Swearing In Ceremony

Wednesday I had the pleasure to attend the swearing in ceremony for all the recently elected (and re-elected) township and county officials in Boone County, conducted by newly-appointed Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steve David. As an added bonus, Judge Jeff Edens was officially sworn in as Boone County's new Circuit Court Judge. My congratulations go out to all these public servants, as well as my thanks for their willingness to serve our community. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated gorup of people who are willing to step forward and do their part to make Boone County a better place to live. Thank you!

In the pictures: County officials (l-r) Clerk Penny Bogan, Councillor Steve Jacob, Assessor Lisa Garrofolo, Councillor Gene Thompson, Councillor Butch Smith, Sheriff Ken Campbell, Councillor Brent Wheat, Commissioner Marc Applegate; Justice Steven David swearing in the newly-elected officials.

Notes -- December 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 Council
12/14/2010
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton
The council approved the minutes of the November meeting.

Council president Steve Jacob presented a plaque to member Kerry Kries in recognition of his six years of service on the council. This was Kries’s last meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (all approved)
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested transfer of $625 from three different funds (consulting, dues & subscriptions, travel expense) to Overtime.

Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Transferred $2500 from Chemical Testing and $2200 from postage to ammunition, as prices have risen and the department has faced shortages throughout the past year. Requested $116 from postage to reserves and $130 from postage to dues for reserves’ training. Requested $500 from safe keeping to other equipment to purchase an additional in-car camera (with money already in the fund).

Prosecutor (Todd Meyer):
Requested $2000 from litigation to overtime to cover additional workload and training when an employee quit.

Superior Court I (no one present):
Asked to transfer just over $10,000 from various funds to cover pauper attorney fees, plus $78 from dues/subscriptions to library.

Circuit Court (Judge Jeff Edens):
Requested transfer of just over $7,000 juvenile counseling and equipment to office supplies to fund the re-framing and expansion of the portrait collection of former Circuit Court Judges which hangs in the back of the courtroom. Despite (my) questions about the propriety of spending several thousand in tax dollars on this project, the board’s consensus was that it was appropriate and overdue.

Jail (no one present):
Requested $3000 from maintenance assistant to custodial to reflect shift in duties in covering extended sick days.

Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $2000 from postage to IT to cover new line into Camp Street Offices until end of year, for a total of four months’ bills.

Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $12,000 from GIS and Gas & Oil to social security. Several questions were asked as to why the account (and retirement addressed below) would be so short, with no concrete explanation beyond “overtime.” It was proposed that perhaps the approved budget had not calculated social security and retirement compensation for budgeted overtime, but even that explanation came up short by about half. The council agreed to approve the additional while instructing the Auditor’s office to pursue a clearer explanation for next month. Asked $500 from GIS to communication for radio purchases.

Local Road & Street (Kouns):
Transferred $20,000 from new equipment to calcium chloride for purchase of additional road treatment.


ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested nearly $13,000 for various funds to balance the books at year’s end to reflect the shift in pay period earlier this year. The fund balances will eventually even out in the new year. Approved.

Sherriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $75 to be transferred from extradition reimbursement. Approved.

E-911 (Ken Campbell):
Needed $1393 for lease payment due to miscalculation. Approved.

Jail Maintenance (Mike Martin):
Requested $34,000+ to cover utilities, including $30,000 for two months’ lighting expenses. Also requested $1,700 for laundry and cleaning. Hot summer and increased population, as well as increasing electric rates, have led to a shortfall. Approved.

GAL/CASA (Kandi Killin):
Requested $6000 for payroll from grant fund reimbursement. Approved.

Juvenile Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $45,000 to cover juvenile detention fees for the year, which have been running high. Approved.

Community Corrections (Ragsdale):
Requested $10,800 from project income fees to cover additional sleep time program for substance abuse monitoring. Approved.

Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $20,000 to cover retirement line, as discussed above in re-appropriations. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
The Council certified the result of the Zionsville School Corporation referendum last month, as required by state law. Approved by motion.

County Attorney Bob Clutter presented documentation of sale of a small parcel of land (.219 acres) of the County’s right-of-way along I-65 for the upcoming interstate expansion project. The county receives $1650 compensation for the transfer. The council approved a resolution laying out the transaction.

Attorney Clutter and Commissioner Jeff Wolfe explained a resolution to create a new fund, to be called the Employee Health Fund, with the goal of accumulating any unspent funds from year to year rather than reverting back to the general fund at year’s end. This fund could eventually be used to cover unbudgeted expenses, including premium increases. The upcoming year’s premiums will increase 24%, but no additional appropriations are anticipated. The council approved the resolution.

The council also noted the schedule of meeting dates for 2011, which will be the second Tuesday of each month, with the exception of November. November’s second Tuesday will be municipal election day, so the council will meet Wednesday, November 9th.

OLD BUSINESS:
Attorney Clutter updated the council on the 911 bond issue. The bonds will be issued tomorrow, with the county achieving a rating of AA-. Rates were not as good as anticipated, but the county will still be saving from $15,000-$20,000 per year for the next ten years over the lease.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
The council discussed the need to make several board appointments in the January meeting for terms about to expire or members stepping down. Various council members will be contacting individuals about continuing or beginning service. Interested parties should contact council members before the January meeting.


Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00.

Notes -- November 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 Council
11/9/2010
Present: All Council Members except Debby Shubert, Secretary Heather Barton
The council approved the minutes of the October meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS: (all approved)
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested just over $40 from two different lines to cover photography expenses.

Prosecutor (Todd Meyer):
Requested shifts totaling $2400 from two different funds (Witness & Deposition and Trial Expense) to boost funds in three other lines: extradition $1200, library $700, travel $500. Also requested $5000 from witness & deposition to a new line, Capital Litigation.

Superior Court II (no one present):
Requested $500 from med/psych to library. Prosecutor Meyer fielded questions about the library expenses requested by his office and two of the three courts.

Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested $1000 from equipment repairs to library.

Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $5000 for road striping and $15000 for calcium chloride, both out of the new equipment line. A truck originally planned for purchase has been deferred.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested $16,030 to the tax sale line to pay GUTS for parcels scheduled for sale. When the parcels sell, the money will be reimbursed to the general fund. The council asked several questions about the possibility of budgeting a set amount for this line in future years rather than having an additional, as well as about the county doing the tax sale work itself rather than contracting to GUTS . Approved.

Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $30,000 to Equipment Repair. Approved.

Commissioners (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $113,000 out of CCD for an updated boiler and lighting to increase energy efficiency. Commissioner Wolfe noted that some related claims of $28,000 had already been taken out of CCD, so the requested total could be reduced correspondingly. All but roughly $1500 of this cost will be reimbursed through a federal grant. (The lighting program alone was projected to repay itself in energy savings in three years, even before the grant was applied for and approved.) Approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
Dennis Dunlap was present again for an update on cell phone and vehicle usage policies. They underwent only minor changes in the past month. The policy for filling vacancies has been amended to remove the proposed preference for internal applicants. Council member Gene Thompson made several comments about the feasibility of having department heads submit requests to both the council and commissioners, as well as about the exception for the sheriff’s department (jail correction officers). Sheriff Campbell again explained the process he goes through for hiring officers, and why he believed the delay in starting that process justified the exception. Council Member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that the exception be removed so that the policy would be applicable to all employees and the sheriff’s needs be dealt with as they arose. A great deal of further discussion followed on the wording of the policy, the exception, the role of the council in the process, and whether separate policies needed to be adopted for new positions as opposed to replacement hires in existing positions. In the end, the council advised Mr. Dunlap to return to the commissioners with the policy referencing only replacement hires and removing the council from that process, as well as retaining the sheriff’s exception.

Ehran Binghaman of IndyConnect, Central Indiana’s Transportation Initiative, presented an update on the revised draft of their proposed regional transportation update. (More information at www.indyconnect.org. Check it out.)

Bob Clutter, county attorney, was present for the advertised public hearing regarding refinancing the E-911 lease through issuance of new 10-year bonds. This change will save the county roughly $25,000/year on average for the next ten years, which is the remaining length of the original lease. The bonds should be issued and the lease paid off by the end of the year, with the first bond payments in January 2011. The council approved the ordinance.

Cindy Poore, deputy auditor, requested the council amend the 2010 salary ordinance to reflect hourly breakdowns of total salaries, as is in place for 2011. The council approved the amendment.

Charlotte Beck, owner of the Key Bank building, addressed the council. Ms. Beck was concerned by a recent story in the Lebanon Reporter concerning the prosecutor’s office’s plan to move its child support division to the south side of the square, two buildings down from her building. Ms. Beck objected to the proposal to run a fiber optic line from her building’s second floor (where the county’s probation department is housed) to the prosecutor’s division, and was concerned that the portrayal of her objections in the news story was inaccurate and questioned her integrity. After detailing the attractiveness of her building’s location and amenities, Ms. Beck asked that the county consider purchasing the building for future use.

