Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
12/08/2009
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton, Auditor Melody Price, Attorney Bob Clutter.
The council approved the minutes of the November meeting after some corrections.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All Approved minus $2400 from Circuit Court)
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested $1300 from clerical to overtime and $99.20 from dues/subscriptions to travel.
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2225 from medical to safe keeping; $100 from motor vehicle to reserves (pagers); $2200 from part-time to overtime (covering a staffing gap). Sheriff Campbell also requested roughly $9300 to add wireless access points to in-car cameras, as well as storage center software and recording equipment for recording sheriff’s department and jail phone lines, radios and cameras.
Enhanced 911 (Ken Campbell):
Total of roughly $775 from three funds to Equipment.
County Extension (no one present):
Transferred $446.70 to office machine/lease to cover a late fee lease charge.
Commissioners (Charles Eaton):
Requested $1000 from insurance to bonds to settle SBOA requirement for bonding. Requested $250 for . . ..
IT (John Stansell):
Requested $1250 from office supplies & $1000 from systems/app maintenance to map maintenance to help cover consulting fee for phase II software upgrade.
Requested $1516 from Communications Internet & $3268 from Systems/App maintenance to Equipment Hardware Purchase to replace failing server.
Courthouse Maintenance (Mike Martin):
requested $500 from vehicle to supplies to purchase additional ice melting supplies.
Superior II (no one present):
$250 from witness/deposition to interpreter.
Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested $7000 from juvenile placement to pauper attorney fees; requested $190 from continuing ed to dues/subscriptions; requested $25 from equipment repairs to judges pro tem & $28 from equipment repairs to overtime.
Requested $2400 from equipment repairs to equipment to purchase new computer & related equipment for new employee dedicated to securing reimbursements. Deferred pending further information.
Judge David appeared later to answer questions, and a resolution to give his office an unused computer from the treasurer’s office was reached. Request for the $2400 was withdrawn.
EMA (Rachel Hanson):
Requested $281 from part time to OT.
Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $131 from professional dues to thinking4achange; $546 from prof. dues to sleep time; $2000 from furniture & fixtures to retirement contribution; $2000 from equipment repairs to OASI; $2500 from health/life to secretary; $2000 from drug testing to secretary. Questions were raised about the additional expense for retirement, OASI & secretary funds which are not covered by the salary ordinance. Ragsdale and Heather Barton explained the need to correct negative balances due to mis-estimation when employees were changed this summer.
Juvenile Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $250 from office supplies to OASI to cover salary ordinance oversight.
Community Corrections Grant Fund (Ragsdale):
$1229 from educational materials to supplies.
Community Corrections project income (Ragsdale):
Requested $48 from office machines to travel expense; $34 from office machines to printing; $595 from office machines to training & development.
Superior II – Alcohol & Drug (Ragsdale):
$1000 from educational materials to OASI & $700 from ed materials to retirement contribution to correct oversights.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Returned to renew request for $10000 which was withdrawn at Council’s request last month. Attorney Clutter, at Council’s request, had spoken with Prosecutor Meyer about the specific issues involved and affirmed that the request to reimburse Whitestown Police was appropriate, as the activities billed were specific and unusual, above and beyond an ordinary course investigation within Whitestown PD’s duties. MUCH discussion again followed regarding the propriety of paying Whitestown, but also focusing on whether the bill should paid from the general fund/prosecutor’s fund or from a pre-trial diversion fee fund. Eventually a motion to appropriate $1800 to the trial expense fund was approved 5-2, with the understanding that the Whitestown bill would be paid from the fee fund, and the additional $1800 would be added to the current trial expense fund balance to cover costs for the remainder of the year. Council members Smith and Rodgers voted against the additional appropriation from the general fund.
E911 (Ken Campbell):
Requested $1650 to pay for repairs to DVR for jail video cameras, which have already taken place. This request needs to go before the commissioners for approval. Withdrawn.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hussey Mayfield Library Board President LeeAnn Biggs and Dr. Gayle Cox were present for Dr. Cox’s reappointment.
Dax Norton of the Boone Economic Development Corporation gave an overview of the EDC’s activities for 2009. EDC is currently working on 5-6 major projects which are nearing finalist location selection. Landing the MedCo and related expansion, as well as other success have been big for the county. Being selected by Midwest ISO was also a coup for Boone County, though its rejection was a blow. EDC has determined a need to focus on workforce development, and Norton has partnered with Audra Poe of the Boone Community Learning Network to address this need. Another priority is development and retention of current employers, including developing more extensive capital financing to attract new businesses. Utilizing funds in Lebanon and Zionsville’s TIF districts may be an option. President Jacob and Councilman Thompson expressed concerns about the rejection of the MISO project and the ill effects on Boone County’s image for development, including on entities such as Zionsville, Whitestown and Lebanon as they try to attract development. Norton agreed that the impact would be negative, but emphasized that the EDC would continue to work to overcome those perceptions.
Assessor Lisa Garoffolo introduced Barry Wood of the Department of Local Government Finance to answer council questions about the timeline for reassessment. The council in October advised the Assessor’s office to delay the assessment process in anticipation of the state legislature postponing the general reassessment requirement another year. Starting at the beginning of 2010 could potentially save the county $40000 on our contract with GUTS, as well as uncover additional assessed value which would be added to the county’s tax rolls. Mr. Wood suggested that even if the state did approve the “cyclical reassessment” bill being carried by Rep. Thompson and Sen. Boots, it would not likely take effect until after the current “general reassessment” was completed as scheduled in 2012. Many questions and much discussion sought to clarify the possible costs and benefits of starting the contract early. The council moved and voted to support the assessor’s office in beginning the reassessment process early with the understanding that she would return later with a specific reappropriation request to cover the rest of the year.
The council approved a resolution to transfer the congressional school principal and interest funds to the state as discussed at previous months’ meetings.
County Clerk Penny Bogan presented a resolution based on lengthy efforts at the state level regarding reimbursement from the HAVA (Help America Vote Act) funds to reimburse the county for the now-defunct VTI (Voting Technologies Inc) contract, totaling nearly $400,000. The council approved a resolution creating a new non-reverting fund to hold the money.
OLD BUSINESS:
Cindy Poore from the auditor’s office updated the council on her ongoing research into miscellaneous funds balances which can in many cases be moved into the county general fund or “rainy day” fund. $43,000+ will be moved from the excess levy fund to county general. Just over $90,000 from the tax sale surplus fund will be transferred to county general after being held for over three years without claim. After the first of the year, resolutions will move $21,000+ to county general from the illegal weed control fund, though $100 will be left in the fund to leave it open to receive future fees. Resolutions will also be passed to move roughly $7,000 from the surplus dog and dog leash funds to either county general or rainy day. The council also discussed the possibility of donating those funds to the Humane Society for Boone County &/or other related organizations. the auditor’s office and attorney Clutter will clarify the necessary steps and the council will take up the issue early next year.
More than 20 other funds were also available to supplement specific departmental budgets. Three separate probation funds will be combined into one for administrative purposes. The council asked attorney Clutter to craft a resolution which would make these funds part of the annual budgeting process.
One fund of interest, the city & town court cost fund, w/a balance of over $150,000 is apparently owed to the county’s city and towns, and has not been disbursed as required. The auditor’s office will attempt to correct that distribution by the end of the year.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tony Carrell of Boone County 4-H presented the council members with certificate of recognition and deck of cards in appreciation of the council’s support.
Sheriff Ken Campbell expressed his displeasure with the recently-announced increases to county employees’ health insurance premiums, as well as the inclusion of a provision which would limit those increases for employees who participate in the insurance company’s wellness plan program.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
December 2009 Meeting Agenda
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 8, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of November 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Auditor, Sheriff, Commissioners, Courthouse Maintenance, Superior II, Circuit Court, EMA, Probation User Fee, Juvenile Probation User Fee, Community Corrections-Grant Fund, Community Corrections-Project Income Fund, Superior II-Alcohol & Drug, Enhanced 911
Additional Requests:
Prosecutor, Enhanced 911
New Business:
Dax Norton – Economic Development Update
Barry Wood, DLGF – Re-Assessment
Appointment to Hussey Mayfield Library Board
Sign Resolution- Transfer Cong School Fund to State
Old Business:
Cindy Poore, Deputy Auditor – Update on Fund Research
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additional Requests, November 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 8, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of November 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Auditor, Sheriff, Commissioners, Courthouse Maintenance, Superior II, Circuit Court, EMA, Probation User Fee, Juvenile Probation User Fee, Community Corrections-Grant Fund, Community Corrections-Project Income Fund, Superior II-Alcohol & Drug, Enhanced 911
Additional Requests:
Prosecutor, Enhanced 911
New Business:
Dax Norton – Economic Development Update
Barry Wood, DLGF – Re-Assessment
Appointment to Hussey Mayfield Library Board
Sign Resolution- Transfer Cong School Fund to State
Old Business:
Cindy Poore, Deputy Auditor – Update on Fund Research
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additional Requests, November 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
November 2009 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
11/10/2009
Present: All Council Members except Debby Shubert, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorney Bob Clutter, Auditor Melody Price.
In attendance were 30 Boone County high school sophomores (ten from each high school) participating in the Kiwanis Youth Leadership Academy. Each student was asked to introduce him/herself on the record at the start of the meeting.
The council approved the minutes of the October meeting after some corrections, as well as the 2010 salary ordinance and budget meeting minutes.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All approved except elections (withdrawn))
Elections (Penny Bogan):
Requested $2000 from equipment repair to equipment, to purchase high speed printers for vote tallies. Several council members had questions about the need for the printers. Bogan explained that the new (reconditioned) printers would be used to replace the slower MicroVote original printers, which would be particularly helpful for vote centers. The council asked that the department hold off until a more immediate need arises. Withdrawn.
Superior I (no one present):
Requested $1000 from med/psych to library, and $1500 from med/psych to other operating expense.
Superior II: (no one present):
$400 from witness/deposition and $450 from med/psych to interpreter
Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested $11,043.48 from PD Petit Jurors, $1416.49 from Travel Expense Jury, $2,033.94 from lodging/meals jury, $500 from PD Grand Jurors to Pauper Attorney Fees.
Mapleview (no one present):
Requested $1000 from PT Help to Cooks and $5700 from PT Help to Housekeepers.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
$250 from telephone to postage, $300 from telephone to office supplies, $2000 from GIS to communications (for winter weather forecasting service) and $2000 from uniforms to other supplies.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested a total of $40910.14 for tax sale expenses (including $8195.14 for advertising, with roughly $2000 more to come). Commissioners paid approximately $2500 in postage. County has recouped just over $39000 in fees, but collected about $3.3 million in taxes owed (~$500,000) and over-bid (~$2.8M) on parcels which were sold. Nearly 360 advertised parcels were redeemed prior to the sale, leaving 139 parcels to sell, of which 92 were actually sold. Much discussion and many questions followed regarding the accounting for and transfer of funds, taxpayer liability, county responsibilities for refunding fees and redeeming property, etc. The council asked Auditor Price to prepare a document clarifying the process and the responsibility for decision-making regarding the sale itself. Approved.
Coroner (Jerry Harris):
Requested $15,000 for autopsy fees (which include transport and toxicology). So far this year the office has had 60 “runs” and performed 32 autopsies. Basic autopsies done in Boone County cost $500, while forensic pathologist autopsies in Indianapolis cost $1250 each (plus transport & toxicology). The prosecutor’s office frequently requests the pathologists’ autopsies, and the coroner can make that decision as he sees fit. The year-to-date numbers are a significant increase from last year. Coroner Harris does not expect this to be enough to cover the rest of the year. Approved.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested $10,000 for additional costs related to Michael Stayer trial, including more than $8000 in an invoice from Whitestown Police for investigative services. Council balked at paying that invoice, believing it to be Whitestown’s responsibility, and requested attorney Clutter to investigate the appropriateness of the bill. The council tabled the request pending further investigation into the needs. Tabled.
Council:
Needed to officially transfer the $80 of funds collected from council members and deposited into the general fund to the council fund. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $50,000 into Road Maintenance for fall/winter maintenance. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $250,000 to start engineering process on County Road 400 south extension as part of the federal aid project approved earlier this year. Money would be reimbursed as part of a matching fund grant. Kouns withdrew the request, believing that the process could begin after the first of the year and draw on money in the 2010 budget. Withdrawn.
Health Department (Cindy Murphy):
Returned to revisit last month’s discussion of the Preparedness Liaison funding. The Health Dept annually receives $25,573.14 from the national tobacco settlement, which they can use for a part-time employee to handle preparedness issues. Because of the way the fund works, the money needs to be moved via additional appropriation and will not carry over into the new year. The council approved $5000 to get through the end of the year if the department is able to hire an employee, with the understanding that any unspent money will need to be appropriated again in January for the 2010 budget year. Approved at $5000.
NEW BUSINESS:
Marcia Wilhoite reported on her investigation of the spending of county parks funds in 2009 budget year. Worth township had not received a disbursement, though discussion of including them under the 2000 ordinance had taken place in the 2008 budget hearings. Wilhoite and attorney Clutter submitted a draft resolution to amend the 2000 resolution based upon updated population estimate figures. As in the earlier resolution, the disbursements would be allocated according to population, with Lebanon receiving the biggest portion, at 42%. Next year, Zionsville (21%) will be combined with Eagle Township (12%) and Union Township (5%). The total county levy for parks is roughly $100,000, with the disbursement going only to the five incorporated towns and three townships (Eagle, Union and Worth). The new resolution would cover 2009 and future years. The resolution was approved.
Wilhoite and Gene Thompson have investigated the county park levy and its uses, and raised the issue of doing away with the levy &/or the disbursement in future. Several members felt that after the 2010 disbursement, the levy should be reduced and the disbursement discontinued. That discussion will be placed on the agenda in 2010.
Gene Thompson revisited the resolution on surrendering the Congressional Schools Funds to the state. The council asked attorney Clutter to prepare a resolution for the December meeting, which would authorize the Commissioners to order the Auditor to transfer the funds to the state for their administration.
Attorney Clutter and Superintendent Kouns asked for clarification on the proposed transfer of Cum Bridge funds to the General Fund as discussed at the summer budget hearings. The council cannot reduce the fund’s levy rate (only the commissioners can), and if lowered it would be very difficult to raise it back up. The council voted to transfer $360,000 (roughly half of the current fund balance) to the general fund, with the understanding that transfers will be revisited annually.
OLD BUSINESS:
Gene Thompson asked for clarification on the unassigned fund research, which is ongoing.
Steve Jacob brought up a letter he had received from Gayle Cox regarding re-appointment to the Hussey-Mayfield Library Board. No other applications have been received. The council will consider the appointment at the December meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40.
Boone County Council
11/10/2009
Present: All Council Members except Debby Shubert, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorney Bob Clutter, Auditor Melody Price.
In attendance were 30 Boone County high school sophomores (ten from each high school) participating in the Kiwanis Youth Leadership Academy. Each student was asked to introduce him/herself on the record at the start of the meeting.
The council approved the minutes of the October meeting after some corrections, as well as the 2010 salary ordinance and budget meeting minutes.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All approved except elections (withdrawn))
Elections (Penny Bogan):
Requested $2000 from equipment repair to equipment, to purchase high speed printers for vote tallies. Several council members had questions about the need for the printers. Bogan explained that the new (reconditioned) printers would be used to replace the slower MicroVote original printers, which would be particularly helpful for vote centers. The council asked that the department hold off until a more immediate need arises. Withdrawn.
Superior I (no one present):
Requested $1000 from med/psych to library, and $1500 from med/psych to other operating expense.
Superior II: (no one present):
$400 from witness/deposition and $450 from med/psych to interpreter
Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested $11,043.48 from PD Petit Jurors, $1416.49 from Travel Expense Jury, $2,033.94 from lodging/meals jury, $500 from PD Grand Jurors to Pauper Attorney Fees.
