett Rondeau Others Present: Judge Anderson, Bill Kacvinsky, Pat Olson, Kathy Miller, Kris Kavajecz, Mark Abeles-Allison, Tom Gordon The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chairman Rondeau. Motion Regarding Minutes of August 12, 2003 Executive Committee Meeting: Motion by Blahnik , second by Bichanich to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2003 Executive Committee Meeting. Motion Carried Chairman Rondeau stated that item 5 on the agenda, Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Condemnation Commission would be discussed first. Judge Anderson explained the reason that he has appointed a Condemnation Commission, stating that a recent case brought to light the fact that a commission did not currently exist in the county. He explained that by statute, he has the authority to appoint the commission, however, the county board must establish the hourly wage for the commission members. Judge Anderson explained that all expenses related to a condemnation proceeding are paid by the state. Bichanich suggested that a timber related professional should be considered for this commission as terms expire and new appointments are made. Motion by Maki, second by Blahnik to set the hourly wage at $12.00 per hour plus the county established mileage reimbursement. Motion Carried. Abeles- Allison stated that that the county would provide administrative support to this commission when necessary. 2004 Budget Discussion: Abeles-Allison reviewed the format of the budget book, refreshing the committee on the various sections of the book and the information that is contained in each. Blahnik commented that regarding the Revolving Loan Fund, that if the funds are not fully utilized, the state may request all or a portion of the funds be returned. Abeles-Allison reviewed the introduction memo in the budget, which outlined the proposed mill rate and levy and how the numbers were derived. A discussion regarding valuation, equalized valued, and mill rates followed. Abeles-Allison explained that the county currently has a state imposed levy cap of approximately $12 million dollars. The county is proposing to levy just over $7 million dollars, well under the authorize levy limit. The proposed levy results in a 7% drop in the mill levy. L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2003\Exec Minutes 090903.docPage 2 of 2 The committee discussed health insurance rates and how the county can impact this. Abeles- Allison explained the plan changes that the AFSCME union has agreed to and explained that the changes resulted in a 10% increase in health insurance for those employees this year, rather than an 18% increase if the changes had not been made. Negotiations with the other 2 employee groups will occur in the next couple of months. The committee briefly discussed the benefits of transferring the Forestry Fund into the General Fund rather than it being a separate fund. Gordon raised a question regarding Worker’s Compensation premiums and stated it may be a line item to review. Maki asked if the office relocation has been determined for when the law enforcement center is completed. Abeles-Allison explained that discussions with departments are being finalized. Gordon suggested that the Personnel Committee recommend a resolution to extend the wage increased agreed to by the AFSCME union to all non-represented employees. Abeles-Allison reviewed the budget summary spreadsheets for the General Fund Departments as well as the Other County Funds. A brief discussion was held regarding staffing. It is proposed that one position in the Highway Department will be eliminated through attrition. Members suggested concern with this proposed cut and questioned staffing in other departments such as the Sheriff’s Department. Abeles-Allison reviewed the proposed levy for each department. A brief discussion was held regarding the potential and anticipated impact the declining timber industry could have on the county budget. The Human Services budget was discussed. Abeles-Allison and Human Services Committee members explained how it is possible for the Human Services department to return $600- $700,000 to the county each year. The Home Health program was briefly discussed. Abeles-Allison explained that the Health Board held a special meeting on this topic recently and a recommendation will be forthcoming. Abeles-Allison reviewed the “Interdepartment” fund, which contains the special interest allotments that are sometimes controversial. The committee briefly discussed the airport allotments for Ashland and Cable. Executive Committee meetings were set for Friday, September 19, 2003 and Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 4:00pm to discuss the proposed budget. Several departments will be making presentation to the committee regarding their budgets. Motion by Blahnik, second by Kittleson to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.