OLD BUSINESS:
None.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Dax Norton of the EDC, updated the council on upcoming projects in Zionsville and in the Lebanon Business Park, including a possible lead on filling on one of the empty buildings there. Early 2011 concerns include adding building space to the county’s development inventory. Norton also expressed concern that the incoming federal legislature is discussing cutting community development grant funding for rural communities, which would affect several Boone County communities.

Council member Thompson asked for clarification next month from the auditor’s and clerk’s office regarding the recent reimbursement from the federal government of roughly $400,000 relating to the county’s emergency purchase of voting machines several years ago. When related loans are paid off, the county has a balance of nearly $200,000 in the receiving line, which can only be used for federal election-related expense. Thompson asked if there were any expenses from last week’s election which could be paid from that fund, rather than wait until the 2012 elections.

Thompson also asked that the monthly financial statements the council receives be run as of the end of the preceding month.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40.

Council Agenda -- November 2010

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2010
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 2010 Minutes and 2011 Budget Adoption

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Sheriff, Prosecutor, Superior II, Circuit Court, Highway

Additional Requests:
Auditor, Highway, CCD

New Business:
Dennis Dunlap, Dunlap Consulting Group – Hiring Freeze, County Owned Vehicles and Cell Phones
Representative for Indy Connect Initiative
Bob Clutter, County Attorney – Appropriation Ordinance to Refund E-911 Lease
Amend 2010 Salary Ordinance

Old Business:

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, October 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

October 2010 Council Meeting 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
10/12/2010
Present: All Council Members, Secretary Heather Barton
The council approved the minutes of the September meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Area Plan Commission (Rachel Whittington)
Requested $5000 from planner to litigation to cover expected costs for the remainder of the year, and $200 from planner to vehicle expenses. Approved.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Superior Court II (no one present)
Requested $12,260 for pauper attorneys to cover costs related to Chamarro murder trial. Approved.

Community Corrections (no one present)
Requested $20,000 to GPS tracking and $6,000 to SleepTime to cover increased usage. Approved.

Cum Capital Development (Mike Martin)
Requested $10,800 to replace a compressor on one of the courthouse AC units. The current budget covered this expense, but will not have enough left to pay for other projects already scheduled. The council discussed and asked several questions about the possibility of holding off this move to replenish the fund. Approved.

The council also approved the purchase of a laptop for the Auditor’s office from the CCD fund, as discussed last month.

NEW BUSINESS:
Cindy Murphy of the Health Department requested a new fund be established to receive grant moneys for a vaccination program funded by state grant money. All the money will be spent and reimbursement requested by the end of the year. When the program is over and reimbursement made, the fund balance should be zero. Approved.

Ms. Murphy also raised the issue of using personal credit cards to cover unanticipated expenses, such as in the case of the chicken pox outbreak. President Jacob advised that that was an issue to be addressed by the Commissioners.

Dennis Dunlap, recently hired by the Commissioners for consulting on Human Resources issues, discussed the mechanics of a county hiring freeze, as well as county owned vehicles and cell phone usage. Mr. Dunlap presented a draft procedure for filling open positions, which was created at the request of the council and commissioners. A great deal of discussion followed as to the timeliness of filling vacancies under the procedure – which would require approval of the council and commissioners – particularly for jailers and communications officers. There was some disagreement on the council as to the propriety of requiring department heads to ask permission to fill vacancies in positions approved in the annual budget. The council directed Mr. Dunlap and council members Wilhoite and Thompson to discuss its comments with the commissioners and report back next month, preferably with an ordinance ready for adoption.
Mr. Dunlap also presented proposed additions to the employee handbook regarding vehicle and cell phone use which would meet IRS requirements. A recent self-audit revealed some gaps in policy which could have led to fines and/or penalties for the county or employees, and these policies will correct those omissions.

County Attorney Bob Clutter and Brian Colton from Umbaugh presented options on several bonding issues. The county’s current lease of E-911 equipment (w/10 years remaining) costs roughly $276,000 per year; in light of current interest rates, Umbaugh suggested we consider refunding the lease through a bond issue. This would save the county approximately $30,000/year, nearly $300,000 over the next ten years. After much discussion, the council approved moving ahead with the preliminary ordinance to issue the bonds. A public hearing will be conducted at next month’s council meeting, after which the council will vote on a finalized ordinance (with specific numbers).

Mr. Colton also presented numbers on the possibility of issuing General Obligation bonds for capital equipment purchases, ostensibly for the highway department. The council discussed the various options and numbers for 1-, 2- and 5-year bonds at different funding levels. While the information was helpful in assessing options for current and future needs, the council consensus was that no further bonding would be addressed at this time.

The council signed the Solid Waste District’s budget as approved at a previous meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:
None.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
President Jacob updated the council on information he had gathered from the recent Association of Indiana Counties state conference.

Tom Kouns provided documentation of receipts from the Indiana DOT of reimbursement into the Economic Development Fund for the extension of CR 400 S.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.

The council convened a meeting for the purpose of approving the 2011 budget. There was some discussion of the salary ordinance, including a pair of part-time clerical positions in the Circuit Court, but no changes were made. The council did vote to remove the county’s $5,000 contribution to the Circuit Court Judge’s salary, effective January 1 of 2011. (When the state took over judges’ salaries, counties were given the option of supplementing those salaries up to $5,000, which Boone County did for all three judges. As budgets tightened, the council discussed removing this “bonus,” but did not want to give our judges what would effectively be a $5,000 pay cut. As Circuit Court Judge Steve David has recently been appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court, a new judge will be filling that position. The council removed the supplemental for that new judge, but is leaving it in place for the other two sitting judges.) The council approved the salary ordinance and then the 2011 budget in total.
The approved county budget for 2011 is $13,182,255, a reduction of just over 8% from the 2010 approved budget, which itself was more than 8% less than 2009’s. The budget gives no increase in salary to county employees for the second consecutive year, but neither does it reduce salaries or cut any county positions. To achieve this result, the council removed $1.85 Million from the sheriff’s general fund budget to fund salaries for jailers and deputies. That money will be drawn from the county’s Rainy Day Fund for 2011.

October 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 12, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of September 2010 Minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Area Plan

Additional Requests:
Superior Court II, Community Corrections, CCD

New Business:
Dennis Dunlap, Dunlap Consulting Group – Hiring Freeze, County Owned Vehicles and Cell Phones

Cindy Murphy – New Fund

Brian Colton, Umbaugh – Bonding Options

Bob Clutter, County Attorney & Ice Miller – General Obligation Bonds of 2010 & General Obligation Refund Bonds of 2010

Approval of Solid Waste 2011 Budget – Sign

Old Business:
Jeff Wolfe, Commissioner – Cum Hospital Fund

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, September 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

Budget Adoption Meeting will follow regular Council meeting.

This agenda is subject to change.

Council Agenda September 2010 Meeting

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of August 2010 Minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Auditor, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Highway

Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Jail Maintenance, Highway

New Business:
Aspire
Cindy Murphy, Health Dept – Vacant Position
Melody Price, Auditor – New Fund
2010 Budget Reduction Review
Hiring Freeze
Motion for 2011 Salaries/PT rates/Board Meetings

Old Business:
Endorsement of County Employee Handbook

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, August 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Budget Hearings Day 4

NOTE: These are my personal notes, and should not be construed as an official record or statement of policy of any kind of the council or any other county entity.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Probation –
Much of the probation department is funded through fees, with only two budget line items from the general fund: salaries for four probation officers, which are mandated by the state, and juvenile detention center. The council cut the detention center request from $385,000 to $250,000, which is still an increase from last year, though a large increase in costs is anticipated. Kari Ragsdale, probation director, agreed to the cut with the understanding that she may have to return next year for an additional appropriation from the Rainy Day Fund.
One of the adult probation user fee funds pays most of the department. Another pair of funds involve a grant for community corrections programs, keeping offenders out of jail and saving the county substantial expenditure. One part of that program discussed at length funds correctional officers at the jail to supervise inmates granted work release. As the program has expanded, an additional correctional officer may need to be hired based on inmate/officer ratio requirements. That money would come only from user fees, not tax dollars, and would actually help the county by adding an officer to the jail staff.

Convention and Visitors Bureau –
This organization is funded entirely by the innkeepers tax, and does not come from county general funds. With the closure of the former Quality Inn/Holiday Inn in Lebanon and the economic downturn, the revenues are down substantially. The upcoming year budget reflects a cut of $80,000, roughly $30%, though that is still above projected income. Cuts to staff (part-time director and full-time assistant) and the closure of the CVB office in Lebanon are strong possibilities for savings.