Mapleview (no one present):
Requested $1000 from PT Help to Cooks and $5700 from PT Help to Housekeepers.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
$250 from telephone to postage, $300 from telephone to office supplies, $2000 from GIS to communications (for winter weather forecasting service) and $2000 from uniforms to other supplies.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested a total of $40910.14 for tax sale expenses (including $8195.14 for advertising, with roughly $2000 more to come). Commissioners paid approximately $2500 in postage. County has recouped just over $39000 in fees, but collected about $3.3 million in taxes owed (~$500,000) and over-bid (~$2.8M) on parcels which were sold. Nearly 360 advertised parcels were redeemed prior to the sale, leaving 139 parcels to sell, of which 92 were actually sold. Much discussion and many questions followed regarding the accounting for and transfer of funds, taxpayer liability, county responsibilities for refunding fees and redeeming property, etc. The council asked Auditor Price to prepare a document clarifying the process and the responsibility for decision-making regarding the sale itself. Approved.
Coroner (Jerry Harris):
Requested $15,000 for autopsy fees (which include transport and toxicology). So far this year the office has had 60 “runs” and performed 32 autopsies. Basic autopsies done in Boone County cost $500, while forensic pathologist autopsies in Indianapolis cost $1250 each (plus transport & toxicology). The prosecutor’s office frequently requests the pathologists’ autopsies, and the coroner can make that decision as he sees fit. The year-to-date numbers are a significant increase from last year. Coroner Harris does not expect this to be enough to cover the rest of the year. Approved.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested $10,000 for additional costs related to Michael Stayer trial, including more than $8000 in an invoice from Whitestown Police for investigative services. Council balked at paying that invoice, believing it to be Whitestown’s responsibility, and requested attorney Clutter to investigate the appropriateness of the bill. The council tabled the request pending further investigation into the needs. Tabled.
Council:
Needed to officially transfer the $80 of funds collected from council members and deposited into the general fund to the council fund. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $50,000 into Road Maintenance for fall/winter maintenance. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $250,000 to start engineering process on County Road 400 south extension as part of the federal aid project approved earlier this year. Money would be reimbursed as part of a matching fund grant. Kouns withdrew the request, believing that the process could begin after the first of the year and draw on money in the 2010 budget. Withdrawn.
Health Department (Cindy Murphy):
Returned to revisit last month’s discussion of the Preparedness Liaison funding. The Health Dept annually receives $25,573.14 from the national tobacco settlement, which they can use for a part-time employee to handle preparedness issues. Because of the way the fund works, the money needs to be moved via additional appropriation and will not carry over into the new year. The council approved $5000 to get through the end of the year if the department is able to hire an employee, with the understanding that any unspent money will need to be appropriated again in January for the 2010 budget year. Approved at $5000.
NEW BUSINESS:
Marcia Wilhoite reported on her investigation of the spending of county parks funds in 2009 budget year. Worth township had not received a disbursement, though discussion of including them under the 2000 ordinance had taken place in the 2008 budget hearings. Wilhoite and attorney Clutter submitted a draft resolution to amend the 2000 resolution based upon updated population estimate figures. As in the earlier resolution, the disbursements would be allocated according to population, with Lebanon receiving the biggest portion, at 42%. Next year, Zionsville (21%) will be combined with Eagle Township (12%) and Union Township (5%). The total county levy for parks is roughly $100,000, with the disbursement going only to the five incorporated towns and three townships (Eagle, Union and Worth). The new resolution would cover 2009 and future years. The resolution was approved.
Wilhoite and Gene Thompson have investigated the county park levy and its uses, and raised the issue of doing away with the levy &/or the disbursement in future. Several members felt that after the 2010 disbursement, the levy should be reduced and the disbursement discontinued. That discussion will be placed on the agenda in 2010.
Gene Thompson revisited the resolution on surrendering the Congressional Schools Funds to the state. The council asked attorney Clutter to prepare a resolution for the December meeting, which would authorize the Commissioners to order the Auditor to transfer the funds to the state for their administration.
Attorney Clutter and Superintendent Kouns asked for clarification on the proposed transfer of Cum Bridge funds to the General Fund as discussed at the summer budget hearings. The council cannot reduce the fund’s levy rate (only the commissioners can), and if lowered it would be very difficult to raise it back up. The council voted to transfer $360,000 (roughly half of the current fund balance) to the general fund, with the understanding that transfers will be revisited annually.
OLD BUSINESS:
Gene Thompson asked for clarification on the unassigned fund research, which is ongoing.
Steve Jacob brought up a letter he had received from Gayle Cox regarding re-appointment to the Hussey-Mayfield Library Board. No other applications have been received. The council will consider the appointment at the December meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Agenda -- November 2009 Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of October 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Elections, Superior I, Superior II, Circuit Court, Mapleview, Highway
Additional Requests:
Auditor, Coroner, Prosecutor, Council, Local Road &Street, Cum Bridge, Health Dept
New Business:
Marcia Wilhoite – Park Funds
Congressional Schools
Cum Bridge – Ordinance
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additional Requests, October 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of October 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Elections, Superior I, Superior II, Circuit Court, Mapleview, Highway
Additional Requests:
Auditor, Coroner, Prosecutor, Council, Local Road &Street, Cum Bridge, Health Dept
New Business:
Marcia Wilhoite – Park Funds
Congressional Schools
Cum Bridge – Ordinance
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additional Requests, October 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October 2009 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council10/13/2009
Present: All Council Members except Marcia Wilhoite, Secretary Heather Barton
The council approved the minutes of the September meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All Approved.)
Clerk (no one present):
Requested $130 from dues to office supplies.
Auditor (Cindy Poore):
Requested $400 from office supplies to data/software Maintenance for down payment on Harris software upgrade to be finalized in 2010. 2010 IT budget includes rest of payment, but does not have extra for required down payment on hand.
County Council:
$1679 from consulting to equipment to purchase a laptop for the auditor’s office. Several raised concerns about the cost of what should be a basic laptop. No one was present from the IT department to explain the cost.
Commissioners (Marc Applegate):
Requested $45 from mileage to state conf. to cover registration fees.
Area Plan (Ken Hedge):
Requested $1010 from legal services to planner to cover planner working as interim director following departure of director Steve Niblick.
Requested $500 from legal services to office equipment, primarily for cameras to be used in the field.
Health Department (Cindy Murphy):
Requested $2900 from registrar to OT; $3252.5 from immunizations to OT; $2847.5 from part-time to OT. Because of a decrease in budgeted staff earlier in the year, OT was used to cover other staff work, which had depleted the fund. Other OT funds are going largely to immunization clinics. Some of future H1N1 immunization efforts will be covered/reimbursed by state grant.
The council passed a motion to create a new fund/budget line within the health department fund to receive H1N1 grant funds, which currently exceed $25,000.
Ms. Murphy also reported that the state DofH has requested more specific accounting of state funds from the tobacco settlement, and suggested that the council create a separate fund for a “Preparedness Liaison” to be hired with that money. The Council had denied a request to create & fund the position at the 2010 budget hearings; this would pay for the position with the dedicated state funds. Much discussion of the current use of the settlement funds (roughly $25,000 annually), which appeared to be unallocated within the Health Dept. fund. The council’s general sentiment leans toward supporting the hiring through the current line within the fund, but concern persists over the impact on the dept’s general fund budget. The Health Dept will return with more information and possibly an Additional Appropriation request before year’s end.
Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested total of $3000 from Travel Expense – Jury to part-time ($600), office supplies ($1500), continuing Ed ($500) & Dues/Subscriptions ($400). This line has been eliminated in the 2010 budget, with any need which may arise to be paid from a dedicated fund.
Sherriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $510 from Dept Attorney to Safekeeping. An inmate required special Safekeeping services, which had not been funded.
Requested $7500 from cooks to OT & $7500 from cooks to PT to fill a dispatcher position and a road deputy position to the end of the year.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
None!
NEW BUSINESS:
Hussey-Mayfield Library Board appointment needs to be made as a term ends December 31. Gene Thompson (Council representative for the district which includes the library) asked the appointment be tabled until the opening can be publicized.
Steve Jacob raised the question of altering the county’s mileage reimbursement rate to match the state’s, which has recently been lowered from .44 to .40. State meetings require the state rate, which currently would require separate forms for state and county reimbursement. Council moved to alter the rate to match the state’s, effective October 1.
Marilyn Smith of the Assessor’s Office brought to the council the issue of reassessment, which has currently been delayed to a July 1, 2010, start, though activities may start now. The county could save up to $40,000 if it begins reassessment before year’s end, but the state legislature may (hopefully will) change the reassessment process rules in its session next year which could make that work moot. If we start now, we save $40,000 on the contract, but if the state changes the rules the entire contract would need to be reworked and any work done could be useless, and money wasted. The council advised the Assessor’s Office to delay starting the reassessment until next year.
Ms. Smith also reported that the county lost its court case with the Interactive Academy on Michigan Road, which claims a $5M+ tax exemption as a “school.” This would be a large hit to the county’s tax rolls ($80,000) with potential for significantly more if the precedent is followed by others. The council directed the Assessor to ask the county attorney to assess the viability of an appeal. The county has budgeted money for an appeal attorney for 2010, but the timeline for filing an appeal will expire before the end of the year. Money to fund the appeal would come for reassessment funds, not the county general budget. Council advised the office to proceed with money currently in the consulting line of the reassessment fund and to return if necessary to replenish that fund.
OLD BUSINESS:
Cindy Poore of the Auditor’s Office presented to the council on a variety of funds which exist outside the general fund and revenue process, some of which have been dormant for some time. The council asked for an ordinance to be prepared for next month’s meeting to move funds from the Surplus Dog ($6937.81) and Dog Leash ($200) funds to the county’s Rainy Day Fund. Another resolution was requested to move $21,150.50 from the Illegal Weed Control Fund to the county general fund. (Weed control is currently covered by township trustees through township funds.)
Some funds were clarified as available to provide support to activities in different departments, especially probation and prosecutor. A Guardian Ad Litem User Fee fund with roughly $25,000 can be used to support GAL volunteer training. The 2005 Re-assessment Fund of over $716,000 can be combined with the 2006 Fund for specified uses, which will bring that fund to over $1.2M, with future income expected and expenses to be largely covered by that income. The Assessor’s office will look into reducing future fees to reduce this balance.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ken Hedge of the APC asked if the council wished to consider changing its appointment to the APC of Kevin Schiferl, who as of January 1 will be annexed into Zionsville’s planning district. The council agreed that a new appointment should be made and asked those present to spread the word that the council is seeking a new appointee.
Gene Thompson reported that he and Marcia Wilhoite had met to discuss the allocation of County Park Fund moneys. Worth Township had requested money in previous years that had not been received, and confusion continues as to whether such funds were ever approved. Thompson also brought up the issue of continuing with the fund or eliminating it or at least reducing it and allowing local entities to fund parks on their own.
Thompson also asked to revisit the issue of the congressional Schools Fund which Treasurer Deanna Wilhoite had raised in March. He will return in November with more information.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
After a brief break, the council convened a meeting for the purpose of approving the 2010 budget. Highway Sup’t Tom Kouns asked for clarification on the proposed reduction of the Cum Bridge Fund. We are still awaiting clarification from counsel as to the length of the reduction – intended for one year – and the procedure for reverting to the current rate. After clarification of the workshop numbers, the council approved both the total budget and the salary ordinance. The approved county budget for 2010 is $15,872,611.92, a reduction of just over 8% from the 2009 approved budget. The budget gives no increase in salary to county employees, but neither does it reduce salaries or cut any county positions.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Notes from September 2009 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council9/15/2009
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorneys Eileen Sims & Bob Clutter.
The meeting opened with a procedural motion to defer budget adoption to the Council’s October meeting, which was seconded and approved, followed by a motion to close the budget meeting, after which the regular September meeting opened.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All Approved.)
Auditor(Melody Price):
Requested $500 from Clerical to Overtime to pay for additional hours on budget issues.
Circuit Court (No one present):
Requested $825 from Placement-Juv to Equipment.
EMA (Rachel Hanson):
Requested $100 from postage to telephone; $461.76 from Travel Expense to telephone.
Adult Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $5000 from drug testing to secretary. Had brought this before the council in July and was tabled in August while investigating appropriate salary ordinance change. Council voted on this reappropriation separately as it involved a salary ordinance change. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1500 from rental equipment to other supplies.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Treasurer (Deanna Willhoite)
Requested $2,576.64 to covering mailings of additional tax statements per new state legislation. Budget estimate of $16,000 was too low. Council suggested attempting to re-appropriate the funds from an unspent balance of $9200 in program application line. Wilhoite agreed, and the council approved the reappropriation.
Community Corrections Project Income GPS (Kari Ragsdale):
Increased # of offenders on monitoring for home detention increased cost beyond budget. Paid for by user fees, so no additional cost to county budget. Approved.
Highway (tom Kouns):
Requested $10,000 for tires & tubes. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
$25,000 for road maintenance for fall projects. Approved
$50,000 for Engineering Services for stimulus fund projects. Will be fully refunded. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Gretchen Smith of GUTS was asked to update Council on miscellaneous funds and their appropriate use. Still awaiting information, but will send a spreadsheet by week’s end for council review and can answer questions and appear at October meeting if necessary. Was asked about Misdemeanor fund balance and clarified that it is just coming into use, and will not have substantial balance.
Treasurer Deanna Willhoite withdrew her agenda item regarding a resolution on investment approvals. State audit clarified that the commissioners were responsible for approving an ordinance to verify investments. County is currently earning 1% on its investments, which is up from previous years.
Kathy Clawson, representing Soil & Water, asked for a new line item into commissioners budget for soil & water salaries & expenses. State audit now requires payroll deductions for board members’ payments, so a new line item would allow auditor’s office to pay as regular salary rather than per diem. New line would not need additional funding, just a reappropriation once the line is established.
OLD BUSINESS:
Gene Thompson asked about the H1N1 grant funds that had been advertised by the state as possibly coming to our health department, but currently not having a place to put them if they do come. Heather Barton advised that the county health department was still working on preparing a proposal to bring before the council, but was not yet ready.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00. Council then opened its non-binding review of other taxing districts’ budgets.
Taxing Units whose budget increases were below the state growth quotient of 3.8% were scheduled first.
Harrison Township had no one present.
Lebanon Public Library presented a summary of funds (Operating, Lease Rental & Cap Projects) with levy totals and tax rates. 2010 AV is estimated at 10% less as per DLGF request. Operating and lease Rental rates will fall slightly, while Capital Projects will increase from .0025 to .01.
Perry Township had no one present. Budget decreased.
Sugar Creek had no one present. Budget decreased.
Thorntown Library Director Karen Niemeyer was present. Budget increased roughly 12%, due primarily to increases in retirement fund payments and increase in collections request.
Ulen had no one present. Budget decreased.
Washington Township. Trustee Jodi Durham was present. No budget increase.
Hussey-Mayfield Library (Zionsville) was present with a 3.07% increase. Has a healthy operating balance.
Thorntown was not present, though well below the growth quotient.
Units over the state growth quotient but below the county quotient of 6% were next.
Advance was present with a 4% increase. Some fund balances are low as town goes through a reconciliation.
Taxing units over the county growth quotient of 6% followed.
Center Township had a 12.17% increase, due primarily to fire fund debt service.
Jackson Township had no one present. Significant increase in their fire budget.
Jamestown clerk-treasurer Linda Isenhower was present.
Jefferson Township Trustee David Budd was present. 5% increase in total budget comes almost entirely from fire increase in anticipation of new truck for AVFD.
