HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 10/10/2013Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00PM, October 10, 2013
Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Shawn Miller, Marco Bichanich, Kenneth Jardine
Members Excused: Dee Kittleson, Beth Meyers,
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator, John Bennett, Neil
Schultz.
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 4:03pm
Minutes of September 30, 2013: Motion Jardine, Bichanich to approve the minutes of the
September 30, 2013 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried.
Proposed Budget 2014 Discussion:
James Bolen with the Cable Chamber of Commerce addressed the budget request for funding of
the Paralympic event in Cable. US Olympic Committee is interested in developing a training site
at Telemark. Working with the state to develop an Olympic license plate program to assist with
funding. State championship skiing events coming back to the area permanently this winter.
2015 World Championships, first to be held on American soil since 9/11. Only hosted in the
United States one other time in its history. Estimating about 400 athletes, 25 teams from around
the world. State is contributing $20,000, surrounding towns $5,000 each, Chamber $5000.
Question was asked if it matters where the funding comes from in the county budget. Abeles-
Allison reported that a legal opinion received a couple of years ago discouraged the county from
making these type of contributions directly to a non-profit organization for a specific event. The
letter from Corporation Counsel was reviewed. The letter also indicated that “sponsoring” and
event verses “donating” funds, would be the preferred method of contribution.
Motion Miller, Bichancih that Bayfield County Sponsor the Paralympic event in the amount of
$5000 to promote Tourism in the county, with the funds coming from the proposed 2014 Tourism
budget. Motion Carried.
Motion Miller, Bichanich that the monies for the Paralympic event only be appropriated
contingent upon the sale of Telemark and the Paralympic Event going forward as anticipated.
Motion Carried.
Miller read a statement from Kittleson reiterating Meyers position to not fund the Paralympic
event, citing a concern with setting a precedent for future requests from other worthy
organizations/events.
Abeles-Allison reviewed the budget modification spreadsheet. Handout identifying the
modifications was provided and is included with the minutes.
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Motion Miller, Jardine to recommend the 2014 county budget to the full county board for
consideration. 3.69 mill rate. Total appropriation of $25,694,084, levy of $9,373,685.
Question from Jardine about how to impact the cost of services related to alcohol and drug
abuse. These issues cause significant cost in many departments. A focus should be to address the
cause of the issues.
Schultz commented that he was disappointed that there were not any choices provided with
regard to the budget. Schultz cited specific concerns and suggestions for budget consideration
including:
• Moving Emergency Management functions to the Sheriff’s Department
• Reduce staff in Planning & Zoning
• UW Extension, duplication of effort with other departments, reduce staff.
• Health Department also duplication of efforts with other departments, reduce staff.
• Against funding of the NGLVC.
• Department Head not capable of efficiencies in the Highway Department. Suggested a study
be done in this department to identify potential efficiencies.
• Tourism Department should be completely redone.
Comment from Miller that the nationwide trend is a cut in benefits and services due to increased
costs and reduced funding mechanisms.
Roll call Vote on the motion to forward the budget recommendation to the County Board:
Jardine-Yes, Miller-Yes, Bichanich-yes, Rondeau-Yes, Meyers-Absent, Kittleson-Absent Motion
Carried.
Elected Official Wages:
Elected official wages must be set before papers can be taken out for upcoming elections.
Review of County Board minutes of the most recent action taken to set elected official wages.
Review of comparables from other counties with regard to county board compensation.
Discussion regarding the wage for the County Clerk and why it is higher than other elected
officials. Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Coroner wages are those being considered at this time for the
upcoming term of office. County Board member compensation must be set no later than
November if any changes will be made. Elected official wages must be set by March.
Reports:
Northern Lights report to be provided at the next meeting.
Review of year-to-date financial report. Revenues and expenditures are on target for budget as a
whole for the county. Overall expenditures are down from the same time last year.
County Treasurer’s Report showed $16.8 million, slightly up from 2012, but down from 2011.
Motion Jardine, Bichanich to enter into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c,e,f,g)
for discussion and possible action regarding approval of closed session minutes from September
12, 2013, and conferring with legal counsel concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with
respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved. Motion Carried.
Motion Jardine, Bichanich to return to open session. Motion Carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:10pm