HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 10/12/2017Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:30pm, October 12, 2017
County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Jeff Silbert, William Bussey, Harold Maki, Fred Strand
Members Excused: Brett Rondeau, Shawn Miller
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kris Kavajecz-Assistant, Barb
Flynn-Criminal Justice Coordinator, Scott Fibert-County Clerk, Rich Setzke-Auditor , Scottie
Sandstrom-BCEDC Director (4:55)
Meeting called to order at 4:30 pm by Vice-Chairman Bussey.
Public Comment: Barb Flynn, new Criminal Justice Coordinator introduced herself and provided
a brief overview of her education and work experience. Flynn exited the meeting.
Motion Silbert, Maki to approve Minutes of October 2, 2017. Motion Carried (4-0)
Treasurer’s Report, Third quarter, 2017: Abeles-Allison explained that at the recent
Wisconsin Counties Association Conference, emphasis was placed on having regular
reports and dialogue with the County Treasurer and County Clerk. The Treasurer and
County Clerk are the check and balance system for county funds. The Treasurer tracks
the actual monies, which then need to be balanced with the accounting system managed
by the County Clerk.
County Clerk Financial Reporting and Reconciling, Scott Fibert: Fibert reported that
after each audit, county officials reflect on ways that the accounting system and process
can be refined. He explained that the County Clerk reconciles the accounting system
report on a monthly basis with the County Treasurer’s report. Future monthly financial
reports to the Executive Committee will include a report from the Clerk’s office that will
balance with the Treasurer’s report. The county’s balance sheet will also be provided,
which reflects those funds that are committed for specific purposes.
Two suggestions from the Wisconsin Counties Association related to sound financial
practices is to limit staff that have the authority to establish new vendors in the
accounting system and to establish an anonymous tip line for fraudulent activity. Fibert
reported that only staff in his office are authorized to establish new vendors.
Fibert commented that his office enjoys working with the current Audit Firm.
2016 Audit Report, Rich Setzke: Abeles-Allison introduced Rich Setzke and explained
that the audit cover letter and document are available to all board members and is also
available in the drop box. Setzke discussed notable items in the audit report: The audit
included a good opinion on the county’s financial process. The County Administrator’s
summary at the beginning of the audit explains the “State of the County” in the
Administrator’s words. Setzke explained that beginning in 2016, the Wisconsin
Retirement System assets for the county were required to be included in the audit. Net
position of the county went up about $325,000 over the previous year.
Setzke reviewed the findings of the audit. Findings included: The ability to generate our
own financial statements, complete our own significant audit adjustments, and grant
award findings related to a grant in DHS, which is being rectified. It was noted that over
$7 million dollars in state and federal funding passed through the county in 2016 for
various programs.
Setzke commented that overall the county is run well and the bottom line shows it each
year. Abeles-Allison stated that the county’s bond rating was increased in 2017, in part
due to strong financial statements.
Nonpartisan Redistricting Plan Resolution: Bev Dell addressed the committee
regarding a League of Women Voters request to forward a non-partisan redistricting plan
resolution as was recently supported by the Wisconsin Counties Association. Fair Maps
Coalition is supporting the Iowa model for Fair Voting Maps.
Motion Strand, Silbert to recommend that the Bayfied County Board consider approval of
this resolution. Discussion was held regarding the cost of the recent litigation regarding
redistricting. Motion Carried (4-0)
WCA Opioid Litigation on Behalf of County Government: Abeles-Allison explained
that this topic was a big discussion item at the Wisconsin Counties Association
Conference. A 10-page document was provided which outlines the impacts and costs
related to opioid abuse.
County Opioid Litigation Resolution and Engagement Letter: Abeles-Allison
explained that this resolution would authorize that Bayfield County would participate in a
lawsuit against opioid vendors. The cost to the county would be limited to the costs
associated with producing data within it’s county, to be reimbursed by the law firm or
lawsuit pending the outcome of the lawsuit. Abeles-Allison reviewed input from the
Department of Human Services and District Attorney, which indicated that opioid cases
in Bayfield County are low compared to cases involving other illegal drugs and alcohol.
Motion Maki, Silbert to table this discussion until further information is available.
Strand commented that while the county may not need to participate in the lawsuit, a
resolution supporting other counties in their efforts could be considered. Motion Carried
(4-0)
BCEDC 3rd Quarter Report:
Consensus of the committee was to hear the quarterly report from Bayfield County
Economic Development-Scottie Sandstrom. Business Park development plans are
progressing. Discussions are ongoing regarding the Telemark development project with
HK Hospitality. The feasibility study has been received and a press release is anticipated
in the near future. Sandstrom highlighted several business visits as identified in his
written report included in the meeting packet.
Superior Days Issues for 2018: The issues identification meeting was held just prior to
the Executive Committee meeting. Approximately 10 topics were identified. The 10
topics will be emailed out to the Executive Committee, BCEDC and Superior Days
participants. These participants will be polled to prioritize the issues.
Reports
a. Xcel Transmission Line Project: 14 pages of questions from Xcel were included in
the meeting packet.
b. Third quarter Financials: Revenues in the General Fund are about 78% for the year
and $200,000 over the previous year. Expenditures are significantly higher than
the previous year. Human Services is projecting a $260,000 deficit for the year.
Highway is showing a higher expenses that the previous year, but still within
budget for 2017.
c. 2018 budget publication / final master worksheet: Will be published on Oct 14 &
18.
d. Telemark Feasibility Study: Will be placed in the drop box for review.
e. NACO Benefits Report: Was included in the meeting packet for review.
Abeles-Allison reported that the Wisconsin Counties Association Conference emphasized
the importance of quarterly financial reports from the Treasurer and County Clerk.
Maki explained his concerns with the weight limit item on the Superior Days issues list.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:25pm.
Minutes submitted by Kristine Kavajecz