Marion Township Trustee was present. Marion has extremely low balance in fire fund, and is anticipating an emergency Fire Loan, which accounts for majority of 19.15% proposed increase. Township assistance is also up, as well as cemetery care as the township inherited an additional large cemetery. Fire levy is at max rate, and DLGF has denied requests for increase. Council will suggest to DLGF that fire levy be allowed an increase to avoid additional borrowing.
Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis & Clerk-treasurer Debbie Ottinger were present. Lebanon proposes an 18.53% increase, primarily in highway and local road & street due to annexation.
Boone County Solid Waste Management District was present to explain 8.79% increase. Council review in this case is binding, though funding is entirely fee-driven. No property tax funds are used, and so its budget does not impact the property tax caps. Board voted to approve the budget.
Whitestown was present with a town council member and town clerk-treasurer. Budget proposal reflects 141.99% increase over 2009 budget, explained as due to massive annexation. Town has also increased benefits for employees, including life insurance program. Many questions were raised regarding the relationship between Whitestown and Worth Township Fire. Whitestown will be taking over all township fire operations effective January 1, 2010, so their budget increases from zero to roughly $1.2M, which includes a payment of roughly $325,000 from Worth Township to cover the entire township.
Worth Township will collect taxes to pay contract to Whitestown for fire service, as well as to cover Emergency Fire Loan payment of approximately $800,000. Council raised concerns about the future of servicing the fire debt and its impact on property tax caps in relation to other taxing units, specifically schools. Town & township officials explained their plan for rolling the debt into a larger bond issue to spread payments over several years and minimize taxpayer impact. Their hope is that this plan will keep rates below the caps. Worth Township has also introduced a Recreation Fund into their budget to receive funds from the county parks levy to assist in maintaining Lions Park outside Whitestown.
Zionville town Council President Matt Price and Town Manager Ed Mitro were present to discuss the changes to the town budget in light of the consolidation with Eagle and Union Townships. Questions were asked about the impact of Whitestown taking over fire protection responsibility in the annexed areas of Eagle Township, as well as the perceived benefits of consolidation for Eagle and Union Township residents outside the current town of Zionsville.
Council President Steve Jacob will draft comments and/or letters to accompany the council’s review of these budgets for submission to the DLGF.
Boone County Council9/15/2009
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorneys Eileen Sims & Bob Clutter.
The meeting opened with a procedural motion to defer budget adoption to the Council’s October meeting, which was seconded and approved, followed by a motion to close the budget meeting, after which the regular September meeting opened.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (All Approved.)
Auditor(Melody Price):
Requested $500 from Clerical to Overtime to pay for additional hours on budget issues.
Circuit Court (No one present):
Requested $825 from Placement-Juv to Equipment.
EMA (Rachel Hanson):
Requested $100 from postage to telephone; $461.76 from Travel Expense to telephone.
Adult Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $5000 from drug testing to secretary. Had brought this before the council in July and was tabled in August while investigating appropriate salary ordinance change. Council voted on this reappropriation separately as it involved a salary ordinance change. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1500 from rental equipment to other supplies.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Treasurer (Deanna Willhoite)
Requested $2,576.64 to covering mailings of additional tax statements per new state legislation. Budget estimate of $16,000 was too low. Council suggested attempting to re-appropriate the funds from an unspent balance of $9200 in program application line. Wilhoite agreed, and the council approved the reappropriation.
Community Corrections Project Income GPS (Kari Ragsdale):
Increased # of offenders on monitoring for home detention increased cost beyond budget. Paid for by user fees, so no additional cost to county budget. Approved.
Highway (tom Kouns):
Requested $10,000 for tires & tubes. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
$25,000 for road maintenance for fall projects. Approved
$50,000 for Engineering Services for stimulus fund projects. Will be fully refunded. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Gretchen Smith of GUTS was asked to update Council on miscellaneous funds and their appropriate use. Still awaiting information, but will send a spreadsheet by week’s end for council review and can answer questions and appear at October meeting if necessary. Was asked about Misdemeanor fund balance and clarified that it is just coming into use, and will not have substantial balance.
Treasurer Deanna Willhoite withdrew her agenda item regarding a resolution on investment approvals. State audit clarified that the commissioners were responsible for approving an ordinance to verify investments. County is currently earning 1% on its investments, which is up from previous years.
Kathy Clawson, representing Soil & Water, asked for a new line item into commissioners budget for soil & water salaries & expenses. State audit now requires payroll deductions for board members’ payments, so a new line item would allow auditor’s office to pay as regular salary rather than per diem. New line would not need additional funding, just a reappropriation once the line is established.
OLD BUSINESS:
Gene Thompson asked about the H1N1 grant funds that had been advertised by the state as possibly coming to our health department, but currently not having a place to put them if they do come. Heather Barton advised that the county health department was still working on preparing a proposal to bring before the council, but was not yet ready.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00. Council then opened its non-binding review of other taxing districts’ budgets.
Taxing Units whose budget increases were below the state growth quotient of 3.8% were scheduled first.
Harrison Township had no one present.
Lebanon Public Library presented a summary of funds (Operating, Lease Rental & Cap Projects) with levy totals and tax rates. 2010 AV is estimated at 10% less as per DLGF request. Operating and lease Rental rates will fall slightly, while Capital Projects will increase from .0025 to .01.
Perry Township had no one present. Budget decreased.
Sugar Creek had no one present. Budget decreased.
Thorntown Library Director Karen Niemeyer was present. Budget increased roughly 12%, due primarily to increases in retirement fund payments and increase in collections request.
Ulen had no one present. Budget decreased.
Washington Township. Trustee Jodi Durham was present. No budget increase.
Hussey-Mayfield Library (Zionsville) was present with a 3.07% increase. Has a healthy operating balance.
Thorntown was not present, though well below the growth quotient.
Units over the state growth quotient but below the county quotient of 6% were next.
Advance was present with a 4% increase. Some fund balances are low as town goes through a reconciliation.
Taxing units over the county growth quotient of 6% followed.
Center Township had a 12.17% increase, due primarily to fire fund debt service.
Jackson Township had no one present. Significant increase in their fire budget.
Jamestown clerk-treasurer Linda Isenhower was present.
Jefferson Township Trustee David Budd was present. 5% increase in total budget comes almost entirely from fire increase in anticipation of new truck for AVFD.
Marion Township Trustee was present. Marion has extremely low balance in fire fund, and is anticipating an emergency Fire Loan, which accounts for majority of 19.15% proposed increase. Township assistance is also up, as well as cemetery care as the township inherited an additional large cemetery. Fire levy is at max rate, and DLGF has denied requests for increase. Council will suggest to DLGF that fire levy be allowed an increase to avoid additional borrowing.
Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis & Clerk-treasurer Debbie Ottinger were present. Lebanon proposes an 18.53% increase, primarily in highway and local road & street due to annexation.
Boone County Solid Waste Management District was present to explain 8.79% increase. Council review in this case is binding, though funding is entirely fee-driven. No property tax funds are used, and so its budget does not impact the property tax caps. Board voted to approve the budget.
Whitestown was present with a town council member and town clerk-treasurer. Budget proposal reflects 141.99% increase over 2009 budget, explained as due to massive annexation. Town has also increased benefits for employees, including life insurance program. Many questions were raised regarding the relationship between Whitestown and Worth Township Fire. Whitestown will be taking over all township fire operations effective January 1, 2010, so their budget increases from zero to roughly $1.2M, which includes a payment of roughly $325,000 from Worth Township to cover the entire township.
Worth Township will collect taxes to pay contract to Whitestown for fire service, as well as to cover Emergency Fire Loan payment of approximately $800,000. Council raised concerns about the future of servicing the fire debt and its impact on property tax caps in relation to other taxing units, specifically schools. Town & township officials explained their plan for rolling the debt into a larger bond issue to spread payments over several years and minimize taxpayer impact. Their hope is that this plan will keep rates below the caps. Worth Township has also introduced a Recreation Fund into their budget to receive funds from the county parks levy to assist in maintaining Lions Park outside Whitestown.
Zionville town Council President Matt Price and Town Manager Ed Mitro were present to discuss the changes to the town budget in light of the consolidation with Eagle and Union Townships. Questions were asked about the impact of Whitestown taking over fire protection responsibility in the annexed areas of Eagle Township, as well as the perceived benefits of consolidation for Eagle and Union Township residents outside the current town of Zionsville.
Council President Steve Jacob will draft comments and/or letters to accompany the council’s review of these budgets for submission to the DLGF.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Notes from August 2010 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council8/11/2009
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Sherriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $20,000 from deputies to Overtime, $22,000 from Jailers to part-time and $9,000 from corrections (jailers) to Overtime. A deputy left service earlier this year, and another officer had taken FMLA leave, so overtime was being paid to cover the gap. A replacement hire should be on board soon. Approved.
E-911 (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2,000 from 911 Utilities to 911 Equipment to correct error in paying Director’s phone from wrong line. Approved.
Commissioners (Charles Eaton):
Sue Ritz introduced CIRTA director Ehren Bingaman to discuss CIRTA’s role, including an institutional strategic plan for the region. Commissioners again request $4283 for 2009 membership contribution which was withdrawn in July. CIRTA expects Delaware County to join later this year, which would spread the expense and reduce Boone’s contribution. However, CIRTA expects to increase contribution requirement next year by 40%. With Delaware’s addition, next year’s request will be $6,600. Council members asked several questions about the services CIRTA provides and the benefits to Boone County, as well as the differences between CIRTA and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Sue Ritz answered questions about services for individuals going to work or educational destinations across state lines. The council debated whether to approve this year’s contribution rather than wait until the 2010 budget cycle. David Rodgers suggested waiting, while Steve Jacob urged approving for this year. Request amount was reduced to $3988 on the assumption Delaware County would contribute. Commissioner Eaton spoke on behalf of making this year’s contribution. A motion to approve passed 4-3.
Adult Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $5000 from drug testing to secretary. When probation departments of various courts merged, this position’s salary was lower than two others doing the same work, now all three in the same probation office. Much discussion about the propriety of increasing a salary mid-year, as well as the technicality of issuing a salary ordinance followed. The request was tabled with the understanding a modified request with appropriate ordinance would be submitted next month.
Community Corrections Grant Fund (Kari Ragsdale):
To correct negative balances after the splitting of funds earlier in the year, requested a total of $1,707) from Dues, Office Supply, Computer Software and Sleeptime to Training ($500) and GPS ($5,207). Approved.
Prosecutor (Tanya Thayer):
Requested from $2500 Witness & Deposition and Trail Expense to Travel $2500. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Clerk (Jessica Fouts):
Requested a transfer of reimbursement from Marion County after a change of venue trial. Total of $1178 to Clerk Payroll and $15397.61 to Clerk Change of Venue. Approved.
Reassessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $8,136.65 for Aerial line to pay for addition of a Change Finder to the Pictometry contract to discover unassessed additions to property. The new total cost will be included in 2010 budget. The addition should increase assessment income, as well as generate revenue from other county entities (Zionsville, Lebanon, REMC, etc.) paying to use the software. Approved.
Requested $4,000 to cover cost of additional appeals. Have covered roughly 600 appeals thus far this year, and does not expect to need this entire remainder; funds will self-revert if unspent. Approved.
CVB (Molly Riggs):
As per earlier meeting (June) discussion of new office in Lebanon’s Heflin building, requesting $1500 from Equipment & Maintenance , $5000 for auditing of accounts as new executive director begins, $1000 for insurance. Funds come from Innkeepers Tax. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $900,000 from highway fund for match of federal/MPO grant for 146th reconstruction of 146th St from US 421 to Hamilton County line, which is about to go to construction bid. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Boone County Solid Waste Budget Presentation – distributed upcoming budget proposal to be discussed later in the month at budget hearings. Council will have non-binding review duty.
Prosecutor’s Travel Expense Reimbursement – Tonya Thayer discussed possibility of moving state reimbursement of travel expenses, which go to county general fund, back into prosecutor’s travel line. It was recommended that this procedure be reflected in the budget process as additional income to help fund the travel expense line and deflect some of the need for additional and reappropriations in future years.
OLD BUSINESS:
Budget Hearings will begin Monday the 24th at 8:30 and continue through the 28th (approximately).
Steve Jacob thanked Auditor Melody Price and Council Secretary Heather Barton for their budget preparation work, as well as Sean Horan for his creation of new spreadsheets as requested by the Council.
Non-binding review of other entities’ budgets will occur after the regular meeting on September 15th. The state expects that the county will specifically review budgets with growth over target of 3.8%. Jacob & Wilhoite will look at budgets before the 15th; any other council members are welcome to attend as well.
Gene Thompson brought up a letter received by council members from the state department of health regarding incoming funds for H1N1 treatment and what action needed to be taken. No one from the county health department was present, so no action will be taken until further information is received.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns distributed copies of a letter from INDOT notifying the county of awarding of $1,755,180 from the federal Highway Administration for County Road 400 S, which brings that project to full founding.
Kouns also distributed notice from INDOT on ARRA funds for four asphalt resurfacing projects totaling roughly 17 miles.
Auditor Melody Price notified the council that new state legislation no longer requires all claims to be published in the newspaper.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Boone County Council8/11/2009
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Sherriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $20,000 from deputies to Overtime, $22,000 from Jailers to part-time and $9,000 from corrections (jailers) to Overtime. A deputy left service earlier this year, and another officer had taken FMLA leave, so overtime was being paid to cover the gap. A replacement hire should be on board soon. Approved.
E-911 (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2,000 from 911 Utilities to 911 Equipment to correct error in paying Director’s phone from wrong line. Approved.
Commissioners (Charles Eaton):
Sue Ritz introduced CIRTA director Ehren Bingaman to discuss CIRTA’s role, including an institutional strategic plan for the region. Commissioners again request $4283 for 2009 membership contribution which was withdrawn in July. CIRTA expects Delaware County to join later this year, which would spread the expense and reduce Boone’s contribution. However, CIRTA expects to increase contribution requirement next year by 40%. With Delaware’s addition, next year’s request will be $6,600. Council members asked several questions about the services CIRTA provides and the benefits to Boone County, as well as the differences between CIRTA and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Sue Ritz answered questions about services for individuals going to work or educational destinations across state lines. The council debated whether to approve this year’s contribution rather than wait until the 2010 budget cycle. David Rodgers suggested waiting, while Steve Jacob urged approving for this year. Request amount was reduced to $3988 on the assumption Delaware County would contribute. Commissioner Eaton spoke on behalf of making this year’s contribution. A motion to approve passed 4-3.
Adult Probation User Fee (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $5000 from drug testing to secretary. When probation departments of various courts merged, this position’s salary was lower than two others doing the same work, now all three in the same probation office. Much discussion about the propriety of increasing a salary mid-year, as well as the technicality of issuing a salary ordinance followed. The request was tabled with the understanding a modified request with appropriate ordinance would be submitted next month.
Community Corrections Grant Fund (Kari Ragsdale):
To correct negative balances after the splitting of funds earlier in the year, requested a total of $1,707) from Dues, Office Supply, Computer Software and Sleeptime to Training ($500) and GPS ($5,207). Approved.
Prosecutor (Tanya Thayer):
Requested from $2500 Witness & Deposition and Trail Expense to Travel $2500. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Clerk (Jessica Fouts):
Requested a transfer of reimbursement from Marion County after a change of venue trial. Total of $1178 to Clerk Payroll and $15397.61 to Clerk Change of Venue. Approved.
Reassessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $8,136.65 for Aerial line to pay for addition of a Change Finder to the Pictometry contract to discover unassessed additions to property. The new total cost will be included in 2010 budget. The addition should increase assessment income, as well as generate revenue from other county entities (Zionsville, Lebanon, REMC, etc.) paying to use the software. Approved.
Requested $4,000 to cover cost of additional appeals. Have covered roughly 600 appeals thus far this year, and does not expect to need this entire remainder; funds will self-revert if unspent. Approved.