Solid Waste –
The Solid Waste District is funded entirely through fees and grants, primarily charges to waste handling companies. The board has significant reserves, and has begun a community grant program to support projects in the county related to recycling and waste reduction.

Superior Court I –
Judge Kincaid agreed to a few small cuts and shifting all jury-related expenses to jury fee funds, but asked an increase in pauper attorney fees to reflect the increasing number of indigent defendants. All told the Court’s budget increased 1% over last year’s.

Weights and Measures –
Budget remained essentially the same, with a few minor cuts. The county is currently in its second year with its own weights and measures “division,” which is a part-time employee in the commissioners’ budget and supervised by the surveyor. The workload continues to increase, and in the next few years we may need to go to a full-time employee. For now it remains part-time and essentially as-needed, with a salary cap at $30,000.

Cumulative Bridge –
Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns updated on the status of the county bridges and upcoming projects. Biggest concern is the state’s continuing effort to transfer State Road 334 to local control, which would include the county taking responsibility for all its bridges. The county will continue to resist that transfer, and if forced to accept will attempt to negotiate a payment for bridge maintenance to be included. Other major discussion was over the possibility of transferring $2.1M from the fund (total balance of roughly $6.3M) to the Rainy Day fund, which would free it up for other uses, including roads and even bridges. That will require approval from the commissioners, but seems to be acceptable to Mr. Kouns. The submitted budget is equal to last year’s, $1.285M, which is above the fund’s current income, but the complex state and federal reimbursement formulas will essentially cover the difference.

Commissioners –
Increasing efficiencies from technology for printing costs and savings from the recently-adopted postage service allowed cuts from the proposed budget of $25,000 from those two lines, ending up with the two a combined $35,000 lower than last year.
Witham Health Services requested an increase of $18,000, not quite 5%, for EMS/ambulance services, in part to allow a salary increase to attract personnel. The council opted to maintain the 2011 budget at 2010 levels, leaving Witham Hospital to cover any increases if it sees fit.
ARC Rehab Services requested and received an increase of $9,000 to $130,000. Traditionally, the county has contributed 10% to ARC’s budget. Last year ARC did not request an increase, and with additional costs imposed by changes from the state the county’s percentage dropped below 8%. This increase would not cover all the additional costs, particularly increased demand for WIC services, but would put the county’s contribution back above 9% of the total budget. None of the county money goes to pay salaries; all county contributions go to programming and services.
Senior Services requested $140,000, as they have the past several years, about half of which supports public transportation in the county. All Boone County Transit vehicles are purchased through grant money. Most of the remaining county money goes to support services for seniors to allow them to stay in their homes, as well as to senior guardianship.


When all is said and done, a total of just under $2.2M has been trimmed or transferred from the general fund budget requests, leaving an approved budget about 8% lower than last year’s. Unfortunately, that leaves us only about halfway to our goal of cutting $4.4M in order to maintain a 15% operating balance. After finalizing the various resolutions needed to formalize these changes and discussing any changes to the salary ordinance, the next step will be to decide what from this budget will be transferred to the Rainy Day fund. The council discussed options for using this reserve, and the general consensus seemed to be that shooting for a target somewhere in the 12-13% range might be more prudent, and trying to take the necessary money from one fund would make the accounting easier. The decisions made this week will be reviewed by the auditor’s office staff, the council, and Umbaugh for discussion at the council’s regular September meeting. Final adoption of the budget for submission to the state could happen then, but most likely will occur in October.

Budget Hearings Days 2 & 3

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

NOTE: These are my personal notes, and should not be construed as an official record or statement of policy of any kind of the council or any other county entity.
I was unable to get myself organized enough to take effective notes as the hearings transpired Tuesday. In brief, most of the budgets for Courthouse Maintenance, Surveyor, Assessor, Auditor, the Council itself and the Health Department were trimmed slightly. The Council cut the $40,000 for the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, with the intention of funding it from the Food & Beverage fund.

The Health Department has its own levy within the overall levy cap, which the council cut nearly in half last year and returned this year. Even with that increase, the department faces nearly a quarter million dollar shortfall for 2012. The council strongly suggested that the department work to increase revenue or cut costs significantly by this time next year.

Most of the Highway Department budget was also approved as submitted, with no changes, as it comes entirely from state money and does not go through the general fund. The department is operating on the same budget it received in 2001, having cut 7 full-time and 4 part-time employees since then.

Superior Court II –
Submitted budget is not quite $2,000 above last year’s, primarily in anticipation of a large death penalty case making its way to trial. The Council worked with Judge McClure to trim other areas and end up with essentially the same allocation as last year’s budget. A lengthy and informative discussion followed of how the death penalty case would work, what costs might be incurred and what defense costs might be at least partially reimbursed by the state. Even should the case be resolved short of trial, the costs to the county have been and will be substantial, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Judge McClure and the council agreed that approving the slightly increased budget and dealing with additional costs if and when they come in through additional appropriations from the Rainy Day and other funds would be the best way to proceed.

Circuit Court –
Judge David submitted a budget request down about 3% from last year’s approved budget. The judge anticipates reclassification of the court commissioner to a magistrate due to the county’s population, which would mean the state picking up nearly all that salary, but we have no way of knowing when that change will become official so still budgeted for the county to pay it all in 2011. Trimming a few lines and shifting jury related expenditures to the jury fee fund saved $36,000 from the general fund.

Prosecutor –
Submitted budget was up about $30,000 – 4% -- from last year. $10,000 of trial expense budget were shifted to a user fee fund. Prosecutor Meyer requested an additional $8000 for rent to move the child support division across the street into the former Land Title office. It was unclear what additional and ongoing costs would be incurred by the move, and the council discussed the appropriateness of funding the rent &/or other expenses out of the Prosecutor’s child support supplemental incentive fund. That shift was approved. $20,000 was also requested for creation of a child advocacy center, for which the prosecutor has also received commitments from Zionsville and Whitestown, and is also seeking funds from Lebanon. The council agreed on the need for the center and the county’s obligation to support it, but with concerns over the ongoing and hidden costs. The council expressed support for the expenditure, but not out of the general fund. Prosecutor will come in January for an additional appropriation, likely from either Food & Beverage or CCI fund, with a commitment from the council to approve $20,000. Total cuts from the general fund left the approved budget down $10,000, 1.5%, from last year’s.

Recorder –
A recent expansion of the interpretation of what can be paid from the fee-based records perpetuation fund allows all the deputy recorders’ salaries to be shifted to it from the general fund. That and a 30% reduction for state meetings and related expenses left a general fund budget less than half last year’s.

Economic Development Corporation –
Boone EDC’s funding is significantly lower – half or less in many cases – than our neighboring competitors, and on the low end of counties of comparable size in other parts of the state. The EDC has had several successes in recent years, and a few big projects yet to be announced this year. Overall they are looking to increase their budget about $20,000 – less than 10% -- with contributions from the various municipalities to be more competitive. The council took the current general fund budget request to zero, then moved to budget $60,000 from the Food & Beverage Fund.

Jail Maintenance –
Shifted money for staff uniforms to the sheriff’s fee-based corrections fund, and discovered a $10,000 typo. Cut total general fund request by $16,500.

Sheriff –
The submitted budget totaled $4.1M, up 4% from last year. The request included a 3% salary increase for all his employees, an across the board increase which was eliminated. Three additional dispatchers’ salaries were moved to the 911 fund, and a few other shifts and small reductions resulted a total reduction from the general fund of nearly $250,000, ending about 2% lower than last year.

Budget Hearings, Day 1

Budget Hearings 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010

The county faces a nearly 20% reduction in revenue this year. Last year the council reduced expenditures about $1.2M – 7% -- from the previous year’s budget. Projections compiled by Umbaugh and Associates indicate that to maintain a safe minimum operating balance in the county general fund (15%), the council must cut general fund expenditures roughly $4.4M from the budget requests submitted by various county departments, which as submitted are already about $1.5M – 10% -- lower than last year’s approved budget.

Research and analysis performed by Umbaugh and by the Auditor’s office have found several options for shifting some expenditures from the general fund to other funds, at least temporarily, to help weather this drastic reduction in revenue. However, it appears that to avoid raising tax rates or creating additional revenue sources (new taxes), the council will likely have to draw down its reserves in order to make up the shortfall.

Generally, the council makes a preliminary approval of each department's budget, waiting to address salary issues until all the other budgeting for all departments has been completed. None of the budgets will be adopted officially until a final motion at a regular council meeting, and then the total budget will be sent to the state for approval.

NOTE: I will likely not be able to take notes for all the budget hearing sessions, but will do what I can. It should be remembered that these are my personal notes, and should not be construed as an official record or statement of policy of any kind of the council or any other county entity.

