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.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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.
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.
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About Me
- David Rodgers
- Lebanon, IN, United States
- I am a life-long resident of Boone County and a 1989 graduate of Western Boone High School. My wife Rylin and I, along with our children Matthew and Laura, live southwest of Lebanon on the old family dairy farm that has been in my family nearly 70 years. I am a graduate of Purdue University, and for the past 20+ years have taught history, government and English at Zionsville High School. I have a Master's degree in American Studies from Purdue and am working -- slowly -- toward a Master of Public Affairs degree at IUPUI. Before being elected to the County Council in 2008, I served six years on the Jackson Township Board, having first been elected in 2002. I also serve as the Council's representative on the board of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