CVB (Molly Riggs):
As per earlier meeting (June) discussion of new office in Lebanon’s Heflin building, requesting $1500 from Equipment & Maintenance , $5000 for auditing of accounts as new executive director begins, $1000 for insurance. Funds come from Innkeepers Tax. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $900,000 from highway fund for match of federal/MPO grant for 146th reconstruction of 146th St from US 421 to Hamilton County line, which is about to go to construction bid. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Boone County Solid Waste Budget Presentation – distributed upcoming budget proposal to be discussed later in the month at budget hearings. Council will have non-binding review duty.
Prosecutor’s Travel Expense Reimbursement – Tonya Thayer discussed possibility of moving state reimbursement of travel expenses, which go to county general fund, back into prosecutor’s travel line. It was recommended that this procedure be reflected in the budget process as additional income to help fund the travel expense line and deflect some of the need for additional and reappropriations in future years.
OLD BUSINESS:
Budget Hearings will begin Monday the 24th at 8:30 and continue through the 28th (approximately).
Steve Jacob thanked Auditor Melody Price and Council Secretary Heather Barton for their budget preparation work, as well as Sean Horan for his creation of new spreadsheets as requested by the Council.
Non-binding review of other entities’ budgets will occur after the regular meeting on September 15th. The state expects that the county will specifically review budgets with growth over target of 3.8%. Jacob & Wilhoite will look at budgets before the 15th; any other council members are welcome to attend as well.
Gene Thompson brought up a letter received by council members from the state department of health regarding incoming funds for H1N1 treatment and what action needed to be taken. No one from the county health department was present, so no action will be taken until further information is received.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns distributed copies of a letter from INDOT notifying the county of awarding of $1,755,180 from the federal Highway Administration for County Road 400 S, which brings that project to full founding.
Kouns also distributed notice from INDOT on ARRA funds for four asphalt resurfacing projects totaling roughly 17 miles.
Auditor Melody Price notified the council that new state legislation no longer requires all claims to be published in the newspaper.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Notes from July 2009 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
7/14/2009
Present: All Council Members except Butch Smith, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorney Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from June meeting.
President Steve Jacob welcomed new Commissioner Jeff Wolfe, who was in attendance, and new Council member Gene Thompson and made several announcements. Budget hearings date has been moved from August 10 to August 24, continuing through that Friday. The recently-passed state budget allowed the county to move excess money from two funds now taken over by the state to the Excess Levy Fund, and then to the county’s Rainy Day Fund. The family and children’s fund ($1,094,583.13) & children’s psychiatric residential treatment services fund ($600,884.37) were transferred by new ordinance resolution.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Tanya Thayer): Requested $1500 from Dep. Prosecutor & $1000 from Witness & Deposition to Travel. Thayer pointed out that the office has had to reappropriate each year since 2005 because council cut requested line in budget hearings. Questions were raised about the need for an additional for meetings which were scheduled, as well as for meetings yet to come this year. Thayer noted that the office could be reimbursed by the state for some of the meetings, but the reimbursement would go to the county general fund. Much discussion followed about possibilities for reimbursement transfers and better planning at the upcoming budget meetings.
County Council (Steve Jacob): Requested transfer of $80 from consulting to office supplies to cover funeral bouquet for Lebanon Mayor John Lasley. Council agreed to contribute their personal funds to reimburse the cost directly so no tax dollars would be used. Request withdrawn.
County Commissioners (Marc Applegate): Requested transfer of $4283 from Indirect Contract Consulting to a new line created for membership in the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA). The commissioners have not previously contributed to the authority, which has requested contributions from Boone and other counties surrounding Marion to cover costs related to planning for additional mass transit. Several Council members raised concerns about approving the contribution at this point in the year without more information. Applegate will contact Sue Ritz, Boone County’s CIRTA representative, about coming to next month’s meeting to explain further. Request withdrawn for now.
Area Plan (Steve Niblick): Requested $400 from Legal notices to Vehicle Inspector to purchase safety strobe lights for inspector vehicles. The lights will be transferrable to different vehicles if necessary.
Superior I (no one present): Requested $5000 from Part-time employee to Overtime. Fund has been depleted for the year. The earlier Marion County Library trial was very expensive; a request for reimbursement has been submitted, but not yet received a response. Council voted to approve.
Adult Probation User Fee (No one present): Requested $5000 from Drug Testing to Secretary. Explanation is that current pay was not equivalent to job duties. Council decided to table the request pending further information.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns): Requested $3000 from Road Striping to New Equipment to cover shortfall on cost of a new single-axle dump truck. Council member Kries asked about investigating used trucks. Kouns responded that used trucks could rarely meet the county’s specifications for “toughness” in plowing snow. This truck will replace a 1991 truck. Wilhoite asked about a vehicle replacement plan; Kouns responded that essentially there is no plan, as money for regular replacement does not exist, so trucks are used as long as possible.
Council Member Wilhoite moved to approve Prosecutor, Area Plan and Local Road & Street requests. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2540.75 be transferred from county general to Sheriff’s Medical. Money was collected from inmates for supplemental medical costs. State Board of Accounts advises this is appropriate destination. Approved.
Requested $3200 from county general as reimbursement from Superior Court II for purchase of polygraph instrument. Approved.
Commissioners (Marc Applegate):
Requested $2000 to cover drain assessments that had not previously been paid by the county, to the county. Several questions were asked about why the county needed to pay taxes to itself. Applegate and Surveyor Ken Hedge explained that the county, as any other property owner, must pay drainage fees to the county fund. It was discovered in recent assessment that several drains had been missed, so more payment was required. The commissioners’ budget was only funded to cover the previous level, so they were unable to pay the request. This additional will cover the new assessment fees, but because the payment is now late, the county will also have to assess itself a late fee penalty. Very reluctantly, the request was approved.
Emergency Management (Rachel Hanson):
Requested $3736.37 transferred to county general to EMA Planning to cover equipment for use as back-up communication utilizing amateur (HAM) radio operators in the event of catastrophic communication breakdown. Sheriff Campbell gave additional explanation of the use of the equipment to expand the current limited use of HAM radio operators in emergency situations. Council President Jacob asked and Attorney Sims clarified that no additional liability with the operators would be incurred by the county. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $6000 to Truck Driver Overtime. The fund is currently in the red. Kouns expects this amount to cover the remainder of the year. Approved.
Economic Development (Tom Kouns):
Requested $600,000 for new 400 South project. This will be reimbursable from INDOT fund through federal appropriation for 80% or more. Funds must be spent up front for INDOT to reimburse, generally within 30 days of submitting a claim. (No word currently on three pending stimulus fund project requests.) Kouns gave credit to consultant Dennis Faulkenburg for his efforts in securing the appropriation. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dr. H. Servies presented an update on the Novel H1N1 Influenza virus. In June, the WHO upgraded the pandemic alert level to its highest point, meaning that the virus is a global pandemic in two or more regions of the world. Officials are still uncertain about the severity of this pandemic. Major concern is the possibility that the virus will mutate and become even more severe, though most cases this far have been mild. Boone County had its first confirmed case in recent weeks, a 6-year old girl who recovered with no lasting ill effects. Indiana last week had its first fatality, a 19-year old male with no other health issues. Dr. Servies advised that this fall many people will become ill. All should be prepared to stay home for up to a week, including government employees. County has received 2500 doses of antiviral drugs, which will likely be prioritized for young patients. State & county are working on plans for distribution. Dr. Servies reminded everyone to practice good health hygiene and stay home for a full week if ill. Vaccine trials are currently underway. Vaccine doses will be released to local health departments sometime this fall, coordinated by the CDC, and free of charge. Healthcare workers will likely be first to be vaccinated.
Ada Hawkins of Mapleview and Commissioner Applegate were present to request a new fund be created as per DLGF instructions to handle donations made in memory of Bob Hawkins. Mrs. Hawkins hopes to use the money to purchase a glider swing, a Wii system for residents, and a new light for the home’s garden area. Another $500 has been donated by a local realtor as part of a company (ERA) program. It is unclear whether the county should create a new fund or a new line within the home’s fund and how the funds should go through the county. Discussion of a non-profit being established or going through the Community Foundation led to the suggestion that the donors be asked to re-write their checks directly to Mrs. Hawkins to avoid the cumbersome & time-consuming process.
Karen Niemeyer, Director of the Thorntown Public Library, shared the library’s three-year Capital Projects Fund Plan. Because the library serves multiple townships, the Council must approve its three-year plan, as well as its annual budget. The plan has already been approved by the library’s board and properly advertised. The council approved.
Assessor Lisa Garoffolo addressed the council concerning the need to replace Gene Thompson, now council member, as the council’s appointment to the PTBOA for the remainder of this year. Based on the current board’s recommendation, Garoffolo recommended Zionsville Realtor Carol Nist. The board approved the appointment. The board also moved to clarify that the funds approved in June for reassessment will not be used, as the legislature delayed the reassessment
OLD BUSINESS:
President Jacob updated the council on information gleaned from the AIC state county council meeting last month.
Jacob presented three names – Huck Lewis, Gene Thompson, Jeff Jacob – to be submitted to the governor for appointment to the Stadium & Convention Building Authority Board. Council approved with Gene Thompson abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council member Wilhoite noted that the Solid Waste Board will be moving at their next meeting to hire a new director, and will recognize out-going director David Lamb in September.
Community Clinic Director Bambi McQuade-Jones thanked the council for its support over the years as the clinic moves to be an independent agency. She noted that the clinic’s operations will continue and expand, but without being a county agency. She also asked for anyone interested serving on the clinic board to contact her.
APC Director Steve Niblick appeared to discuss the upcoming budget hearings round regarding changes to his office due to the Zionsville/Eagle/Union reorganization. Specifically, the office expects a large decline in building permits, but does not expect that to have a large impact on the office budget, as it is spent primarily on staffing. He also presented a map of the Anson development, noting that while physically located in Eagle Township, it would not be part of the merger as it has been annexed into Whitestown.
Niblick also updated the council on the APC’s work session on wind farms last night, focusing on the belief that the council and commissioners need to be involved in the upcoming public discussion in deciding if the county wishes to allow large-scale wind farms. He recommends additional study on the long-term fiscal impact before creating an ordinance.
Tom Kouns updated that Phase I of the 146th Street extension will be coming up for reappropriation soon. Kouns also updated on the state-wide salt bid for the coming year for roughly half of last year’s cost, though still considerably higher than previous years.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10.
Boone County Council
7/14/2009
Present: All Council Members except Butch Smith, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorney Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from June meeting.
President Steve Jacob welcomed new Commissioner Jeff Wolfe, who was in attendance, and new Council member Gene Thompson and made several announcements. Budget hearings date has been moved from August 10 to August 24, continuing through that Friday. The recently-passed state budget allowed the county to move excess money from two funds now taken over by the state to the Excess Levy Fund, and then to the county’s Rainy Day Fund. The family and children’s fund ($1,094,583.13) & children’s psychiatric residential treatment services fund ($600,884.37) were transferred by new ordinance resolution.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Tanya Thayer): Requested $1500 from Dep. Prosecutor & $1000 from Witness & Deposition to Travel. Thayer pointed out that the office has had to reappropriate each year since 2005 because council cut requested line in budget hearings. Questions were raised about the need for an additional for meetings which were scheduled, as well as for meetings yet to come this year. Thayer noted that the office could be reimbursed by the state for some of the meetings, but the reimbursement would go to the county general fund. Much discussion followed about possibilities for reimbursement transfers and better planning at the upcoming budget meetings.
County Council (Steve Jacob): Requested transfer of $80 from consulting to office supplies to cover funeral bouquet for Lebanon Mayor John Lasley. Council agreed to contribute their personal funds to reimburse the cost directly so no tax dollars would be used. Request withdrawn.
County Commissioners (Marc Applegate): Requested transfer of $4283 from Indirect Contract Consulting to a new line created for membership in the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA). The commissioners have not previously contributed to the authority, which has requested contributions from Boone and other counties surrounding Marion to cover costs related to planning for additional mass transit. Several Council members raised concerns about approving the contribution at this point in the year without more information. Applegate will contact Sue Ritz, Boone County’s CIRTA representative, about coming to next month’s meeting to explain further. Request withdrawn for now.
Area Plan (Steve Niblick): Requested $400 from Legal notices to Vehicle Inspector to purchase safety strobe lights for inspector vehicles. The lights will be transferrable to different vehicles if necessary.
Superior I (no one present): Requested $5000 from Part-time employee to Overtime. Fund has been depleted for the year. The earlier Marion County Library trial was very expensive; a request for reimbursement has been submitted, but not yet received a response. Council voted to approve.
Adult Probation User Fee (No one present): Requested $5000 from Drug Testing to Secretary. Explanation is that current pay was not equivalent to job duties. Council decided to table the request pending further information.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns): Requested $3000 from Road Striping to New Equipment to cover shortfall on cost of a new single-axle dump truck. Council member Kries asked about investigating used trucks. Kouns responded that used trucks could rarely meet the county’s specifications for “toughness” in plowing snow. This truck will replace a 1991 truck. Wilhoite asked about a vehicle replacement plan; Kouns responded that essentially there is no plan, as money for regular replacement does not exist, so trucks are used as long as possible.
Council Member Wilhoite moved to approve Prosecutor, Area Plan and Local Road & Street requests. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2540.75 be transferred from county general to Sheriff’s Medical. Money was collected from inmates for supplemental medical costs. State Board of Accounts advises this is appropriate destination. Approved.
Requested $3200 from county general as reimbursement from Superior Court II for purchase of polygraph instrument. Approved.
Commissioners (Marc Applegate):
Requested $2000 to cover drain assessments that had not previously been paid by the county, to the county. Several questions were asked about why the county needed to pay taxes to itself. Applegate and Surveyor Ken Hedge explained that the county, as any other property owner, must pay drainage fees to the county fund. It was discovered in recent assessment that several drains had been missed, so more payment was required. The commissioners’ budget was only funded to cover the previous level, so they were unable to pay the request. This additional will cover the new assessment fees, but because the payment is now late, the county will also have to assess itself a late fee penalty. Very reluctantly, the request was approved.
Emergency Management (Rachel Hanson):
Requested $3736.37 transferred to county general to EMA Planning to cover equipment for use as back-up communication utilizing amateur (HAM) radio operators in the event of catastrophic communication breakdown. Sheriff Campbell gave additional explanation of the use of the equipment to expand the current limited use of HAM radio operators in emergency situations. Council President Jacob asked and Attorney Sims clarified that no additional liability with the operators would be incurred by the county. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $6000 to Truck Driver Overtime. The fund is currently in the red. Kouns expects this amount to cover the remainder of the year. Approved.
Economic Development (Tom Kouns):
Requested $600,000 for new 400 South project. This will be reimbursable from INDOT fund through federal appropriation for 80% or more. Funds must be spent up front for INDOT to reimburse, generally within 30 days of submitting a claim. (No word currently on three pending stimulus fund project requests.) Kouns gave credit to consultant Dennis Faulkenburg for his efforts in securing the appropriation. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dr. H. Servies presented an update on the Novel H1N1 Influenza virus. In June, the WHO upgraded the pandemic alert level to its highest point, meaning that the virus is a global pandemic in two or more regions of the world. Officials are still uncertain about the severity of this pandemic. Major concern is the possibility that the virus will mutate and become even more severe, though most cases this far have been mild. Boone County had its first confirmed case in recent weeks, a 6-year old girl who recovered with no lasting ill effects. Indiana last week had its first fatality, a 19-year old male with no other health issues. Dr. Servies advised that this fall many people will become ill. All should be prepared to stay home for up to a week, including government employees. County has received 2500 doses of antiviral drugs, which will likely be prioritized for young patients. State & county are working on plans for distribution. Dr. Servies reminded everyone to practice good health hygiene and stay home for a full week if ill. Vaccine trials are currently underway. Vaccine doses will be released to local health departments sometime this fall, coordinated by the CDC, and free of charge. Healthcare workers will likely be first to be vaccinated.