IT Department –
Initial request was for $1,183,642.40, an increase of roughly 62% over 2010 budget. Roughly $261,000 was related to a request from the Prosecutor to separate his office’s IT system from the county network. That figure would not include roughly $50,000 annually for the additional maintenance cost of a separate system. The Council cut this project and its costs, as well as reducing a few smaller items in anticipation of contract renewals for lesser amounts than had been originally submitted. Another “big ticket” budget request item was $100,000 for creation of a permitting system that could be used county wide. The council voted to defer that project for now. Total budget approved totaled $785, 042, with all but $2,000 to be taken from the Cumulative Capital Development (CCD)Fund through an additional appropriation request in January.

Clerk –
Requested $376,000, roughly 7% less than last year’s budget. The great majority of that is salaries. With a few minor cuts, and transferring some microfilm transfer duties to the fee-based records perpetuation fund, the council approved just over $354,000.

Elections –
A municipal election year means some savings, but it is also a redistricting year (following this year’s census) which will mean additional expenditures in other areas. Cut a total of roughly $101,000 from the general fund request, including about $81,500 shifted to the CCD Fund.

Treasurer –
Trimmed $400 from requests and transferred $7,000 for software maintenance to CCD Fund. Approved budget – very well-prepared by Treasurer Deanna Willhoite – will be 8% less than last year’s.

Coroner –
This office has seen a significant increase in both volume of work and cost of autopsies. The budget was approved as submitted, with an increase of about $10,000, or 20%, over last year.

Area Plan –
Changes in staffing resulted in combination of the Planner position with the Executive Director during this budget year, in part because of the reduction of territory falling under the County Plan Office due to Zionsville’s consolidation. Whitestown is also in the process of withdrawing from the county area plan office and creating its own, though the county will still have to finish out any applications it receives before that process is completed. Next year’s budget will reflect a higher salary for the Executive Director, but that will be more than offset by the elimination of the Planner position. Council trimmed almost $9,000 from the request, leaving an approved budget $14,000 less than last year.

Notes 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 Council
8/10/2010
Council Members Butch Smith and President Steve Jacob were absent, so Vice President Marcia Wilhoite chaired the meeting. Auditor Melody Price, attorney Bob Clutter were present
Approved minutes from July meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested $10,446 in witness protection be moved from its current payroll line to a new line for clerical clarification. Approved.

Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $500 be moved from educational materials to office supplies, and $2,000 from drug testing to residential placement. This year’s residential placements are already more than last year’s total. Approved.

Re-Assessment (no one present initially; Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $10,000 from Postage to Clerical. Questions were raised for clarification, and discussion deferred until Assessor Garoffolo arrived. Questions centered on the need for extra help during the appeals process which will be mandated after the Form 11s (change of reassessment) are sent in September. The figure is derived from using two part-time persons for the 45-day appeals period. Approved.


ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested $4000 to cover costs of extraditions, which continue to be high, primarily related to the Chammorro case. More is likely to be needed in coming months. Approved.

Commissioners (Charles Eaton):
Requested appropriation of $6660 in grant funds received for rails to trails. This will primarily be used for environmental impact study for the Farm Heritage Trail between Lebanon and Zionsville. Approved.

Convention and Visitors (no one present):
This was presented last month, but advertising was too late for approval. Discussion of the CVB’s budget and clarification that it is not specifically appropriated by the council followed. Approved.

Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $15,000 from the Highway Fund for tires & tubes in preparation for winter. Approved.

Health Department – Environmental (Vickie Foster & ):
Requested $570 be transferred back into the fund. An invoice was inadvertently paid twice, and this money represents the refund which was deposited into the general health fund. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion of a proposed resolution to close the 2005 Reassessment Fund ($726,000) and put its money into the 2006 Reassessment Fund (the one currently being drawn from) raised concerns from Treasurer Deanna Willhoite that doing so would leave the county without a properly labeled investment fund. Other questions asked if having this “leftover” money could reduce the amount we need to raise for the upcoming 2017 assessment. Having the $726,000 would also be useful in budgeting sessions later this month. After many questions, the council decided to defer any action until next month, when the attorney, auditor and treasurer can clarify options.

Audra Poe of the Boone County Learning Network was present with three board members to discuss the BCLN’s upcoming budget request. Ms. Poe gave several highlights of the BCLN’s activities and growth in the past year, including the popularity of “Serve Safe” for local restauranteurs and partnerships with Western Boone, Indiana WorkOne and a Transition to Work class. The GED program at the jail has a success rate of over 95% in the past year. BCLN offers nearly 30 classes, including nearly 20 adults in literacy classes and reading coaches stationed throughout the county. BCLN hosted an Opportunity Fair earlier this year which drew nearly 300 individuals seeking jobs, and assisted with Rep. Buyer’s Job Fair. The Council will consider a request for $25,000, same as this year, at the upcoming budget hearings.

Commissioner Charles Eaton requested the Council’s endorsement of the new county employee handbook, but council members have as yet been unable to see the handbook. Several questions were raised about the new handbooks continuing to lack job descriptions. Commissioner Eaton stated his support for them, but cited the reluctance of most of the elected courthouse officials to adopt and/or enforce them. Discussion about the council’s ability to require job descriptions and evaluations before releasing funds to the departments raised many questions and much commentary. Council members also debated whether endorsing a handbook created by the commissioners was appropriate. No action was taken, and the auditor’s office was asked to email a copy of the handbook to the council members so it could be discussed again at next month’s meeting.

Attorney Bob Clutter presented the resolution approved last month for transfer of funds to the Humane Society for Boone County, which was adopted.

Mr. Clutter also presented a proposal to transfer $2.1M as excess from the Cumulative Bridge Fund to the Rainy Day Fund, the max. amount allowed by state statute. Tom Kouns and Charles Eaton asked and answered several questions about how the transfer would work, what the funds could be used for if transferred, what the outlook for upcoming bridge expenditures would be, how this would affect the projections being crafted by Umbaugh, etc. The Council decided to wait until next month before taking any action, but to have a resolution prepared without a set dollar amount. Several assignments were agreed to for gathering more information before budget hearings and before next month’s meeting.

Mr. Clutter also clarified that he would modify the resolution transferring the money in the old reassessment fund. The possibility of using those monies to pay salaries of those doing the reassessment was discussed, and clarification was asked on the status of advertising those transfers for the upcoming budget hearings.

OLD BUSINESS:
Attorney Clutter addressed the ongoing confusion regarding the Cumulative Hospital Fund, which was apparently first established in 1968, but most recently re-established in 2000. This means the fund can continue through 2012, not end this year as previously indicated. There is some risk that the DLGF might still disallow the fund, which would create problems for the county and the hospital, particularly regarding their recently issued $40M bonds, which the county has agreed to back. Most likely, the fund will continue for two more years, but the council, commissioners and hospital will need to be formulating a plan for what to do in 2012. Attorney Clutter recommended the issue be addressed no later than next summer in order to have all the hearings and approvals in place before the fund expires.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Sheriff Campbell asked when the Umbaugh report would be available for release to the public. The goal has been to have it before budget hearings begin August 23, but that is not a hard deadline.

Gene Thompson asked Cindy Poore of the Auditor’s Office for clarification on a few of the funds she has been researching for possible use during budget planning. In particular, the town and city courts fund continues to accumulate. Ms. Poore stated that paperwork from all the municipalities has not been completed to clarify which funds are available to them. No municipalities have yet asked for disbursement for use in crafting their budgets.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:10.

August 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR AUGUST 10, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of July 2010 minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Re-Assessment, Community Correction-Grant, Community Corrections-CTP

Additional Requests:
Prosecutor, Commissioners, Convention & Visitors, Highway, Health Department-Environmental Div

New Business:
Aura Poe, Director of Learning Network
Commissioners – Handbook Approval
Bob Clutter, County Attorney – Humane Society Resolution
Transfer of funds to Rainy Day
Combine Re-Assessment Funds

Old Business:
Melody Price, Auditor – Cum Hospital Fund

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, July 2010 Council Minutes, Resolution 2010-4

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Notes July 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 Council
7/13/2010
Present: All Council Members except Marcia Wilhoite. Auditor Melody Price, attorney Bob Clutter.
Approved minutes from June meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $1500 from Dept. Lawyer to supplies. Approved.

Health (Cindy Murphy):
Requested $20,000 from Group Insurance to Vehicle to purchase a van for the nursing division, to carry supplies and pull a trailer with additional supplies. Murphy has identified a cargo van at Lewis Ford in Lebanon with minimal mileage. Several questions were asked about the need for and purpose of the van, as well as the possibility of large expenses from the insurance line coming later in the year. Some members favored waiting until the next budget year, or at least until nearer the end of this year. Others suggested moving the money from funds other than insurance. The Council voted separately on this request, which passed as submitted by a 4-2 vote.

Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested a transfer of $16,500 from printing to Form 11, which is a notice of assessment to taxpayers of changes in their assessments. The Forms have been optional in the past and rarely sent, but the state now mandates that they be sent. Approved.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested $2000 to cover overtime expenses, incurred largely in dealing with state-mandated homestead credit verification forms. Approved.

Prosecutor (Todd Meyer):
Requested $3000 to cover costs of extraditions, which are up considerably. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
Tony Carrell, 4-H Youth Extension Agent, presented information about the upcoming Fair as well as about the 4-H 60 Challenge, a program designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Mr. Carrell invited the council to attend the fair and to participate in the daily fitness activities each evening.

Commissioner Jeff Wolfe introduced HR consultant Dennis Dunlap, who has been assisting the commissioners in updating the county employee handbook. Mr. Dunlap answered a few questions from the Council. He stated that two major areas of concern in other counties he works with are changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the growing use of job descriptions. The updates included in this new handbook address the FMLA, but Boone County does not yet use job descriptions for evaluation or salary purposes. Several council members expressed a desire to pursue that route, but that change must come from the commissioners. Commissioner Wolfe asked that the council review the entire handbook and pass a resolution of endorsement at our next meeting.

Karen Niemeyer, Director of the Thorntown Public Library, was present for the public hearing required for approval of the library’s Capital Projects Fund. The council has binding authority to approve/deny this budget because the library’s district covers multiple townships. Several questions were asked regarding the role of the fund within the budget. Ms. Niemeyer expressed that the fund was kept separate from the operating budget in order to maintain stability for the overall budget as well as to provide more transparency in budgeting. The Council approved the budget request 5-1.

Dr. Scott Robison, Superintendent of Zionsville Schools, along with CFO Mike Schafer and counsel Jeff Bingham, were present for certification of the Zionsville Schools referendum to be placed on the November ballot. County Attorney Clutter affirmed that the process had been completed in compliance with state law. The council certified the request. (As a Zionsville Schools employee, I abstained from the vote.)

Molly Riggs of the Convention and Visitors Bureau board was present to request an additional from the CVB fund of $19,500 to cover a full five-year audit required by the DLGF. The information was not submitted in time for the advertising deadline, so the board could not vote today, but discussion was held to explain the request. The CVB is funded entirely by innkeepers tax, but still must be approved by the council. Future audits will be done bi-annually and should not be as expansive or expensive. The request will be voted upon next month.

Cindy Murphy of the Health Department requested an amendment to the salary ordinance to reflect the splitting of job duties for the coordinator for Tobacco Free Boone County, which will now be two lines for co-coordinators. Motion approved.

OLD BUSINESS:
Linda Howard from the Humane Society for Boone County was present to provide information on the expenses of the HSBC and how the funds from the surplus dog tax fund would be used. Councilor Gene Thompson emphasized that this would be a one-time donation, as the source of funds is no longer available. Ms. Howard affirmed that that was their understanding, as well as their willingness to provide an accounting for any expenditures. Some discussion was raised as to whether the resolution authorizing the funds should require it to be used for capital expenditures, but that language was not in the final motion. The Council unanimously approved the motion to transfer the $7315 to the Humane Society to use as they see fit for animal care in the county.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Gene Thompson updated the Council on his appointment to the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority, which oversees the construction (not operation) of Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis Convention Center. The convention center is on time and on budget, and portions of the building are being turned over to the operating board. Boone County contributes nearly $300,000 per year through the food & beverage tax. Mr. Thompson noted several benefits of the new construction, both to Central Indiana in general and to Boone County specifically.

Steve Jacob informed the council that in discussions with the State Board of Accounts/DLGF he was informed that the county’s hospital cumulative capital development fund must be terminated in next year’s budget, as state law only allows it to exist for 12 years. The fund must be moved to a new line either in the council’s or the commissioners’ budget. This would mean little change in the fund other than the process of its administration. Attorney Clutter and Auditor Price will research the appropriate placement and structure of the new line in preparation for next month’s budget hearing.

Jacob also noted that the state recommended the council address the five-year contribution from the Cum Bridge fund to Boone County 4-H’s building program, which is set to expire after 2011.

Meeting adjourned at 10:10.

Notes June 2010 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
6/8/2010
Present: All Council Members. Auditor Melody Price, counsel Bob Clutter.
Approved minutes from May meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS: Both approved.
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested a total of $9000 to be transferred from dispatch, deputies and corrections to part time and over time to cover staffing shortages in corrections officers.

Health (Vickie Foster):
Requested $3000 from part-time to over-time to cover comp time for an employee who left. Several questions were asked about how the department uses comp time.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $1795 to part-time to cover expense of an employee who retired with considerable time off accumulated. Approved.

County Corrections (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $3000 for new uniforms for additional communications and corrections officers. Approved.

E911 (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $334 be transferred to cover an unforeseen increase in radio tower maintenance contract. Discussion determined that this fund must be approved by the commissioners, not council. Withdrawn.

Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
As discussed at last month’s meeting, requested just over $25,000 to be transferred from four Deputy Prosecutor lines into the general fund, then back into the Prosecutor IV-D #2 (child support) fund to make duties and salary sources align more appropriately and leverage reimbursement monies by placing them in the county general fund. Discussion followed about verifying the receipts and expenditures of the different reimbursement monies. Approved both additional to complete the transfer.

Soil & Water (Kathy Clawson):
Requested $3630 be deposited into Soil & Water fund to pay board member salaries. S & W has previously deposited this money into the General Fund. Approved.

Council: See below under Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS:
Health Department’s Vickie Foster asked to amend a salary ordinance to raise the salary of the department’s part-time coordinator of volunteers from $10/hr to $11/hr. County part-time salary rate is $10, but hires from grant funds are not tied to that rate. No county budget monies would be used, and the grant fund has ample money. Council approved a motion to amend the ordinance.

Linda Howard of the Humane Society for Boone County was present to ask the council to reconsider its transfer of the Surplus Dog Tax Fund to the County General Fund and instead donate it to the HSforBC. Several Council members spoke and asked questions of Attorney Clutter to clarify what steps would be needed and if it would be possible to make that donation. The council agreed in a straw poll that it favors giving the money to the HS, but the process for doing so is unclear. Attorney Clutter, Auditor Price and Ms. Howard will work together to clarify that process and report back to the board for further action.

Jane Myers, president of the Lebanon Public Library Board, presented the council with information on the library’s assessment of the extension of services to unserved townships endorsed last week by the council as presented by the Thorntown and Zionsville libraries. Ms. Myers presented several objections and concerns her board has with the current proposal, and stated that her board has not received all the communication from the other libraries as they considered the proposal in a timely manner. The Lebanon Library Board will continue to meet and evaluate the options for services. Ms. Myers will keep the Council advised on Lebanon’s activities, though the Council does not directly play any direct role in the libraries’ efforts.

Karen Niemeyer of the Thorntown Public Library was present to discuss the library’s capital projects fund proposal. This was to be a mandated public hearing, but due to absence of advertising that hearing will have to be postponed until next month.

Council Member Gene Thompson presented a proposal that he and Marcia Wilhoite have been analyzing for the past several months on doing away with the County Park Tax -- .0027 on all county residents and then distributed to entities which have parks based on their share of the county population – or changing the allocation formula so that the five townships which currently do not receive a portion of that funding would receive some. If the county eliminates that tax levy from the 2011 budget, the local entities could adjust their local park tax levy rates accordingly before submitting their own budgets. Council members Kries and Jacob raised objections to eliminating the county share of the funding. Wilhoite addressed the possibility of alerting the non-funded townships that they could receive a portion of the county fund as well.
Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis and Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Ottinger spoke in favor of maintaining the current structure. The county’s funding distribution represents roughly 10% of the Lebanon Parks budget.
Former Union Township Trustee and current Zionsville Town Council member Candace Ulmer was present to speak in favor of eliminating the county levy so that the local entities could adjust their rates accordingly and keep that money under local control.
Jamestown resident Vickie Foster spoke in favor keeping the current distribution system, as she likes to use the Lebanon parks and agrees with paying toward their support.
A great deal of discussion – a GREAT deal – followed on the shifting of distributions and its impact on the entities which do have park budgets. Commissioner Jeff Wolfe was present and spoke to that impact being more significant on smaller entities, particularly in areas with lower assessed valuations. The Council agreed to continue the discussions leading up to budget hearings this summer and keep the local entities advised.

