HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/15/2010Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 PM, September 15, 2010, Emergency Operations Center (EOC),
Annex Building, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Beth Meyers, Brett Rondeau, Marco Bichanich, Kenneth Jardine , Dee
Kittleson, William Kacvinsky
Others Present: William Bussey, John Bennett, Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator,
Kristine Kavajecz-Confidential Secretary, Karl Kastrosky-Planning & Zoning Administrator,
Paul Susienka-Chief Deputy, Elizabeth Skulan-Director of Human Services, Nikki Revak-
Financial Manager DHS, Tom Toepfer-Highway Commissioner (4:33pm), Jason Bodine-
Forestry Administrator (5:00pm), citizens (see sign-in sheet)
Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm by Rondeau.
Motion Meyers, Bichanich to postpone approval of the minutes of the September 13, 2010
Executive Committee meeting until the regular Executive Committee meeting in October. Motion
Carried.
2011 Budget: Abeles-Allison presented the draft 2011 budget and reviewed the structure of the
budget document. State law allows for a 3% levy increase in each of 2010 and 2011, or a carry-
over of untapped levy authority from 2010 to 2011, technically, county could increase the 2010
levy by 4.1%. County Board direction in May was to keep the mill rate constant (3.2 mills).
Valuation in the county decreased 2.16%.
County was notified earlier today that GHT Health Insurance rates will increase 19%, although
the budget was created estimating a 10% increase. The additional cost to the county is estimated
at $162,000 over what was budgeted.
Planning & Zoning: Kastrosky provided an overview of the department budget. Proposed budget
transfers one employee to the Land & Water Conservation Department and provides additional
$5000 for Zoning Administrator to also oversee the Land Conservation Department. Discussion
regarding staffing levels and duties in each department were discussed. Mitigation fees shall be
included as revenue in the Land Conservation budget.
Human Services: Elizabeth Skulan explained that this is the 4th year in a row for a zero levy
increase in the Human Services budget. Costs for the secure detention of youth was transferred
from the Sheriff’s budget to the Human Services budget, which was included without increasing
the levy. Brief discussion took place regarding the current collection policy of the department as
well as other departments.
Sheriff: Paul Susienka reviewed the proposed Sheriff’s Department budget which includes,
patrol, jail and dispatch. The budget was reduced by $70,000. The department has the discretion
of determining what adjustments will be necessary to achieve this saving. Staffing levels in the
department were discussed. Susienka suggested that pending the outcome of the Sheriff’s
election, one management position may be vacant and could result in temporary cost savings. Jail
boarding revenues were reviewed.
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Highway: Tom Toepfer reviewed a summary of the department’s proposed budget, which
reflects at levy reduction of $39,000. $1.2million of fund balance is budgeted for use on
highway projects.
Forestry: Jason Bodine explained the proposal to add one additional Forester to the department.
There is about 1000 acres of county forest that is saleable, but not currently managed due to
staffing level. The additional Forester should be able to produce sales far in excess of the
personnel cost, adding revenue to the general fund. Average revenue on timber sales has been
about $700/acre.
Interdepartmental Fund: Abeles-Allison reviewed highlights of revenues in this Department,
which is the general operating revenues not associated with a specific county department.
Contract for county dam inspection may be eliminated in the future due to having a Highway
Department staff person with certification to conduct dam inspections.
Review of the impact of 19% health insurance rate increase. General Fund will need to find
$113,000.
Abeles-Allison explained the proposal in the budget for staffing of the Emergency Management
and Veteran’s Service offices. The Secretary currently works half-time in each department.
Proposal is to relocate the Emergency Management Director into the Dispatch center office and
have the secretary work in the Sheriff’s office half-time supporting Emergency Management and
provide back-up to the Sheriff’s Department. Secretary would also work half-time in the Health
Department reception, supporting the Veteran’s Service activities and provide back-up to the
Health Department. Topic to be discussed more in depth at the coming meetings.
Meyers commented the County History on the inside front cover of the budget should be
updated, particularly the information about Telemark, Mt Ashwabay, and schools.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.