Ada Hawkins of Mapleview and Commissioner Applegate were present to request a new fund be created as per DLGF instructions to handle donations made in memory of Bob Hawkins. Mrs. Hawkins hopes to use the money to purchase a glider swing, a Wii system for residents, and a new light for the home’s garden area. Another $500 has been donated by a local realtor as part of a company (ERA) program. It is unclear whether the county should create a new fund or a new line within the home’s fund and how the funds should go through the county. Discussion of a non-profit being established or going through the Community Foundation led to the suggestion that the donors be asked to re-write their checks directly to Mrs. Hawkins to avoid the cumbersome & time-consuming process.
Karen Niemeyer, Director of the Thorntown Public Library, shared the library’s three-year Capital Projects Fund Plan. Because the library serves multiple townships, the Council must approve its three-year plan, as well as its annual budget. The plan has already been approved by the library’s board and properly advertised. The council approved.
Assessor Lisa Garoffolo addressed the council concerning the need to replace Gene Thompson, now council member, as the council’s appointment to the PTBOA for the remainder of this year. Based on the current board’s recommendation, Garoffolo recommended Zionsville Realtor Carol Nist. The board approved the appointment. The board also moved to clarify that the funds approved in June for reassessment will not be used, as the legislature delayed the reassessment
OLD BUSINESS:
President Jacob updated the council on information gleaned from the AIC state county council meeting last month.
Jacob presented three names – Huck Lewis, Gene Thompson, Jeff Jacob – to be submitted to the governor for appointment to the Stadium & Convention Building Authority Board. Council approved with Gene Thompson abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council member Wilhoite noted that the Solid Waste Board will be moving at their next meeting to hire a new director, and will recognize out-going director David Lamb in September.
Community Clinic Director Bambi McQuade-Jones thanked the council for its support over the years as the clinic moves to be an independent agency. She noted that the clinic’s operations will continue and expand, but without being a county agency. She also asked for anyone interested serving on the clinic board to contact her.
APC Director Steve Niblick appeared to discuss the upcoming budget hearings round regarding changes to his office due to the Zionsville/Eagle/Union reorganization. Specifically, the office expects a large decline in building permits, but does not expect that to have a large impact on the office budget, as it is spent primarily on staffing. He also presented a map of the Anson development, noting that while physically located in Eagle Township, it would not be part of the merger as it has been annexed into Whitestown.
Niblick also updated the council on the APC’s work session on wind farms last night, focusing on the belief that the council and commissioners need to be involved in the upcoming public discussion in deciding if the county wishes to allow large-scale wind farms. He recommends additional study on the long-term fiscal impact before creating an ordinance.
Tom Kouns updated that Phase I of the 146th Street extension will be coming up for reappropriation soon. Kouns also updated on the state-wide salt bid for the coming year for roughly half of last year’s cost, though still considerably higher than previous years.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Agenda -- June 14, 2009
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JULY 14, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of June 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, County Council, Commissioners, Area Plan, Superior I, Adult Probation – User Fee, Local Road & Street
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Commissioners, EMA, Highway, Economic Development
New Business:
Dr. Servies – H1N1 Update
Ada Hawkins – Request new fund
Karen Niemeyer, Director – Thorntown Public Library
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, June 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JULY 14, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of June 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, County Council, Commissioners, Area Plan, Superior I, Adult Probation – User Fee, Local Road & Street
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Commissioners, EMA, Highway, Economic Development
New Business:
Dr. Servies – H1N1 Update
Ada Hawkins – Request new fund
Karen Niemeyer, Director – Thorntown Public Library
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, June 2009 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Notes June 2009 Council Meeting
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council6/9/2009
Present: All Council Members (Bill Soards has resigned; replacement to be named later this week), Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved minutes from May meetings.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price): requested to transfer a total of$3500 from clerical line to travel expenses ($200), training ($300) and $3000 to consulting in order to pay former auditor Gretchen Smith (through GUTS) to assist with summer budget process. Much discussion followed of paying a consultant @ $75/hr to assist or to train. A motion to approve failed 2-3. The training and travel expenses were approved in a separate motion. Further discussion of what the consultant’s role would be led to a new motion for $1500 to be transferred to consulting, which was eventually approved unanimously. Approved as amended.
Sex Offender Fee/Sheriff (Mike Nielsen): Asked $2000 from sex offender fees to administrative assistance to cover clerical. Because the request involved transferring moneys between two separate funds, it needs to be withdrawn and re-advertised as an additional appropriation. Withdrawn.
County General/Sheriff (Nielsen): requested transfer of $2540.75 from county general fund to medical expenses line. Discussion determined that this also needed to be advertised as an additional appropriation. Withdrawn.
E911/Sheriff (Nielsen): asked to move $5563.99 from one utilities to another to correct earlier error. Approved.
Community clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones): had moved money to building repairs to address roof repairs, which Witham largely covered. Asked to move remaining money to office supplies & subscriptions (total $14000). All this was approved earlier as grant money, and must be spent by end of July. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Coroner (not present): Jerry Harris had previously discussed total additionals of $1077 for safety vests, pagers & training. Approved.
Auditor (Lisa Garoffolo): State currently has scheduled a mandatory reassessment, which MIGHT be rolled back in the upcoming special session. If not, county will be forced to conduct reassessment on 1/3 of county property by end of November. Just over $180,000 needs to be in place if the reassessment is required. The funds actually come from reassessment funds, which can only be spent for reassessment. Approved.
County Highway (Tom Kouns): Additional from food & beverage ($500000) to road maintenance and from economic development ($155000) to stone and gravel, as discussed at May meeting. Approved.
Convention and Visitors (Molly Riggs): Requested transfer of funds totaling $20,000 to open a new office on the Lebanon Square in the Heflin Building. Money comes from an account already set up and in place for CVB use only. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
CVB – see above.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council president Steve Jacob announced that three council members will be attending the upcoming state called meeting.
Jacob has received request from the Indiana stadium & convention center building authority for three representatives to serve on that board, overseeing the construction – not operation – of Lucas Oil Stadium & the new convention center. Names should be submitted to Jacob.
Highway Director Tom Kouns asked for guidance on how to request spending for upcoming $855000 grant possibility. A new budget line will have to be established so existing moneys can be appropriated and spent, then reimbursed from the grant to the original fund. The question from Kouns is how much money to ask for and from which fund to draw it. Advice was to ask for as much of the total as Kouns deemed appropriate, from the Economic Development Fund.
Kouns also gave an update on four repaving projects proposed to InDOT, totaling $1.3 million, from federal stimulus package. They are awaiting final approval and could be on the state bid list in August.
Maj. Mike Nielsen clarified that earlier request needed to be an additional, to be transferred to general fund. He will forward email from the state board of accounts to auditor and council.
Discussion of upcoming budget hearing schedules and advertising possibilities centered on how to direct department heads to figure salary and other budget requests. The conclusion was that department heads would be advised to advertise budgets at a 4% increase, but figure for 2%, with the understanding that budgets may be flat-lined.
Debbie Shubert stated that the commissioners will need to fill two vacancies on the CVB board. Volunteers were solicited. Steve Jacob agreed to be appointed if needed.
APC director Steve Niblick advised the council that the southeastern portion of Boone is part of the metropolitan regional planning organization, which had previously been funded solely by Marion County. Marion has now decided not to fund the staff fully and require participating counties to pay based upon population/territory. Commissioners have agreed to continue participation, which could cost $3000-4000/yr.
Jacob received a letter concerning a governor’s initiative regarding tracking of meth purchases and passed it on to Maj. Nielsen.
Marcia Wilhoite updated on a successful solid waste board pick-up in Lebanon, including drugs for the first time. Board is currently collecting resumes to replace David Lamb as executive director.
Jacob updated the council on the space study subcommittee meeting. The working assumption that the county would be required to add a new court after the 2010 census turned out to be faulty. No court addition is imminent, so the additional space will no longer be needed in the immediate future. Other needs may be addressed, but the court issue is not pressing.
Butch Smith discussed the projection that the community clinic should be self-sufficient next year, possibly moving four employees off the county payrolls. Superior Courts may also have access to funding for at least one probation officer next year, possibly easing county budget needs as well.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Boone County Council6/9/2009
Present: All Council Members (Bill Soards has resigned; replacement to be named later this week), Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved minutes from May meetings.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price): requested to transfer a total of$3500 from clerical line to travel expenses ($200), training ($300) and $3000 to consulting in order to pay former auditor Gretchen Smith (through GUTS) to assist with summer budget process. Much discussion followed of paying a consultant @ $75/hr to assist or to train. A motion to approve failed 2-3. The training and travel expenses were approved in a separate motion. Further discussion of what the consultant’s role would be led to a new motion for $1500 to be transferred to consulting, which was eventually approved unanimously. Approved as amended.
Sex Offender Fee/Sheriff (Mike Nielsen): Asked $2000 from sex offender fees to administrative assistance to cover clerical. Because the request involved transferring moneys between two separate funds, it needs to be withdrawn and re-advertised as an additional appropriation. Withdrawn.
County General/Sheriff (Nielsen): requested transfer of $2540.75 from county general fund to medical expenses line. Discussion determined that this also needed to be advertised as an additional appropriation. Withdrawn.
E911/Sheriff (Nielsen): asked to move $5563.99 from one utilities to another to correct earlier error. Approved.
Community clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones): had moved money to building repairs to address roof repairs, which Witham largely covered. Asked to move remaining money to office supplies & subscriptions (total $14000). All this was approved earlier as grant money, and must be spent by end of July. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Coroner (not present): Jerry Harris had previously discussed total additionals of $1077 for safety vests, pagers & training. Approved.
Auditor (Lisa Garoffolo): State currently has scheduled a mandatory reassessment, which MIGHT be rolled back in the upcoming special session. If not, county will be forced to conduct reassessment on 1/3 of county property by end of November. Just over $180,000 needs to be in place if the reassessment is required. The funds actually come from reassessment funds, which can only be spent for reassessment. Approved.
County Highway (Tom Kouns): Additional from food & beverage ($500000) to road maintenance and from economic development ($155000) to stone and gravel, as discussed at May meeting. Approved.
Convention and Visitors (Molly Riggs): Requested transfer of funds totaling $20,000 to open a new office on the Lebanon Square in the Heflin Building. Money comes from an account already set up and in place for CVB use only. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
CVB – see above.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council president Steve Jacob announced that three council members will be attending the upcoming state called meeting.
Jacob has received request from the Indiana stadium & convention center building authority for three representatives to serve on that board, overseeing the construction – not operation – of Lucas Oil Stadium & the new convention center. Names should be submitted to Jacob.
Highway Director Tom Kouns asked for guidance on how to request spending for upcoming $855000 grant possibility. A new budget line will have to be established so existing moneys can be appropriated and spent, then reimbursed from the grant to the original fund. The question from Kouns is how much money to ask for and from which fund to draw it. Advice was to ask for as much of the total as Kouns deemed appropriate, from the Economic Development Fund.
Kouns also gave an update on four repaving projects proposed to InDOT, totaling $1.3 million, from federal stimulus package. They are awaiting final approval and could be on the state bid list in August.
Maj. Mike Nielsen clarified that earlier request needed to be an additional, to be transferred to general fund. He will forward email from the state board of accounts to auditor and council.
Discussion of upcoming budget hearing schedules and advertising possibilities centered on how to direct department heads to figure salary and other budget requests. The conclusion was that department heads would be advised to advertise budgets at a 4% increase, but figure for 2%, with the understanding that budgets may be flat-lined.
Debbie Shubert stated that the commissioners will need to fill two vacancies on the CVB board. Volunteers were solicited. Steve Jacob agreed to be appointed if needed.
APC director Steve Niblick advised the council that the southeastern portion of Boone is part of the metropolitan regional planning organization, which had previously been funded solely by Marion County. Marion has now decided not to fund the staff fully and require participating counties to pay based upon population/territory. Commissioners have agreed to continue participation, which could cost $3000-4000/yr.
Jacob received a letter concerning a governor’s initiative regarding tracking of meth purchases and passed it on to Maj. Nielsen.
Marcia Wilhoite updated on a successful solid waste board pick-up in Lebanon, including drugs for the first time. Board is currently collecting resumes to replace David Lamb as executive director.
Jacob updated the council on the space study subcommittee meeting. The working assumption that the county would be required to add a new court after the 2010 census turned out to be faulty. No court addition is imminent, so the additional space will no longer be needed in the immediate future. Other needs may be addressed, but the court issue is not pressing.
Butch Smith discussed the projection that the community clinic should be self-sufficient next year, possibly moving four employees off the county payrolls. Superior Courts may also have access to funding for at least one probation officer next year, possibly easing county budget needs as well.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Agenda for June 9 Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JUNE 9, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call special meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of May 2009 minutes and May 19, 2009 special meeting minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: Auditor, Sheriff, Boone County Clinic,
Enhanced E911, Sex Offender Fee
Additional Requests: Coroner, Re-Assessment, Food & Beverage/Highway,
Convention & Rec, Economic Development
New Business: Molly Riggs, Conv & Visitor Bureau – CVB Additionals
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing: Re-Appropriations, Additionals, May 2009 Regular
Meeting Minutes, May 19, 2009 Special Meeting
Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JUNE 9, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call special meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of May 2009 minutes and May 19, 2009 special meeting minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: Auditor, Sheriff, Boone County Clinic,
Enhanced E911, Sex Offender Fee
Additional Requests: Coroner, Re-Assessment, Food & Beverage/Highway,
Convention & Rec, Economic Development
New Business: Molly Riggs, Conv & Visitor Bureau – CVB Additionals
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Document Signing: Re-Appropriations, Additionals, May 2009 Regular
Meeting Minutes, May 19, 2009 Special Meeting
Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Council Meeting May 12, 2009
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
5/12/2009
Present: All Council Members except Bill Soards (announced his resignation last week, effective June 1). Secretary Heather Barton, counsel Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (none!):
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Campbell asked for transfer of $66.44 to his postage fund from a reimbursement for an overcharge by a vendor. Approved.
EMA(Rachel ):
EMA received a grant for communications and equipment from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. EMA has purchased 16 portable radios and 3 back-up batteries; grant money was approved for this specific purchase. Concerns were raised that the money had already been spent without approval from the council. The state grant system (& federal grant system) and the state statute on appropriations of money seem to be in conflict in this case. Attorney Sims discussed that in future a pro forma invoice be used to get the grant money without spending until council approves the appropriations. Approved.
IT (no one present):
Kari Ragsdale spoke on IT’s behalf asking for the $10,100 for software licensing for the CourtView system. Total cost is roughly $31k, with various agencies. Approved.
Superior II Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Ragsdale asked for $5000 to cover Probation’s contribution to the Courtview system. Lengthy discussion followed over some confusion in the budget line balance and expenditures. Ragsdale pointed out that her line has already budgeted for $5000, but she had hoped to use that money for installation of panic buttons. Judge Jeff Edens and Sheriff Campbell also spoke on the need for the system, and specifically the role the county general fund should play in implementing such a system. Edens thought it should help reduce future court staff needs. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Asked for total of $104k for two bridge projects. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Judge Edens returned with GAL Kandi Killin for approval of salary ordinance. The ordinance had not been advertised, so Killin will continue to be unpaid for another month. Council president Jacob will oversee the process to ensure appropriations & ordinance will be ready next month. Judge Edens also thanked the council for the opportunity to work with them, as Judge David will be returning next week.
