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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/20/2010Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting 4:00 PM, September 20, 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, Jim Crandall, Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Confidential Secretary, Scott Galetka-Land Records Administrator, Jason Maloney-Director Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Darryl Pendergrass-Washburn Public Library, Kay Cederberg-Clerk of Court, Judge John Anderson, Mary Motiff-Tourism Director, Tim Kane-Interim UW Extension Director Meeting called to order at 4:02 pm by Rondeau. 2011 Budget: Abeles-Allison provided an overview of the structure of the budget document and briefly reviewed the board direction with regard to budget. Budget Summary sheets were reviewed. Due to the recent notification of health insurance rate increase to 19%, about $92,000 will need to be found in order to balance the budget. A list of proposed modifications was reviewed. Darryl Pendergrass with the Washburn Public Library addressed the committee about funding of all Bayfield County Libraries. Two handouts were provided. Statutory contribution to libraries is 70%. Until 2010 the county funded libraries at 100%, then 93% in 2010. Budget proposal for 2011 is to keep the contribution the same as 2010, which is about $187,000. Pendergrass explained that funding is based on what the libraries actually spend two year prior, so if funding is decreased, spending with decrease, and the cycle will continue to trend downward. Kittleson suggested that since the Red Cliff library closed, the Tribe should be approached about financial support of the libraries. Jason Maloney with the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center thanked the board for 13 years of support. Statistics were provided on utilization of the Center. Handouts were provided. The center employs 17 full-time employees. Maloney emphasized that the county’s contribution is an investment with a return in many different ways. Request in 2011 is $12,000. The Center was funded at $8000 in 2010. Jardine inquired about the wind project being considered at the center. Scott Galetka, Land Records Administrator reviewed the function of the Land Records, Tax Deed and Property Lister offices. The department’s proposed budget along with the County Administrator’s recommendation were reviewed. The remonumentation program was discussed. The Public Land Survey Remonumentation program will work with the Forestry Department of identify some corners in the County Forest to assist with management efforts. Mary Motiff, Tourism and Recreation Director reported that Tourism is the largest industry in Bayfield County. The committee reviewed the various functions of the department. Some ideas that will be investigated to enhance revenue include: advertising on maps and visitor guide, separate tourism web site with potential advertising space, increase of sponsorships for the County Fair, better management of expenses, and trail improvement grants for the county’s L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2010\Executive Committee Minutes 092010.doc Page 2 of 3 varied trail networks. The only line in the budget that is of concern is the utilities line for the Fairgrounds. $6000 may be a more realistic budget figure. Kay Cederberg and Judge John Anderson reviewed the Clerk of Court budget. The revenues in this department are projected to decrease about $50,000. Reasons for the decrease are a lower number of citations being processed and a higher percentage of cases being dismissed. It was also noted that legal fees in the Family Court portion of the budget should be increased to $700. Tim Kane provided a brief overview of the programs offered through the UW Extension office. There is an equivalent of 4.25 FTE funded 40% by the county. The county also provides 1.2FTE support staff. The department budget requested to increase support staff to 1.5FTE. A contracted CEP employee provides an additional 6 hours of support per week. Abeles-Allison reviewed the list of items discussed to this point. Discussion was held regarding the significant decrease in revenues in the circuit court office and what was causing the decline. Corporation Counsel is investigating what types of reimbursements the county may seek through court proceedings. Contributions to the Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation were discussed. The county has decreased contributions over the last couple of years. The 2010 budget funding the organization at $60,000. The 2011 proposed budget funds them at $55,000. Crandall reported on comparable economic development efforts in surrounding counties and commented that county contributions were significantly less. The committee also commented that they have not been receiving quarterly reports from the organization. Abeles-Allison briefly reviewed the summary of each General Fund Department and the % increase or decrease of levy request over the previous year. He reported that the County Treasurer is discussing investment options with Bremer Bank which may positively impact our interest earnings. Staffing levels in the Sheriff’s Department were discussed. Several members expressed concern with reduction of staff for public safety. Proposed budget reduces the Sheriff’s Department budget by $70,000. The department will figure out where the reductions will be made. Note that the Sheriff’s Department levy makes up close to ½ of the county’s levy. Proposed budget includes splitting the time of the Emergency Management & Veteran’s office secretary 3 ways, to include the Sheriff’s Department. Proposed budget includes moving one full-time employee from the Planning & Zoning Department to the Land & Water Conservation Department. It also includes an additional $5000 for the current Planning & Zoning Administrator to oversee both departments. Bussey expressed concern with dual oversight. Committee discussed options with regard to staffing and oversight of these departments. Laundry list of items to consider for cuts to make up the current $92,000 deficit: Reduce Bayfield County Economic Development by $5000 Potential Health Insurance premium reduction depending upon negotiations with GHT. Reduce Ashland Airport $5000 Reduce Visitor Center $2000 Reduce Highway Work for County by $10,000 L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2010\Executive Committee Minutes 092010.doc Page 3 of 3 Increase park revenue by $10,000. Possible Fair budget reductions. Potential use of any remaining Bridge Aid Fund Balance. Meeting adjourned at 6:55pm.