HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/11/2012Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
11:00 AM, September 11, 2012
Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Marco Bichanich, Dee Kittleson, Shawn Miller, Beth
Meyers, Kenneth Jardine
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Kristine Kavajecz, John Bennett, Neil Schultz, Patricia
Olson, Darryl Pendergrass-Washburn Library, William Bussey, Christine Ledvent-Cable
Library, Courtney Dietch-Iron River Library
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 11:00am
Minutes of August 8, 2012: Motion Meyers, Kittleson to approve the minutes of the August 22,
2012 meeting. Motion carried.
Report from Libraries: Reviewed the request from the libraries of $194,813, which is 100%
funding. Reimbursement is for services that occurred 2 years prior. Pendergrass reported on his
research with regard to joint libraries. He reported that feedback he has received discourages
joint libraries. Funding of $187,590, no change from 2012, would represent 96% funding.
Several questions were asked of the libraries with regard to what can be done to minimize the
funding going out of county and to enhance awareness of County Library services.
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mack Lawsuit: Olson reported that these organizations have always
acted as tax exempt with regard to transfer fees. Milwaukee County has filed suit and have
asked other counties to join in the suit. Olson stated that the monies involved in Bayfield County
would be fairly insignificant and not worth the effort that would be needed to put the
documentation together. Olson also reported that the State Department of Revenue is not
pursuing this. Consensus of the committee is that they are not interested in pursuing this at this
time.
WCA Resolution Supporting Sales Tax on Internet Sales: WCA is drafting a resolution
encouraging a sales tax on internet sales. The formal resolution will be provided to the
committee for consideration when it is finalized.
Budget Presentation: Abeles-Allison explained how the levy figure was calculated, including
net new construction and levy authority not used in 2012. The proposed budget reflects about an
$89,000 levy increase or 1% over 2012. Countywide valuation dropped 2%. 58% of the levy is
for General Fund, 19% to DHS, 21% to Highway and the remainder for Dog License and
Veteran’s Relief. The budget reflects a 1% increase to the general fund, steady for DHS, 2%
increase for highway.
Review of the overall levy by fund on page 12 of the budget document. Page 11 reflects the
departments in the General Fund. Abeles-Allison explained that contingency has a large amount
in it in the draft budget. He went on to explain the reason, related primarily to changes in the
Sheriff’s Department budget. This item will be discussed as the budget proposal is reviewed.
Health insurance premiums for Security Health Plan participants will increase 0% in 2013.
Employee contributions to WRS have also had a significant impact on the budget. Represented
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employees will begin making required contributions to WRS in 2013, which reflects about a
$210,000 impact on the budget.
Review of budget highlights (hot button topics): BCEDC requested increase with funds for
APEX and Governor’s Fishing Opener. Library funding increase. Great Lakes Visitor Center
funding the same as 2012. No transfers from the General Fund savings to other funds. Highway
will use $763,000 of fund balance. $5000 for Tribal Law Enforcement. Airport Funding
includes $6534 for a Cable Airport improvement project in addition to the standard operating
contribution.
Fund Balance figures were reviewed. About $11 million in current fund balance with
approximately $3.5 in undesignated fund balance. Undesignated fund balance represents about
25% of the total county budget for the general fund.
Review of the structure of each department’s budget narrative. Committee members were
encouraged to review the department narratives to learn more about accomplishments, goals, and
performance indicators for each department.
Abeles-Allison provided a big picture review of capital improvement budget requests.
Meyers requested that significant unbudgeted expenses be brought to the board on a periodic
basis rather than piecemeal to give the board a better handle on these expenses. Abeles-Allison
explained that most unbudgeted projects that are approved are funded through contingency
dollars.
Miller suggested a conversation be held regarding the status of the Tourism Department and Fair.
Consensus of the committee is to have a broad “department consolidation” discussion item on a
future budget meeting agenda.
Budget meeting dates for Executive Committee meetings: Sept 18, 4:00pm; Sept 27, 4:00pm;
Oct 2, 4:00pm. If needed, Oct 18 at 4:00pm.
Next Transition Committee meeting is scheduled for September 19 at 5:00pm. Presentation of
the proposed personnel manual will be made to the County Board in October. Ethics Ordinance
and Social Media policy to be discussed.
Reports: County Treasurer Report reviewed. Down about $1.2 million from same time last year.
2012 Budget Status: On budget
Animal Control Ordinance Update: Animal Control Officer has requested a modification to the
ordinance. Abeles-Allison working with the Sheriff on potential modifications, which will be
presented to the committee at a future date. Modifications are related to animals wandering at
large.
Executive Session: Motion Meyers, Miller to enter in and out of executive session pursuant to Wis.
Stats. 19.85(1)(c,e,f,g) for the purpose of approving Executive Session Minutes of August 8, 2012
and to Discuss Strategy with regard to Contract Negotiations with WPPA. Motion carried.
Entered Executive Session at 12:48pm .
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Motion Jardine Bichanich to go out of Executive Session. Motion carried, (5-0). Returned to
open session at 12:51pm.
Meeting adjourned at 12:52pm