NEW BUSINESS:
Space Study Report:
Commissioner Charles Eaton addressed the council concerning upcoming space needs and the recent committee report. The county will be required to add another court after the 2010 census, and courthouse space is already maxed out. Eaton pointed out the variety of requirements entailed in adding space. Jacob asked about the study report information not including projections of growth. Eaton clarified that the study has clarified that a need exists, and suggested that a new committee be formed to fill in the details, including one commissioner and possibly three commissioners. Jacob, Kries & Rodgers will represent the council. The space study report included only renovation costs estimates. Purchase price, appraisals, engineering fees, possible bonding will also need to be addressed.
Highway:
Tom Kouns presented numbers displaying the interest from the county Rainy Day fund and the Economic Development fund, which had been discussed at least year’s budget meeting as covering shortfall from state LRS & MVH fund projections. Kouns needed advice regarding how much to appropriate from other funds. Apparently, the state cut county contributions from food & beverage tax from the highway budget, so Kouns needs to craft an additional appropriation to cover the cost. The interest from the two funds may be required to cover the cuts. The council is unclear on what was cut from the state and therefore what needed to be made up through the additional. Former Auditor Gretchen Smith was in the building, and agreed to answer questions clarifying what had been cut and why.
Concerns over drawing from the rainy day fund led to a discussion over how to reach the proposed $1million total for county highway for the year. State is allowing only $350k from LRS & MVH. The council agreed last year to allow additional appropriations from the Rainy Day, Economic Development and Food & Beverage to reach the $1million total. $500k from Food & Beverage fund would bring total to $850k. Interest on Economic Development Fund from January 2008 totals roughly $150k, Rainy Day roughly $79k. Kouns will plan to return with requests for $500k from food & beverage and $150 from Economic Development.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Sheriff Campbell invited the council to attend the Law Officers Memorial
Commissioner Lewis invited the council to attend the district commissioners association meeting in June at the Trophy Club.
The council discussed the scheduling for the August budget meetings. Discussion focused on timing the hearings to accommodate the auditor in preparing the various other budgets as well as later hearings for review. Sentiment steered toward the week of August 10-14, which would include the regular meeting on the 11th.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Boone County Council
5/12/2009
Present: All Council Members except Bill Soards (announced his resignation last week, effective June 1). Secretary Heather Barton, counsel Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (none!):
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Campbell asked for transfer of $66.44 to his postage fund from a reimbursement for an overcharge by a vendor. Approved.
EMA(Rachel ):
EMA received a grant for communications and equipment from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. EMA has purchased 16 portable radios and 3 back-up batteries; grant money was approved for this specific purchase. Concerns were raised that the money had already been spent without approval from the council. The state grant system (& federal grant system) and the state statute on appropriations of money seem to be in conflict in this case. Attorney Sims discussed that in future a pro forma invoice be used to get the grant money without spending until council approves the appropriations. Approved.
IT (no one present):
Kari Ragsdale spoke on IT’s behalf asking for the $10,100 for software licensing for the CourtView system. Total cost is roughly $31k, with various agencies. Approved.
Superior II Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Ragsdale asked for $5000 to cover Probation’s contribution to the Courtview system. Lengthy discussion followed over some confusion in the budget line balance and expenditures. Ragsdale pointed out that her line has already budgeted for $5000, but she had hoped to use that money for installation of panic buttons. Judge Jeff Edens and Sheriff Campbell also spoke on the need for the system, and specifically the role the county general fund should play in implementing such a system. Edens thought it should help reduce future court staff needs. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Asked for total of $104k for two bridge projects. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Judge Edens returned with GAL Kandi Killin for approval of salary ordinance. The ordinance had not been advertised, so Killin will continue to be unpaid for another month. Council president Jacob will oversee the process to ensure appropriations & ordinance will be ready next month. Judge Edens also thanked the council for the opportunity to work with them, as Judge David will be returning next week.
NEW BUSINESS:
Space Study Report:
Commissioner Charles Eaton addressed the council concerning upcoming space needs and the recent committee report. The county will be required to add another court after the 2010 census, and courthouse space is already maxed out. Eaton pointed out the variety of requirements entailed in adding space. Jacob asked about the study report information not including projections of growth. Eaton clarified that the study has clarified that a need exists, and suggested that a new committee be formed to fill in the details, including one commissioner and possibly three commissioners. Jacob, Kries & Rodgers will represent the council. The space study report included only renovation costs estimates. Purchase price, appraisals, engineering fees, possible bonding will also need to be addressed.
Highway:
Tom Kouns presented numbers displaying the interest from the county Rainy Day fund and the Economic Development fund, which had been discussed at least year’s budget meeting as covering shortfall from state LRS & MVH fund projections. Kouns needed advice regarding how much to appropriate from other funds. Apparently, the state cut county contributions from food & beverage tax from the highway budget, so Kouns needs to craft an additional appropriation to cover the cost. The interest from the two funds may be required to cover the cuts. The council is unclear on what was cut from the state and therefore what needed to be made up through the additional. Former Auditor Gretchen Smith was in the building, and agreed to answer questions clarifying what had been cut and why.
Concerns over drawing from the rainy day fund led to a discussion over how to reach the proposed $1million total for county highway for the year. State is allowing only $350k from LRS & MVH. The council agreed last year to allow additional appropriations from the Rainy Day, Economic Development and Food & Beverage to reach the $1million total. $500k from Food & Beverage fund would bring total to $850k. Interest on Economic Development Fund from January 2008 totals roughly $150k, Rainy Day roughly $79k. Kouns will plan to return with requests for $500k from food & beverage and $150 from Economic Development.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Sheriff Campbell invited the council to attend the Law Officers Memorial
Commissioner Lewis invited the council to attend the district commissioners association meeting in June at the Trophy Club.
The council discussed the scheduling for the August budget meetings. Discussion focused on timing the hearings to accommodate the auditor in preparing the various other budgets as well as later hearings for review. Sentiment steered toward the week of August 10-14, which would include the regular meeting on the 11th.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Agenda, May 12, 2009 County Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR MAY 12, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of April 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Additional Appropriations: Sheriff, IT, EMA, Superior II-User Fees, Cum Bridge
New Business: Commissioners – DLZ Space Study
Old Business: Judge Edens – Salary Ordinance & Re-appropriation for GAL/CASA
Public Comment
Document Signing
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR MAY 12, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of April 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Additional Appropriations: Sheriff, IT, EMA, Superior II-User Fees, Cum Bridge
New Business: Commissioners – DLZ Space Study
Old Business: Judge Edens – Salary Ordinance & Re-appropriation for GAL/CASA
Public Comment
Document Signing
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Council Meeting April 14, 2009
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council4/14/2009
Present: All Council Members except Bill Soards. Auditor Melody Price, counsel Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from March 10 meeting. President Steve Jacob noted that an additional appropriations form had not been signed at previous meeting. As this was an administrative error, signatures now were the only necessary correction. President Jacob also stated that he had received many calls regarding the CIB and the county food and beverage tax. Jacob stated he would not favor any additional food and beverage tax to that end.
Jacob also announced that the county budget has been approved by the state. Auditor Melody Price estimates a possible shortfall of 600,000 to 1 million for the current fiscal year. Jacob floated the idea of a hiring freeze and asked for council’s thoughts. Kerry Kries said it was a good place to start, and might also consider a wage freeze and possible cutbacks. Council and commissioners have explored cutting their own salaries, but by state statute cannot. Expected shortfall already coming in 2010. Kries will head a committee with Wilhoite, Shubert & Price to create a “mock” budget for 2010 to evaluate options.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (both approved):
Auditor (Melody Price):
Asked to move $900 from supplies to equipment to replace broken chairs.
Local Road & Street:
Asked $25,000 from re-striping to consulting. Needs to hire engineering firm to prepare plan for ARRA stimulus funds. Needs to act quickly to get money from state. Plans to submit four project bids for up to $40,000 in hopes of getting $1.3 million in stimulus funds. Commissioner Huck Lewis was asked the commissioners’ take; he stated the commissioners support it reluctantly, as they do not like to spend money to possibly make money. The money would be for scheduled maintenance, and would therefore free up budgeted money for other projects if received.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Circuit Court:
Judge Jeff Edens followed up on last month’s request ($18,500). Funds were not available in Superior Court fund. He believes the county may be able to recover some of the costs from Marion county, and will attempt to do so at trial’s end. Some expenses already paid out of budget line, but additional trials may require additional funds by year’s end. Approved
Assessor (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $15,000 for property tax appeals. This is a self-sustaining fund, but needs start-up money for the upcoming appeals for ’08 pay ’09.
Also requested additional funding for GUTS contract for INCOMEWORKS, which assesses commercial property value. Had originally budgeted for last year’s work, which is now complete, and needs additional to continue work. Actually getting ahead. Both approved.
County Corrections (Ken Campbell):
Asked to fund Uniforms, Training and Equipment at $5,000 apiece to allow him to treat them as line items in order to pay claims. Current system requires additional appropriation for every month’s claims, which cannot be paid until after council action. This should reduce time and paperwork. May need an amendment to the original ordinance. Auditor and counsel will have that for next month. Money comes from its own self-generating fund regardless. Approved to pay current claims.
Emergency Planning/Right to Know (Ken Campbell):
Asked $4000 for cell phone signal repeater for Emergency center in jail basement. Funds from Emergency Planning fund, not county general. Approved.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
Return on last month’s request to fill new funds as discussed. $15,000 from Projects Income to GPS Monitoring. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1500 to cover overtime truck driver pay from state fund. Will bring fund back into black. Approved.
Local Road and Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $2,607 from state reimbursement from last year’s unofficial detour on 136 west of Jamestown. Approved.
Boone County Clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones):
Requested additional $7,500 from grant money in clinic fund to line items to cover office supplies & printing costs for additional patients.
Economic Development/Dust Control (Tom Kouns):
$30,000 for medical dust control program. This money should do about 115 treatments. Discussion as to why this is an additional instead of in the budget, and where the money came from last year. With much concern about spending down the Economic Development fund, request was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Jack Belcher of the Howard School restoration group updated the council on the school’s progress. A time capsule is to be placed inside the school’s bell, and the group would like to have every county official’s signature on a document to be included. Council signed and thanked him for his efforts.
Judge Jeff Edens and Guardian ad litem Kandi Killin asked the council to approve new salary ordinances to create lines from circuit court budget and from state CASA grant line to pay ad litem & CASA program. Previously, a 501c3 had acted as fiscal agent no longer available under state rules. Technically the GAL program had been an independent contractor; new arrangement would make program employees officially county employees. The new ordinance should not impact county general fund significantly, as all costs should continue to be paid through budgeted Circuit Court fund and GAL grant money. Wilhoite pointed out that an additional line would need to be created to cover benefits such as PERF, which had not been covered in the past. Next month Judge Edens, Price & Sims will craft an ordinance to straighten out the current mess and also submit an appropriation to fund the new lines and pay Killin, who has been working without pay since mid-January.
Commissioner Huck Lewis and consultant Dennis Falkenburg updated the council on successful awarding of federal funds to Boone highway projects. Senator Lugar & Rep. Buyer helped to fund 146th Street project with $855,000. This should cover most of the preparation costs and open possibilities for additional funding later.
Ken Hedge & Jim Swift updated the council on the cornerstone perpetuation project. They have found &/or established nearly half the corners in the southeast corner of the county, which because of the development there is the most difficult to complete. Swift hopes to have the southeast quadrant done in two years, and the other quadrants in 2-3 years apiece.
Coroner Jerry Harris updated on the department’s activity so far. Fifteen deaths have been recorded with 11 autopsies. Autopsies done locally cost $500, while those sent to IU Med Center cost roughly $1200. Harris plans to request roughly $1100 in additional appropriations for coroner next month.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kari Ragsdale presented numbers from an informal survey requested last month on how many calls to county offices could be eliminated if the CourtView system was in place. Roughly 300+ calls per week involved information that would be on CourtView and currently must be handled by county employees. The departments pursuing the program have submitted their proposals and the council should expect to have a final proposal for purchasing the system next month. It was suggested that the money come from the IT department fund with as much as possible covered by reappropriations and the rest by an additional appropriation request.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns asked for guidance on moving forward with summer road maintenance money that had been approved in the 2009 budget. As the funds were to be primarily from interest from three funds, Kouns needs to meet with Auditor Price to clarify how to access those funds and their actual amounts.
Surveyor Ken Hedge updated on IT transition to new PCs and asked for Council’s input on how to proceed in funding replacements in departments that have their own levies for budgeting. Consensus was that all computer replacement funds should run through the IT department, but departments with levies should be asked to budget reimbursement of the IT fund. Hedge also asked for clarification on what types of computers should be purchased and suggested a better study of needs in extending current use and choosing replacements.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15.
Boone County Council4/14/2009
Present: All Council Members except Bill Soards. Auditor Melody Price, counsel Eileen Sims.
Approved minutes from March 10 meeting. President Steve Jacob noted that an additional appropriations form had not been signed at previous meeting. As this was an administrative error, signatures now were the only necessary correction. President Jacob also stated that he had received many calls regarding the CIB and the county food and beverage tax. Jacob stated he would not favor any additional food and beverage tax to that end.
Jacob also announced that the county budget has been approved by the state. Auditor Melody Price estimates a possible shortfall of 600,000 to 1 million for the current fiscal year. Jacob floated the idea of a hiring freeze and asked for council’s thoughts. Kerry Kries said it was a good place to start, and might also consider a wage freeze and possible cutbacks. Council and commissioners have explored cutting their own salaries, but by state statute cannot. Expected shortfall already coming in 2010. Kries will head a committee with Wilhoite, Shubert & Price to create a “mock” budget for 2010 to evaluate options.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (both approved):
Auditor (Melody Price):
Asked to move $900 from supplies to equipment to replace broken chairs.
Local Road & Street:
Asked $25,000 from re-striping to consulting. Needs to hire engineering firm to prepare plan for ARRA stimulus funds. Needs to act quickly to get money from state. Plans to submit four project bids for up to $40,000 in hopes of getting $1.3 million in stimulus funds. Commissioner Huck Lewis was asked the commissioners’ take; he stated the commissioners support it reluctantly, as they do not like to spend money to possibly make money. The money would be for scheduled maintenance, and would therefore free up budgeted money for other projects if received.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Circuit Court:
Judge Jeff Edens followed up on last month’s request ($18,500). Funds were not available in Superior Court fund. He believes the county may be able to recover some of the costs from Marion county, and will attempt to do so at trial’s end. Some expenses already paid out of budget line, but additional trials may require additional funds by year’s end. Approved
Assessor (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $15,000 for property tax appeals. This is a self-sustaining fund, but needs start-up money for the upcoming appeals for ’08 pay ’09.
Also requested additional funding for GUTS contract for INCOMEWORKS, which assesses commercial property value. Had originally budgeted for last year’s work, which is now complete, and needs additional to continue work. Actually getting ahead. Both approved.
County Corrections (Ken Campbell):
Asked to fund Uniforms, Training and Equipment at $5,000 apiece to allow him to treat them as line items in order to pay claims. Current system requires additional appropriation for every month’s claims, which cannot be paid until after council action. This should reduce time and paperwork. May need an amendment to the original ordinance. Auditor and counsel will have that for next month. Money comes from its own self-generating fund regardless. Approved to pay current claims.
Emergency Planning/Right to Know (Ken Campbell):
Asked $4000 for cell phone signal repeater for Emergency center in jail basement. Funds from Emergency Planning fund, not county general. Approved.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
Return on last month’s request to fill new funds as discussed. $15,000 from Projects Income to GPS Monitoring. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1500 to cover overtime truck driver pay from state fund. Will bring fund back into black. Approved.
Local Road and Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $2,607 from state reimbursement from last year’s unofficial detour on 136 west of Jamestown. Approved.