Surveyor Ken Hedge and some of his staff were present with a PowerPoint presentation on Legal Drain issues, including a brief history of the surveyor’s office and duties, and an overview of the drainage permit system. The office oversees approximately 420 legal drains throughout the county, over 800 miles in 96 different watersheds.
Heather Barton asked if any Council members would be attending the state called county council meeting on June 26th, as registrations are due next week. Steve Jacob and David Rodgers will attend and report back to the council.

OLD BUSINESS:
Cindy Poore presented her research on the various funds she has been researching for the past year. Highlights included the older reassessment funds (2005 & 2006), totaling over $1M. The Surplus Dog Fund which was transferred by resolution to the general fund last month actually has an additional $371, as last month a check written to one of the townships for disbursement in 2007 was voided (not cashed after three years), so the new total there is just over $7300. A new resolution may be needed to move the extra money and close the fund (which the HSforBC can then request). The Excess Tax Collected fund, which consists of overpayment of property taxes, contains nearly $800,000. The Illegal Weed Control Fund continues in dispute. A Weed Control Board was apparently created in the early 1980’s, then dissolved shortly thereafter, though not before it had created this fund to pay for sparying of noxious weeds. In the same time frame, a marijuana eradication program was created, and the fees collected for that were improperly placed into this fund. Records dating back to 1999 show no disbursements from this fund. It may be possible to fund some current expenditures in the sheriff’s department, but the mechanism for using the funds remains unclear. The State Board of Accounts has been asked to clarify what needs to be done to access these funds without a Weed Control Board, or if such a board needs to be recreated. Newly-condensed Probation Administration and Adult Probation User Fees containing nearly $800K can be used to supplement salaries of probation officers. Ms. Poore will clarify the income of those funds and their availability before budget hearings in August.

Brian Colton of Umbaugh Associates was present to discuss the proposed contract for consulting services. The Council agreed to engage (pending Commissioners Approval) for a baseline circuit breaker model, a comprehensive financial plan, and assistance with the budget process as needed. And additional appropriation of $35,000 was approved.

The Council set its 2011 Budget Hearings for the week of August 23, from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. daily through Friday. There was discussion of possibly holding at least some of the meetings in the evening. Entities to be involved will be advised of this possibility and asked to respond if they are interested.


PUBLIC COMMENT:
Commissioners Jeff Wolfe was present to announce the awarding of a block grant of $108,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to the county which will be kicked off later this month for upgrades at the courthouse and jail.

Auditor Melody Price asked for clarification on how to advise departments on their budget requests for salaries next year. The council asked that the requests leave salaries constant, with the plan to advertise them at an increase of 3%.

Mike Hancock of the Humane Society asked for clarification on the Dog Surplus fund, and was advised to request $7315 rather than $6900.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40.

June 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JUNE 8, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of May 2010 minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Sheriff, Health Department

Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Prosecutor, County Council, Soil & Water, County Corrections, E911

New Business:
Cindy Murphy, Health Dept – Amend Salary Ordinance
Humane Society
Lebanon Public Library – Capital Projects
Ken Hedge, Surveyor – Presentation
County Council – County Park Tax

Old Business:
Cindy Poore, Deputy Auditor – Fund Research Update
Brian Colton - Umbaugh

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, May 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Notes May 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 Council
5/11/2010
Present: All Council Members. Auditor Melody Price, counsel Bob Clutter.

Approved minutes from April meeting with a slight amendment to the final paragraph regarding researching transfer of the surplus dog funds. Attorney Clutter will again be present today to clarify his research.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Prosecutor (Todd Meyer):
Requested to move roughly $50,000 from five different funds into five new funds in order to allow the balances to earn interest and leverage state money from child support. The change involved shifting a deputy prosecutor position. Because the transfers will be between different funds rather than just different lines in the same fund, the request must be resubmitted and advertised as an additional appropriation next month. Withdrawn.

Area Plan Commission (Ken Hedge):
Asked to move $4700 from the Planner line to the Director line. Interim Director Rachel Whittington has been approved by the APC as the new Director. As discussed last fall, now that a Director has been hired, a transfer of additional funds to fill the salary of the director, which had been empty. The planner position will remain unfilled at least for the remainder of the year. Approved.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Auditor Price and deputy Cindy Poore returned to request $3300 for purchase of software for updating the ditch maintenance records. Surveyor Ken Hedge also spoke to the uses of the program and the possibility of purchasing an additional program at a bundling discount for his office. Hedge said he believed the programs would reduce errors and allow for more accurate and timely updates, and would save significant labor time in entering date. Representatives from GUTS were also present to explain how the programs work and what their advantages would be. An older version of the program has been in use in Jasper county for the past four years. The current request is for the Auditor’s office portion of the program; if the surveyor’s office purchases the additional program, that will bring the total cost up to $5000. Hedge said he believed the funds for both programs should go through the auditor’s office, as the benefit is really for them, though the Surveyor’s office initiates all the data entry. How and when the second program will be purchased has yet to be decided, though it is expected that it will be requested as well. The council asked several questions about the money savings the purchase would generate. Approved.

EMA (Rachel Hanson ):
Requested $57 to be transferred from the general fund to reimburse from a mistake with renewing plates through the BMV. The county received the check, which now needs to go back to EMA. Approved.

Reassessment (Lisa Garaffolo):
Requested $2420 of reimbursement of a “credit” for Income Works from the previous budget cycle from starting the reassessment early.
Also requested $79.90 for Loopnet software charges, to cover increase cost which was not known at budget hearings last summer. Both approved.

Economic Development (Tom Kouns):
Kouns was present to ask for $30,000 from the ED fund to cover medical dust control as discussed at last month’s . Because of the lower number of requests, Kouns reduced the request to $25,000. Some discussion of the possibility for funding these requests from the health department in future determined that such discussion would be better saved for next year’s budget cycle. Approved for $25,000.


NEW BUSINESS:
Attorney Bob Clutter was present to discuss further the Surplus Dog Fund. After extensive discussion, the council moved to transfer the funds (roughly $6900) to the county general fund, with the understanding that any group, including the Humane Society for Boone County, could come to the council and request the money. A resolution prepared by Mr. Clutter for that transfer was approved (without my support).
Attorney Clutter also clarified the status of the Dog Leash fund, which was created by the Commissioners in 2007, and is still an active fund, but with no apparent use for those funds. Unless the commissioners change that, the fund will stay where it is.

Prosecutor Todd Meyer presented information on his proposal for a Special Victims Unit – Community Response Team. Legislation in 2007 required the county prosecutor to create a community response team, which currently includes the prosecutor’s office, Boone County police agencies, the County Department of Child Services, Witham Hospital, Mental Health Boone County, Family Services victims advocacy, and a forensic interviewer with the Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Avon. Meyer gave background on the goal of the team approach and his goal of building support throughout the county, including funding contributions from various government entities (Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, Boone County). Meyer is seeking a total of roughly $57,000 from these groups for rental of space and hiring of a part-time child advocate, an opportunity which has presented itself which he believes needs to be acted upon quickly. Meyer has been approached by a certified child advocate & deputy prosecutor working in Marion County who lives in Zionsville and is interested in working in Boone County. The individual also uses a facility dog, trained to work with children of abuse.
Meyer appeared today to lay the groundwork for a request he plans to make at budget time for $20,000 to support the plan. The plan would include lease of space in the Key Bank building, a space larger than this program would need, but which would accommodate other members of the prosecutor’s office, which has been seeking additional space for some time. Meyer answered several questions about the availability of other space, the suitability of the new space, the possible overlap with the Division of Family Services, the use of the facility dog, the move of the prosecutor’s office’s child support division into the Key Bank building as well, how much use the new CAC would receive from surrounding counties, the number of incidents in Boone County which would use this facility/program, how many are currently being sent to other counties, state and federal reimbursements, and several others. The CAC could eventually become a self-sufficient 501(c)3 organization. Meyer was asked to return before the budget hearings in August to update the council on his interactions with the community.

Martha Catt of Zionsville Library and Karen Niemeyer of Thorntown Library were present to ask for council support for their plan to offer extended public library services for residents in six Boone County townships who are currently paying for public library services through income and excise taxes but not receiving those services. The libraries will be seeking contracts (for $2 annually) with each of the townships to comply with DLGF guidelines. Once in place, residents of the six unserved townships will be able to purchase library cards for $35 (the rate may vary from year to year based on library costs, but will remain based on the percentage of funding received from property taxes vs. COIT/excise taxes). Townships would also have the option of paying the fee for residents as Clinton Township now does at the current non-resident rate of $114 annually. There are some exceptions to who can receive the cards at this rate, primarily set by state laws which already cover various groups (i.e., students who attend Lebanon or Thorntown libraries). The agreements will be reviewed and updated annually. Lebanon library is not participating in the agreement, nor will they be accepting the Evergreen cards issued from these two libraries through this program, though county taxpayers from the entire county will be providing roughly 60% of their funding through COIT and excise taxes. The council voted unanimously to endorse the letter of support from the commissioners. The council also commended Ms. Catt, who is retiring at the end of this week after twenty years, for her service to the community.