Boone County Clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones):
Requested additional $7,500 from grant money in clinic fund to line items to cover office supplies & printing costs for additional patients.
Economic Development/Dust Control (Tom Kouns):
$30,000 for medical dust control program. This money should do about 115 treatments. Discussion as to why this is an additional instead of in the budget, and where the money came from last year. With much concern about spending down the Economic Development fund, request was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Jack Belcher of the Howard School restoration group updated the council on the school’s progress. A time capsule is to be placed inside the school’s bell, and the group would like to have every county official’s signature on a document to be included. Council signed and thanked him for his efforts.
Judge Jeff Edens and Guardian ad litem Kandi Killin asked the council to approve new salary ordinances to create lines from circuit court budget and from state CASA grant line to pay ad litem & CASA program. Previously, a 501c3 had acted as fiscal agent no longer available under state rules. Technically the GAL program had been an independent contractor; new arrangement would make program employees officially county employees. The new ordinance should not impact county general fund significantly, as all costs should continue to be paid through budgeted Circuit Court fund and GAL grant money. Wilhoite pointed out that an additional line would need to be created to cover benefits such as PERF, which had not been covered in the past. Next month Judge Edens, Price & Sims will craft an ordinance to straighten out the current mess and also submit an appropriation to fund the new lines and pay Killin, who has been working without pay since mid-January.
Commissioner Huck Lewis and consultant Dennis Falkenburg updated the council on successful awarding of federal funds to Boone highway projects. Senator Lugar & Rep. Buyer helped to fund 146th Street project with $855,000. This should cover most of the preparation costs and open possibilities for additional funding later.
Ken Hedge & Jim Swift updated the council on the cornerstone perpetuation project. They have found &/or established nearly half the corners in the southeast corner of the county, which because of the development there is the most difficult to complete. Swift hopes to have the southeast quadrant done in two years, and the other quadrants in 2-3 years apiece.
Coroner Jerry Harris updated on the department’s activity so far. Fifteen deaths have been recorded with 11 autopsies. Autopsies done locally cost $500, while those sent to IU Med Center cost roughly $1200. Harris plans to request roughly $1100 in additional appropriations for coroner next month.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kari Ragsdale presented numbers from an informal survey requested last month on how many calls to county offices could be eliminated if the CourtView system was in place. Roughly 300+ calls per week involved information that would be on CourtView and currently must be handled by county employees. The departments pursuing the program have submitted their proposals and the council should expect to have a final proposal for purchasing the system next month. It was suggested that the money come from the IT department fund with as much as possible covered by reappropriations and the rest by an additional appropriation request.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns asked for guidance on moving forward with summer road maintenance money that had been approved in the 2009 budget. As the funds were to be primarily from interest from three funds, Kouns needs to meet with Auditor Price to clarify how to access those funds and their actual amounts.
Surveyor Ken Hedge updated on IT transition to new PCs and asked for Council’s input on how to proceed in funding replacements in departments that have their own levies for budgeting. Consensus was that all computer replacement funds should run through the IT department, but departments with levies should be asked to budget reimbursement of the IT fund. Hedge also asked for clarification on what types of computers should be purchased and suggested a better study of needs in extending current use and choosing replacements.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Council Meeting, March 10, 2009
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
3/10/2009
Present: All Council Members, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved minutes from February 17 special meeting and February 10 meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (all approved):
Coroner (Melody Price in for Jerry Harris): $300 from Misc. Op supplies to State Meetings
Assessor (no one present): $295 from seminars to dues
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Circuit Court:
Judge Jeff Edens requested $18,500 to cover costs of upcoming Marion County library trial, expected to last six weeks. County is required to pay costs; some may be recouped later from Marion County due to part – but not all – of the case being a “change of venue” case. Council member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that a Jury Fees fund had been created for such a situation. Because of the uniqueness of the case being held in Superior Court but paid from Circuit, it was requested that Judge Edens and the Auditor investigate the appropriate method of transferring the already budgeted money and return next month.
Community Corrections:
Kari Ragsdale requested transfer of funds totaling $77,619 from the general BCCC fund into a separate fund (0547 to 0548) created last month in compliance with state auditors. $15000 designated for a Field Officer was withdrawn, as Council member Wilhoite pointed out that additional money for benefits would be necessary. Approved minus the $15000, which will be addressed next month.
Ragsdale also requested movement of $8521 from original fund (0547 to 0549). Approved.
Superior II:
Kari Ragsdale requested movement of $8000 grant funds from community foundation to line item for women’s alcohol program. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Huck Lewis requested creation of a new line item in the Commissioners Budget for Boone County Trails expenses, as the County is beginning to be billed for engineering expenses as the trail system moves forward. County Auditor and Attorney will craft an appropriate resolution to create the new line.
Dax Norton, EDC. Updated the Council on Anson and specifically its infrastructure improvements. Norton summarized recent project attraction, and emphasized that his focus in the coming year will be largely on retention of businesses and jobs to maintain Boone county’s relatively low unemployment rate. Future focus of job creation (up to 30,000 by 2035) in Anson development area. I-65/267 interchange and I-65 improvements (3 lanes to SR 28) projected over 25 years. Interchange currently underfunded. Additional concerns about intersection of 400 E & 400 S traffic. Several leads focus around green energy development, well as green construction of future buildings. Council president Jacob asked about increasing collaboration between EDC & Boone Learning Network. Norton responded that he and BCLN director Audra Poe were currently meeting informally and looking for future commitments. Jacob asked about working with Whitestown EDC about seeking additional bonding.
Tom Dickey, Anson general manager for Duke. Gave overview of current development and near-term planned. Meijer board meeting later this month to determine if project will be started this year. Restaurant activity is at a standstill, so outlots are likely to stay idle for now. Witham/St.Vincent/Duke building expected to open Fall 2009. Performance Services (70+ jobs in 25k sq ft office building) beginning work. Hampton Inn construction expected to start this summer. Primrose Schools beginning construction late Spring. Anson Phase II TIF infrastructure funding for roads and sewers has prepared for more growth. Next step is state upgrade of I-65 interchange. Boone County will likely have to oversee reconfiguration of 400 S into interchange w/I-65, especially as 146th extension connects Walker Farms to I-65. Jacob & Soards will meet with Congressman Steve Buyer next week to discuss possible federal help.
Mark Smith, Humane Society for Boone County. Overview of HSforBC activities, updating various town councils and county gov’t. Looking to raise $1.5 million to build shelter and capital funding. Currently only 10-15% toward goal.
Melody Price, Auditor. Congressional Schools Fund (dating back to Northwest Ordinance), which requires twice-yearly distribution of interest on principal ($26,000), can now be turned over to state. Attorney Eileen Sims will deliver resolution to surrender custody to state control, which Council MAY adopt at future meeting.
Kari Ragsdale, Community Corrections. Updated council on Courtview system (discussed in January by Sherriff Campbell) to connect various courts, enforcement and probation agencies. IT department has secured possible contract for $31,500, half of which could be covered by non-taxpayer funds from Clerk, Probation, Sherriff, Prosecutor & Bar Association. Jacob asked about fees for users outside Boone County; Ragsdale had discussed this, but found costs outweighed benefits. Jacob suggested the system might save money through reducing phone calls, mailings, trips to receive information – individuals and businesses as well as governmental agencies would benefit. Prosecutor Todd Meyer & Chief Deputy Mike Nielsen spoke in support of the program. Ongoing maintenance costs will be $5,000+ inflation adjustment each year. Jacob suggested possibly seeking outside funding for yearly maintenance while county covers up front cost. Ragsdale et al will return later this year with a detailed proposal and appropriation request, with Council’s support.
No Old Business. No Public Comment.
The council discussed possible shortfalls in projected revenue for 2009 and its implications on spending for the remainder of the year in light of Boone County unemployment rising to 7.5%, among other factors. Auditor Melody Price was asked to research expected income and any changes from the recent financial downturn. State has not yet approved 2009 budget Council passed in August 2008; it is possible that state may cut the adopted budget. Council would like to have updated projections as soon as possible if adjustments need to be made.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:10.
Boone County Council
3/10/2009
Present: All Council Members, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved minutes from February 17 special meeting and February 10 meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS (all approved):
Coroner (Melody Price in for Jerry Harris): $300 from Misc. Op supplies to State Meetings
Assessor (no one present): $295 from seminars to dues
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Circuit Court:
Judge Jeff Edens requested $18,500 to cover costs of upcoming Marion County library trial, expected to last six weeks. County is required to pay costs; some may be recouped later from Marion County due to part – but not all – of the case being a “change of venue” case. Council member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that a Jury Fees fund had been created for such a situation. Because of the uniqueness of the case being held in Superior Court but paid from Circuit, it was requested that Judge Edens and the Auditor investigate the appropriate method of transferring the already budgeted money and return next month.
Community Corrections:
Kari Ragsdale requested transfer of funds totaling $77,619 from the general BCCC fund into a separate fund (0547 to 0548) created last month in compliance with state auditors. $15000 designated for a Field Officer was withdrawn, as Council member Wilhoite pointed out that additional money for benefits would be necessary. Approved minus the $15000, which will be addressed next month.
Ragsdale also requested movement of $8521 from original fund (0547 to 0549). Approved.
Superior II:
Kari Ragsdale requested movement of $8000 grant funds from community foundation to line item for women’s alcohol program. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Huck Lewis requested creation of a new line item in the Commissioners Budget for Boone County Trails expenses, as the County is beginning to be billed for engineering expenses as the trail system moves forward. County Auditor and Attorney will craft an appropriate resolution to create the new line.
Dax Norton, EDC. Updated the Council on Anson and specifically its infrastructure improvements. Norton summarized recent project attraction, and emphasized that his focus in the coming year will be largely on retention of businesses and jobs to maintain Boone county’s relatively low unemployment rate. Future focus of job creation (up to 30,000 by 2035) in Anson development area. I-65/267 interchange and I-65 improvements (3 lanes to SR 28) projected over 25 years. Interchange currently underfunded. Additional concerns about intersection of 400 E & 400 S traffic. Several leads focus around green energy development, well as green construction of future buildings. Council president Jacob asked about increasing collaboration between EDC & Boone Learning Network. Norton responded that he and BCLN director Audra Poe were currently meeting informally and looking for future commitments. Jacob asked about working with Whitestown EDC about seeking additional bonding.
Tom Dickey, Anson general manager for Duke. Gave overview of current development and near-term planned. Meijer board meeting later this month to determine if project will be started this year. Restaurant activity is at a standstill, so outlots are likely to stay idle for now. Witham/St.Vincent/Duke building expected to open Fall 2009. Performance Services (70+ jobs in 25k sq ft office building) beginning work. Hampton Inn construction expected to start this summer. Primrose Schools beginning construction late Spring. Anson Phase II TIF infrastructure funding for roads and sewers has prepared for more growth. Next step is state upgrade of I-65 interchange. Boone County will likely have to oversee reconfiguration of 400 S into interchange w/I-65, especially as 146th extension connects Walker Farms to I-65. Jacob & Soards will meet with Congressman Steve Buyer next week to discuss possible federal help.
Mark Smith, Humane Society for Boone County. Overview of HSforBC activities, updating various town councils and county gov’t. Looking to raise $1.5 million to build shelter and capital funding. Currently only 10-15% toward goal.
Melody Price, Auditor. Congressional Schools Fund (dating back to Northwest Ordinance), which requires twice-yearly distribution of interest on principal ($26,000), can now be turned over to state. Attorney Eileen Sims will deliver resolution to surrender custody to state control, which Council MAY adopt at future meeting.
Kari Ragsdale, Community Corrections. Updated council on Courtview system (discussed in January by Sherriff Campbell) to connect various courts, enforcement and probation agencies. IT department has secured possible contract for $31,500, half of which could be covered by non-taxpayer funds from Clerk, Probation, Sherriff, Prosecutor & Bar Association. Jacob asked about fees for users outside Boone County; Ragsdale had discussed this, but found costs outweighed benefits. Jacob suggested the system might save money through reducing phone calls, mailings, trips to receive information – individuals and businesses as well as governmental agencies would benefit. Prosecutor Todd Meyer & Chief Deputy Mike Nielsen spoke in support of the program. Ongoing maintenance costs will be $5,000+ inflation adjustment each year. Jacob suggested possibly seeking outside funding for yearly maintenance while county covers up front cost. Ragsdale et al will return later this year with a detailed proposal and appropriation request, with Council’s support.
No Old Business. No Public Comment.
The council discussed possible shortfalls in projected revenue for 2009 and its implications on spending for the remainder of the year in light of Boone County unemployment rising to 7.5%, among other factors. Auditor Melody Price was asked to research expected income and any changes from the recent financial downturn. State has not yet approved 2009 budget Council passed in August 2008; it is possible that state may cut the adopted budget. Council would like to have updated projections as soon as possible if adjustments need to be made.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:10.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Boone County Council Agenda, Tuesday, March 10
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of February 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Coroner, Assessor
Additional Appropriations:
Circuit Court, Community Corrections/Project Income Fund, Community Corrections\CTP Fund, Superior II
New Business:
Craig Anderson\Duke and Dax Norton/EDC - Anson Infrastructure.
Ken Campbell, Sheriff – Sheriff’s Annual Report
Mark Smith\Humane Society of Boone County – update
Melody Price, Auditor – Resolution for Congressional Schools to be sent to the State.
Kari Ragsdale - Courtview
Commissioner Huck Lewis – Request for New Line Item
Old Business:
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Approval of February 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Coroner, Assessor
Additional Appropriations:
Circuit Court, Community Corrections/Project Income Fund, Community Corrections\CTP Fund, Superior II
New Business:
Craig Anderson\Duke and Dax Norton/EDC - Anson Infrastructure.
Ken Campbell, Sheriff – Sheriff’s Annual Report
Mark Smith\Humane Society of Boone County – update
Melody Price, Auditor – Resolution for Congressional Schools to be sent to the State.
Kari Ragsdale - Courtview
Commissioner Huck Lewis – Request for New Line Item
Old Business:
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Council Meeting, February 10 -- Notes
Boone County Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 2009
8:30 a.m.
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Attendance: All Council Members, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved corrected minutes from January.
President Steve Jacob noted that due to an error in advertising, no additional appropriations can be approved today.
REAPPROPRIATIONS: all approved
Auditor Melody Price:
Reappropriation from office supplies to training ($600) and consulting ($500). Consulting to
cover overrun for GUTS contract correcting end-of-year error.
Surveyor (Kathy Clawson):
Needs vote on approval of transferring money from vehicle to equipment to cover 2008 expenditure when vehicle was available early.
Community Clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones):
$3110 from office manager to medical assistant
$12000 from medical director to consulting (does contract require commissioner approval?)
$10000 from malpractice & $6000 from prescription to repairs to cover leaking roof
Witham (which owns building) unable to repair in foreseeable future. State grant will
also help cover cost. State grants also funding computerization of Medicaid records.
Clinic's Medicaid load has doubled in past 6 months.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sherriff Ken Campbell:
$100 for postage, to reimburse EMA for $ spent.
$71.69 for fuel, from prosecutor’s extradition fund
These are essentially re-appropriations, but moving from fund-to-fund instead of line-to-line.
Community Corrections:
Sherriff Campbell would like to alter CC line from current status requiring additional appropriation for any expenditures to a regular user-fee type line which he could spend as
needed. Council advised to speak with Attorney Eileen Sims to clarify next step in doing so.
$529.90 for gloves, $271 for . . ., $1925.19 for corrections & communications officers uniforms &
stenciling “jail” on prisoner uniforms, $2195 for training.
Vendors having to wait another month for payment might be a problem. Council could approve
reappropriation today, or hold additional meeting. Can Sherriff write check from commissary fund and be reimbursed next month?
Council will hold special meeting Tuesday morning, February 17, 7:00 a.m., to approve all additional appropriations.
Drainage Board (Kathy Clawson): withdrawn
EMA: $1792.73 from state grant money to cover future projects.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
$15000 grant money for part-time employee that was approved in budget hearings, but appears to have been cut inadvertently in transcription to new budget.
Juvenile Probation: Council previously approved probation officer salary from user fee money, but needs additional for OASI (benefits) contribution. Have not figured exact total, but requesting $2000 for now, then will return later for additional. Likely to need another $400-$700.
Health Dept (Sharon Adams): $977.5 from fees to budget line for mosquito control.
All additionals tabled until special meeting on the 17th.
NEW BUSINESS:
ARC Rehab (Brent Cardin):
Mid-year report. County (121,000) accounts for 10% of budget, roughly $1.09 per service hour.
Supported employment & work skill training opportunities dropped dramatically since September, while WIC services increased proportionally.
Community corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
State review advises CC needs three separate funds for revenues instead of the current one
(boone co community corrections grant, bccc project income, bccc CTP). Ordinance to create
the two new funds, then will re-appropriate next month to populate new funds.
Clerk (Penny Bogan):
Wishes to create line-item for part-time payroll (from state grant money) for scanning old order
books, then destroying books to create space and improve accessibility of records. Council
discussed options for other storage (limited at best), as well as efficacy of spending money to
create limited amount of space. No action was taken.
Health Dept (Sharon Adams):
Pool (public & semi-public) inspection ordinance fee proposal. County has 42 pools (7 year-
round), which cost approximately $10,000/year to inspect under state & local regulations. New
fee schedule would recoup roughly half of that cost ($5500). Schools would be exempted from
fees, as they are for other health department inspection fees. Adams will return next month
with amended ordinance to include proposed fees.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
President Jacob said clarification was needed for PTBOA appointment. Council may need to make additional appointment.
Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns informed council of his list for possible spending of Boone’s share of potential federal stimulus package money.
Kouns updated council on snow removal costs thus far: $133k vs. $83k last year.
Meeting adjourned.
Tuesday, February 2009
8:30 a.m.
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Attendance: All Council Members, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved corrected minutes from January.
President Steve Jacob noted that due to an error in advertising, no additional appropriations can be approved today.
REAPPROPRIATIONS: all approved
Auditor Melody Price:
Reappropriation from office supplies to training ($600) and consulting ($500). Consulting to
cover overrun for GUTS contract correcting end-of-year error.
Surveyor (Kathy Clawson):
Needs vote on approval of transferring money from vehicle to equipment to cover 2008 expenditure when vehicle was available early.
Community Clinic (Bambi McQuade-Jones):
$3110 from office manager to medical assistant
$12000 from medical director to consulting (does contract require commissioner approval?)
$10000 from malpractice & $6000 from prescription to repairs to cover leaking roof
Witham (which owns building) unable to repair in foreseeable future. State grant will
also help cover cost. State grants also funding computerization of Medicaid records.
Clinic's Medicaid load has doubled in past 6 months.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sherriff Ken Campbell:
$100 for postage, to reimburse EMA for $ spent.
$71.69 for fuel, from prosecutor’s extradition fund
These are essentially re-appropriations, but moving from fund-to-fund instead of line-to-line.
Community Corrections:
Sherriff Campbell would like to alter CC line from current status requiring additional appropriation for any expenditures to a regular user-fee type line which he could spend as
needed. Council advised to speak with Attorney Eileen Sims to clarify next step in doing so.
$529.90 for gloves, $271 for . . ., $1925.19 for corrections & communications officers uniforms &
stenciling “jail” on prisoner uniforms, $2195 for training.
Vendors having to wait another month for payment might be a problem. Council could approve
reappropriation today, or hold additional meeting. Can Sherriff write check from commissary fund and be reimbursed next month?
Council will hold special meeting Tuesday morning, February 17, 7:00 a.m., to approve all additional appropriations.
Drainage Board (Kathy Clawson): withdrawn
EMA: $1792.73 from state grant money to cover future projects.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
$15000 grant money for part-time employee that was approved in budget hearings, but appears to have been cut inadvertently in transcription to new budget.
Juvenile Probation: Council previously approved probation officer salary from user fee money, but needs additional for OASI (benefits) contribution. Have not figured exact total, but requesting $2000 for now, then will return later for additional. Likely to need another $400-$700.
Health Dept (Sharon Adams): $977.5 from fees to budget line for mosquito control.
All additionals tabled until special meeting on the 17th.
NEW BUSINESS:
ARC Rehab (Brent Cardin):
Mid-year report. County (121,000) accounts for 10% of budget, roughly $1.09 per service hour.
Supported employment & work skill training opportunities dropped dramatically since September, while WIC services increased proportionally.
Community corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
State review advises CC needs three separate funds for revenues instead of the current one
(boone co community corrections grant, bccc project income, bccc CTP). Ordinance to create
the two new funds, then will re-appropriate next month to populate new funds.
Clerk (Penny Bogan):
Wishes to create line-item for part-time payroll (from state grant money) for scanning old order
books, then destroying books to create space and improve accessibility of records. Council
discussed options for other storage (limited at best), as well as efficacy of spending money to
create limited amount of space. No action was taken.
Health Dept (Sharon Adams):
Pool (public & semi-public) inspection ordinance fee proposal. County has 42 pools (7 year-
round), which cost approximately $10,000/year to inspect under state & local regulations. New
fee schedule would recoup roughly half of that cost ($5500). Schools would be exempted from
fees, as they are for other health department inspection fees. Adams will return next month
with amended ordinance to include proposed fees.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
President Jacob said clarification was needed for PTBOA appointment. Council may need to make additional appointment.
Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns informed council of his list for possible spending of Boone’s share of potential federal stimulus package money.
Kouns updated council on snow removal costs thus far: $133k vs. $83k last year.
Meeting adjourned.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
COUNCIL AGENDA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR February 10, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of January 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Auditor, Surveyor, Boone County Clinic
Additional Appropriations:
Sheriff, Drainage Board, EMA, Probation I, County Corrections, Community Corrections, Environmental Health
New Business:
Brent Cardin from ARC Rehab – Update
Kari Ragsdale – Request for 2 new funds
Penny Bogan/Clerk – Request amendment to salary ordinance
Old Business:
Sharon Adams/Environmental Health – Fee for pool ordinance, adding pool fees to fee ordinance
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR February 10, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of January 2009 minutes
Re-Appropriations:
Auditor, Surveyor, Boone County Clinic
Additional Appropriations:
Sheriff, Drainage Board, EMA, Probation I, County Corrections, Community Corrections, Environmental Health
New Business:
Brent Cardin from ARC Rehab – Update
Kari Ragsdale – Request for 2 new funds
Penny Bogan/Clerk – Request amendment to salary ordinance
Old Business:
Sharon Adams/Environmental Health – Fee for pool ordinance, adding pool fees to fee ordinance
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Council Meeting January 13 -- Notes
Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.
Boone County Council
1/13/2009
Attendance: Steve Jacob, Butch Smith, Debby Shubert, Kerry Kries, David Rodgers
Absent: Bill Soards, Marcia Wilhoite
Organization:
Steve Jacob was re-elected president; Butch Smith re-elected vice president.
Approval of minutes:
There was discussion over confusion on meeting minutes concerning the Prosecutor’s office request for additional funds in December. This portion was tabled and the rest approved. Prosecutor Todd Meyer later clarified & minutes were amended to strike the confusing language. January minutes will reflect the clarifications.
Re-appropriation for Auditor: All approved
$500 from supplies to equipment for chairs & office furniture replacement/repair
$4,000 to consulting for Gretchen to finish settlement ($75/hour w/GUTS)
$100 for dues and subscriptions
Will we be asked to cover $4600 w/additional later? Should not be.
Additional Appropriations for Prosecutor: All Approved
Extraditions: $2500 total due to shifting probation violations duties from prosecutor to courts.
No new funds, but deducted from prosecutor’s account & added to three courts’ accounts
Deputy Prosecutor & Victim’s Assistance positions: salaries being paid from grants, but grant $
not received yet. Approved after clarification.
Additional for Probation I: Approved
Approved salary to be pulled from user fees for extra probation officer.
Additional for Child Welfare & Probation: Approved
Massive increase in usage & services in December. More than $300,000 drawn from existing fund balance. In January, funding will be taken over by state.
NEW BUSINESS:
Soil & Water: Asked to amend salary ordnance to put money back into county general to pay part-time temporary help. No new money. Approved.
Drainage Board: Meetings hourly rate will need to be additional at future meeting. Council approved $55/meeting, at two meetings/month in 2008 budget hearings, but the submitted state budget was short $1,650 due to an error, so additional money will be needed to cover the difference. (All boards are paid $55/meeting.) Will return later, when necessary.
Weights & Measures: The council approved $25,000/yr salary in the 2009 budget. Ken Hedge wants to break this down to an hourly rate of $24/hr, not to exceed the $25,000 total. Hedge asked for amended salary ordnance. Approved.
Board Re-Appointments:
Bob Miller to Alcoholic Beverage Board
Charles Ewing to PTBOA
Debby Shubert to CVB
Greg Slipher & Marcia Wilhoite to RDC
Assessor: Brought up concerns on possible re-assessment mandated by state in summer 2009. This will likely be delayed by the General Assembly, as no counties were prepared for it or had budgeted it for it. If not delayed, it could cost the county $1 million or more. No action required at this time.
Area Plan Commission Annual Report presented by Steve Niblick. Highlights:
Significant decrease in new home permits in 2008.
Permits down but revenues up with increase in commercial buildings in Anson, etc.
Concerns over loss of permits from Eagle/Union after Zionsville reorginization:
53% of permits in 2008 came from Eagle/Union (including Anson). Outside Anson will be off county responsibility in 2010.
New permits issued in 2009 will be able, if they choose, to continue with County after 2010.
Niblick reports other enforcement issues & additional work is available to keep office busy if permits drop significantly in 2010. Would withhold changes to office until 2011.
Sherriff Campbell:
Advised the council that he is working w/IT & probation to integrate CourtView info to deputies’ in-car computers. Cost will be $38,000 for licensing, but Campbell is working to raise funds outside current budget.
Council Kerry Kries raised concerns about changeover to new county employee insurance. There is confusion over dependent children’s status; employees apparently need to certify children as in school and may not have been notified of the need to do so. Heather Barton (auditor’s office) continues to work on clarification with insurance company. Others present expressed concerns, including employees unable to get prescription discounts, not receiving insurance cards and some not notified about new form requirements. Kries questioned possible liability for county if employees or their families are not covered as they believe they are. Steve Jacob will contact commissioners about the concerns ASAP.
Boone County Council
1/13/2009
Attendance: Steve Jacob, Butch Smith, Debby Shubert, Kerry Kries, David Rodgers
Absent: Bill Soards, Marcia Wilhoite
Organization:
Steve Jacob was re-elected president; Butch Smith re-elected vice president.
Approval of minutes:
There was discussion over confusion on meeting minutes concerning the Prosecutor’s office request for additional funds in December. This portion was tabled and the rest approved. Prosecutor Todd Meyer later clarified & minutes were amended to strike the confusing language. January minutes will reflect the clarifications.
Re-appropriation for Auditor: All approved
$500 from supplies to equipment for chairs & office furniture replacement/repair
$4,000 to consulting for Gretchen to finish settlement ($75/hour w/GUTS)
$100 for dues and subscriptions
Will we be asked to cover $4600 w/additional later? Should not be.
Additional Appropriations for Prosecutor: All Approved
Extraditions: $2500 total due to shifting probation violations duties from prosecutor to courts.
No new funds, but deducted from prosecutor’s account & added to three courts’ accounts
Deputy Prosecutor & Victim’s Assistance positions: salaries being paid from grants, but grant $
not received yet. Approved after clarification.
Additional for Probation I: Approved
Approved salary to be pulled from user fees for extra probation officer.
Additional for Child Welfare & Probation: Approved
Massive increase in usage & services in December. More than $300,000 drawn from existing fund balance. In January, funding will be taken over by state.
NEW BUSINESS:
Soil & Water: Asked to amend salary ordnance to put money back into county general to pay part-time temporary help. No new money. Approved.
Drainage Board: Meetings hourly rate will need to be additional at future meeting. Council approved $55/meeting, at two meetings/month in 2008 budget hearings, but the submitted state budget was short $1,650 due to an error, so additional money will be needed to cover the difference. (All boards are paid $55/meeting.) Will return later, when necessary.
Weights & Measures: The council approved $25,000/yr salary in the 2009 budget. Ken Hedge wants to break this down to an hourly rate of $24/hr, not to exceed the $25,000 total. Hedge asked for amended salary ordnance. Approved.
Board Re-Appointments:
Bob Miller to Alcoholic Beverage Board
Charles Ewing to PTBOA
Debby Shubert to CVB
Greg Slipher & Marcia Wilhoite to RDC
Assessor: Brought up concerns on possible re-assessment mandated by state in summer 2009. This will likely be delayed by the General Assembly, as no counties were prepared for it or had budgeted it for it. If not delayed, it could cost the county $1 million or more. No action required at this time.
Area Plan Commission Annual Report presented by Steve Niblick. Highlights:
Significant decrease in new home permits in 2008.
Permits down but revenues up with increase in commercial buildings in Anson, etc.
Concerns over loss of permits from Eagle/Union after Zionsville reorginization:
53% of permits in 2008 came from Eagle/Union (including Anson). Outside Anson will be off county responsibility in 2010.
New permits issued in 2009 will be able, if they choose, to continue with County after 2010.
Niblick reports other enforcement issues & additional work is available to keep office busy if permits drop significantly in 2010. Would withhold changes to office until 2011.
Sherriff Campbell:
Advised the council that he is working w/IT & probation to integrate CourtView info to deputies’ in-car computers. Cost will be $38,000 for licensing, but Campbell is working to raise funds outside current budget.
Council Kerry Kries raised concerns about changeover to new county employee insurance. There is confusion over dependent children’s status; employees apparently need to certify children as in school and may not have been notified of the need to do so. Heather Barton (auditor’s office) continues to work on clarification with insurance company. Others present expressed concerns, including employees unable to get prescription discounts, not receiving insurance cards and some not notified about new form requirements. Kries questioned possible liability for county if employees or their families are not covered as they believe they are. Steve Jacob will contact commissioners about the concerns ASAP.
Friday, January 9, 2009
COUNCIL AGENDA TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR January 13, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approve minutes
A. December 2008
Re-Appropriations: Auditor
Additional Appropriations: Prosecutor, Superior I, Superior II, Circuit Court,
Probation I, Family & Children
New Business: Kathy Clawson: Hourly Rates for Drainage Board Meetings
Kathy Clawson: Soil & Water
Board Appointments
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR January 13, 2009
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approve minutes
A. December 2008
Re-Appropriations: Auditor
Additional Appropriations: Prosecutor, Superior I, Superior II, Circuit Court,
Probation I, Family & Children
New Business: Kathy Clawson: Hourly Rates for Drainage Board Meetings
Kathy Clawson: Soil & Water
Board Appointments
Old Business: None
Public Comment
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
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About Me
- David Rodgers
- Lebanon, IN, United States
- I am a life-long resident of Boone County and a 1989 graduate of Western Boone High School. My wife Rylin and I, along with our children Matthew and Laura, live southwest of Lebanon on the old family dairy farm that has been in my family nearly 70 years. I am a graduate of Purdue University, and for the past 20+ years have taught history, government and English at Zionsville High School. I have a Master's degree in American Studies from Purdue and am working -- slowly -- toward a Master of Public Affairs degree at IUPUI. Before being elected to the County Council in 2008, I served six years on the Jackson Township Board, having first been elected in 2002. I also serve as the Council's representative on the board of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