Jackie Ramsey of RA-COMM, which provides radio equipment to our highway departments, presented with Tom Kouns regarding a requirement from the FCC which will force us to go to narrow banding beginning January 1, 2013. Today’s presentation was to serve as notification of the upcoming change in order to begin planning to budget for the new equipment. She presented a proposal for upgrading the department’s radios at a cost of roughly $75,000. Council members asked questions regarding communicating with sheriff’s department radio system, as well as how the radios are used as opposed to cell phones. Ramsey also advised the county that the current radio tower is deteriorated beyond reasonable repair and will need to be replaced soon at considerable cost. Kouns will explore budgeting the upgrade costs over two years, or even working the contract as a lease over five years. Additional questions were asked about using Sprint/Nextel phones rather than radios, and about using the current tower serving the sheriff’s department radios rather than erecting an additional tower. Kouns and Ramsey will do additional research before budget time this summer.

OLD BUSINESS:
President Jacob distributed copies of a proposed contract from Umbaugh for financial planning services. Total cost for all options would be in the range of $50,000, but the contract is set up to allow for options to be left off. The council discussed what options would be most helpful. I will coordinate clarification of those options and go before the commissioners for approval of the contract next month. An additional appropriation of $40,000 will be advertised for next month’s council meeting, at which time Umbaugh will be present and the council will decide which options and what expenditures to engage.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council member Wilhoite suggested that the council schedule a meeting in June and invite all county department heads to attend to discuss adjustments to personnel for the upcoming budget year to assist in the preparation for the upcoming budget requests. The council agreed to have Auditor Price coordinating the invitation and planning to add those discussions to New Business for next month’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Council member Thompson raised the issue of altering the process for distributing the county park fund dollars. A consideration of changing the park fund will be on the agenda for next month’s meeting.

President Jacob also raised the issue of finishing up the fund research the auditor’s office has been conducting.

Meeting adjourned at 11:15.

May 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR MAY 11, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of April 2010 minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Area Plan

Additional Requests:
Auditor, EMA, Re-Assessment, Economic Development

New Business:
Bob Clutter, County Attorney – Dog Fund Resolution
Karen Niemeyer, Thorntown Public Library and Martha Catt, Hussey Mayfield Library – Letter of Endorsement
Jackie Ramsey, RA Comm – Highway Radio Upgrade

Old Business:
Steve Jacob, Council President – Umbaugh Consulting

Public Comment:

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, April 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Notes April 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 Council
4/13/2010
Present: All Council Members. Auditor Melody Price, counsel Bob Clutter.
Approved minutes from March meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS (all approved):
Coroner (no one present):
Asked to move $75 from state meeting to training.

Extension:
Withdrawn.

IT (John Stansell):
Requested $1500 from Map Maintenance to Hardware Maintenance to cover fees related to fax server equipment.

Local Health Maintenance (Vicki Foster):
Requested $6000 from Health Educator to Office Supplies. This is state funding left in the fund from last year, but not put into the correct line. This required an additional appropriation (see below) to move the funds into the health educator line, and then this reappropriation moved into the office supplies (for purchase of health education materials).

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested $3300 to purchase a program for entry of ditch maintenance fund information, as required for state audit purposes. Ms. Price brought in the 1’ x 2’ x 4” ledger book currently used for hand entry and record-keeping. Cost includes software installation plus an annual $300 maintenance & support fee. Much discussion followed regarding the propriety of purchasing the software now as opposed to waiting to include it in the 2011 budget. General agreement was reached that the program would be helpful and save labor costs due to the time savings. A related program for the surveyor’s office could be purchased at a discount if purchased together; Surveyor Ken Hedge was present and stated that this auditor’s program would be an improvement, but his office is not yet ready to switch to a new program, though he has not yet investigated it thoroughly. The request was tabled pending further investigation.

Commissioners (Charles Eaton):
Requested the transfer of state grant funds of $1769 and $4756 to Boone County Trails. Approved.

IT (John Stansell):
Requested $16,508 for Systems Application Software for Word systems. A new vendor contract to consolidate recording and dictation equipment (court rooms, sheriff’s office, dispatch, etc.) would save roughly $15,000 over the next two years by purchasing a total three-year contract of roughly $26,500. Current cost is roughly $16000/year with $10,000 in the budget line this year being supplemented by transfers. This contract would allow a budget request of $0 for the next two years in this line. Approved.


Health Dept (Sharon Adams):
Requested $493 transfer of grant money from general fund to the appropriate line for West Nile activities.
Requested change of salary ordinance to correct an oversight in the resolution from last month’s change. The entire salary and matching benefits will be covered through state tobacco fund grant money with no cost to the county.

Local Road and Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $10,000 for Engineering Services to prepare five projects for the possible Second Stimulus package. The $10,000 will be covered from reimbursement from the projects approved for the first Stimulus package. Approved.

Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $150,000 from the highway fund (gas tax) to Stone and Gravel to repair winter damage. Kouns stated that the funds will be used to patch deteriorated paved roads with gravel. Kouns stated that unless sufficient funding can be acquired, some of the gravel patches may become permanent. Approved.
Kouns presented a list of summer road maintenance projects for paved roads and estimated costs for their maintenance. Total estimated cost would be roughly $4.5 Million. Kouns found cuts to trim the request to $2.5M. Commissioner Eaton spoke on behalf of providing additional funding from the Economic Development Fund. Eaton also emphasized that the problem cannot be solved at the county level, but must be addressed by the state. However, he expects that the state legislator will expect the county to adopt a Wheel Tax as part of the process, though that will not raise nearly enough funding.
Extensive discussion followed on which funds might be used to support the maintenance program. Economic Development Fund, Rainy Day Fund and Food & Beverage. Proposals to fund $1.5, $1.8 or $1.9M from the Economic Development Fund and possibly add more from the Food & Beverage Fund next month. A motion to approve $1.5M from the Econ. Dev. Fund carried unanimously.
Kouns also brought up the question of whether the county would again fund dust control application for those with medical procedures. The Highway Dept has already received over 100 requests, but no funding is available. After several minutes of discussion, the Council consented to Kouns bringing a request for funding next month.

NEW BUSINESS:
Vicki Foster of the Health Department requested creation of a new unappropriated fund to receive grant money ($18,500) from the Boone County Community Foundation for a part-time community health coordinator for the County Healthy Coalition. This would be a one-year county position (with possibility for renewal pending future grants) but would be entirely funded by the grant money. Resolutions to create the new fund and amend the county salary ordinance passed unanimously.
Richard Stroup, who will fill the new position, addressed the council with some background on the evolution of the coalition and the position. Stroup emphasized that Boone County had ranked last among Indiana counties a few years ago in state funding received for health programs. This year, the Healthy Coalition has been recognized at both state and national levels for its efforts.

Auditor Melody Price reviewed the state Circuit Breaker Reporter. Zionsville took the largest hit due to the home values there. The county’s loss of revenue to the circuit breaker amounts to roughly $268,000.
(Side note: the circuit breaker credits for Boone County’s school corporations:
Western Boone $8,653
Lebanon $141,858
Zionsville $1,461,017)

Price also discussed her office’s efforts to coordinate procedures across departments with the goal of increasing efficiency in reporting and accounting of claims. Two meetings will be held later this month to review the procedures and instruct departments.

OLD BUSINESS:
Council President Steve Jacob reported on his discussions with three consulting firms regarding a possible review and forecast of the county’s financial situation. After his investigation, he is recommending Umbaugh to address the county’s needs. Gary Malone of Umbaugh addressed the council on Umbaugh’s experiences and credentials, including working with Zionsville and Whitestown, Clinton, Madison, Wayne and Rush counties, among others. Among Umbaugh’s services in which the county is interested are a circuit breaker analysis, a monthly cash flow analysis/projection and a five-year capital projection upon which to base minimum fund requirements.
The Council is concerned at the uncertainty from the state, as well as the lack of forecasting currently available to the county. The council agreed to move forward with exploring a possible contract for services. President Jacob will head a committee to work with Umbaugh to define a scope of services and provide options and dollar amounts for the council next month.

Gene Thompson raised concerns about the transfer of Tax Sale funds. He will meet with Auditor Price to discuss the origin of the funds from the 2006 sale and the possibility of creating separate funds for ongoing sales moving forward to enable more definite tracking of future revenues.

Steve Jacob updated on the efforts to transfer money from the Dog Leash and Surplus Dog Fund to the Humane Society for Boone County. The Surplus Dog fund can be transferred by a resolution that Attorney Clutter will prepare for next month. The Leash Fund must be dealt with by Ordinance, as it was created by a Council ordinance originally.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.

Meeting adjourned at 10:50.

April 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR APRIL 13, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052


Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of March 2010 minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Coroner, Extension, IT, Local Health Maintenance

Additional Requests:
Auditor, Commissioners, IT, Highway, Local Road & Street, Health Dept, Local Health Maintenance, Economic Development

New Business:
Richard Stroup – Boone Co Healthy Coalition
Vickie Foster, Health Dept – New Fund
Sharon Adams, Health Dept – Amend Salary Ordinance
Melody Price, Auditor – Circuit Breaker, Department Head Meetings

Old Business:
Steve Jacob, Council President – Hired Consultant Update

Public Comment

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, March 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Notes March 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 Council
3/9/2010
Present: All Council Members except Gene Thompson, Secretary Heather Barton, Attorney Bob Clutter, Auditor Melody Price

Council approved the February 2010 minutes with a minor change of wording.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All Approved.
Mapleview (no one present):
Last month the council approved $2,024 to cover severance pay for two employees. It was later discovered that the money had already been encumbered, so a resolution was needed today to move that money back.

Re-Assessment (Jane Wood):
Requested to move $2000 from appraisal to consulting to fund ongoing appeals with the state (IBTR). The county needs to hire additional appraisals to be done for the county to win its cases when appealed to the state.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested moving $12,8883 from the general fund to the Motor Vehicle fund as a transfer of insurance money received from a totaled car. Approved.

Re-Assessment (Jane Wood):
Re-assessment was originally budgeted to begin July 1, but because of a decision which will save the county roughly $40,000 it has now begun as of January 1. This additional request of nearly $80,000 will fund the first six months’ work. Approved.
Re-assessment office also asked for transfer of $2475 to Equipment line to replenish after a re-appropriation to IT last month. Last month’s request would have been an additional, but time for advertising did not allow. Approved.

Highway:
Requested $20,000 to cover shortfall in snow removal overtime pay. Early 2010 snows came largely on weekends and holidays, which cost additional money. Approved.

Local Road & Street:
Requested $10,000 to Calcium Chloride in anticipation of more need if not in the near term, then at the end of the year. Approved 5-1.

NEW BUSINESS
Sharon Adams of the Health Department is ready to hire a preparedness liaison as previously discussed and approved by the council through funding from a federal grant. President Jacob reiterated that should the grant money dry up the employee position would not be maintained at county expense. The council approved a resolution amending the salary ordinance for the position at $16/hr, not to exceed a maximum of roughly $23,000, which would include the county’s matching contributions to Social Security, FICA, etc. The part-time position would not include medical or other county benefits, so would have no additional cost to the county beyond what the grant pays. Approved.

Sheriff Ken Campbell presented his annual report (http://www.boonecountyindianasheriff.com/c/images/2010annreport.pdf), as required by statute, pointing out several highlights.
• 2009 saw 2,454 jail admissions and 2,450 releases, with average daily population of 144
• Jail population increased nearly 18% in the past year after declines preceding two years in part through work release and community corrections programs
• OWI & Public Intoxication account for nearly 650 incarcerations
• Dedicated male and now female cell blocks are devoted to drug & alcohol counseling
• Medical costs rose 11%, though costs are still below those of four years ago
• Partnerships with the Boone County Clinic, Boone County Learning Network, Lebanon Library and others
• Jail GED program has 93.4% graduation rate
• Sheriff’s office serves over 700 civil papers per month
• 17,000+ calls for service responded in 2009
• Volunteer reserves donated hours equivalent to 3.5 full-time officers
• Partnerships with ZFD & Witham added 20 AEDs to patrol at no cost to county
• Through grant money is developing a canine officer unit
• Sgt. Martin was recognized as DARE officer of the year in 2009
• Dept. continues partnership with Western Boone High School
• Offender Watch website for sex offenders created in 2009
• Updated and re-launched Dept website for services: http://www.boonecountyindianasheriff.com
• Many sheriff’s sale duties were privatized, freeing up substantial time at no cost to Dept.
• Fleet maintenance program in third year

President Jacob raised the possibility of contracting with a consultant to provide revenue & expenditure forecasts for the council to plan future budgeting. The idea would be a 3-5 year projection. Council agreed to explore options for next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:
Deputy Auditor Cindy Poore presented an update of her continuing fund research.
• Three probation departments will be consolidated into a newly named “Probation Administration Fee” fund due to department consolidation. These funds can be used for essentially any probation department needs, including officer salaries. A motion was made and carried to transfer the money and close the two extraneous funds.
• Two adult probation user fee funds will be consolidated into a single adult probation user fee fund. These funds can be used for any adult probation department needs other than salaries (though that may be possible, pending further research). Motion made and carried.
• $43,731 in Excess Levy Fund will be moved to county general. These funds had been in the fund one full calendar year and must be moved by state statute. Motion made and carried.
• Tax Sale Surplus funds of $90,293 leftover from 2006 tax sale may be moved to county general after three years. Moving the funds may require a resolution, but clarification has not been received from the state. No action today.
• Surplus Dog and Dog Leash funds totaling roughly $7100. Resolutions are under review to be presented next month.
• Weed Control fund of $22,000+ needs to be renamed to Marijuana Eradication Program Fee. The fund continues to grow through criminal cost fees, but has had no expenditures. Much discussion followed as to clarifying the purpose and history of the fund(s). No action was taken pending further research.
• 2005 Re-assessment fund, discussed previously, is currently in an investment fund, so needs to be left alone for now.
Continuing research is underway to prepare funds lists for budget hearings.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.


Meeting Adjourned at 10:25.

March 2010 Council Agenda

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR MARCH 9, 2010
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052

Amended

Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of February 2010 minutes

Re-Appropriation Requests:
Jail
Re-Assessment
*Retract approved Mapleview request from February meeting.

Additional Requests:
Sheriff
Re-Assessment
Highway
Local Road & Street

New Business:
Sharon Adams, Environmental Health- Preparedness Liaison
Ken Campbell, Sheriff – Annual Report

Old Business:
Cindy Poore, Deputy Auditor – Fund Update

Public Comment

Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, February 2010 Council Minutes

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.

Central Indiana Transit Task Force

Public transportation options for Central Indiana are making news thanks to an initiative spearheaded by several area business leaders through an organization called Indy Connect. Boone County figures into the group's proposals in only minor areas, but the number of Boone County residents who commute to Indianapolis and other communities in the region, as well as the growth expected to come our way from Indy in the next few decades, mean we need to be aware of any such initiatives and involved in the conversations about these future plans. I recently attended a briefing on the plan on behalf of Boone County government; my notes from that meeting are copied below. If you are interested in the topic, I encourage you to visit the Indy Connect website (http://www.indyconnect.org/) or attend one of the upcoming public forums in Boone County. The first will be at the Zionsville Library, February 25, at 6:30; the second at the Lebanon Library, March 18 at 6:00. I'd be happy to share my thoughts in more depth, and would love to hear yours.


Central Indiana Transportation Task Force Briefing – 2/1/2010

Presentation by Mark Miles, co-chair, of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership

About twenty in attendance, including county government officials from Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks & Hancock counties, along with IndyGo & InDOT officials.

The presentation was a briefing on the upcoming (2/10/2010) Task Force report on the future of transportation in central Indiana. The task force is a largely private sector group, primarily businesses, sponsored by the Corporate Partnership.
Some info of interest:

Mobility Issues: Indy is nation’s 24th largest metro area, with 100th largest transportation system

Environmental Issues: 99th of 100 in carbon footprint per capita; Marion Co. consistently rated “F” from American Lung Association

Findings/Recommendations:
A Multi-modal system -- including expanded roads, busses and rail – would be best solution.
Funding opt-in by county via referendum, perhaps a dedicated sales tax of .25-.5%
Would need only Marion & Hamilton counties to begin work

Proposals:
Targeting cost-effective highway expansion (redirecting $600M from currently-scheduled projects)
Tolled express lanes – I-69 NE of Indy, I-65 SE
Expanded Regional bus system – would include express option to 334 in Boone
Blended light & commuter rail – would use existing E/W rails along Washington St & N/S rails diagonally across Meridian; extend commuter lines to Fishers & Greenwood

Boone County would receive approximately 3% of Initial Rate of Return benefit

Key Principles:
Pay to Play
County Referendum
Public-Private Partnership

Strategy:
DOT Savings re-direct
Toll revenue
TIF (limited)
Dedicated Sales Tax

Proposal will be handed off to CIRTA & MPO after Feb. 10
Build public education through 2010, lobby legislature for 2011, begin referendums 2011 or 2012 (Indy Corporate Partnership will fund referendum campaigns).