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
12/13/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the November meeting and the October Budget Hearing and Budget Adoption meetings.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All Approved.
Surveyor/Drainage Board(Kathy Clawson):
Requested $200 from meetings to office supplies for Drainage Board to advertise upcoming events.
Requested $100 from Photo Blueprint to Seminars to so Jim Swift, coordinator of the Cornerstone Perpetuation Project, can attend a training seminar.
Superior Ct. I (no one present)
Requested $1700 from Part-Time to Office Supplies. Requested $360 Judge Pro Tem, Other Operating Expense and Med/Psych to Library. Some discussion followed regarding the ongoing requests from all three court for Library funding.
Circuit Court (no one present):
Requested just under $6000 from various funds to Pauper Attorney Fees, and $200 to Library.
Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $4700 from Aerial to Appraisal to cover appeals costs for Lebanon downtown appraisals. This is the third time this request has become before the Council this year, which led to lengthy discussion. The Council approved these funds as an additional appropriation this summer, then denied it as a re-appropriation this fall when it returned and Ms. Garoffolo was not present to explain why we should do it again. As it turns out, the state had denied the original additional appropriation request without notifying the council. Now it is being re-done as a re-appropriation, which should meet the state’s approval.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Auditor (Melody Price):
Requested $500 for OverTime to finish year-end work with open enrollment periods. No motion was originally made to approve. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and then defeated 2-4
Requested $1325 to repair and rebind several plat and transfer record books. Several council members discussed the need to make this expenditure at year’s end, whether the funds should come from this line, if the records could be digitized or whether the task should fall to the Recorder’s office. The motion was tabled to await further discussion with the Recorder and other offices.
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested just under $1300 in various transfers for Part-Time (sheriff’s sales), Inmate Medical and Postage reimbursements. Approved.
County Corrections (Ken Campbell):
Requested $55 for transfer of a refund related to uniforms. Approved.
Prosecutor (Cindy Poore & Tonya Thayer):
Requested $202,000 to cover various salary lines designated for child support work which had been budgeted to be drawn from the Prosecutor’s IV-D incentive fund. The budgeting for that fund had been intended to rely on reimbursements from the state (at 66%), which it now appears are only going into the general fund. Additionally, the state has given very narrow guidelines for what the IV-D fund can be spent to support. Approved.
County General Health (Cindy Poore & Melody Price):
Requested $788,000 to cover a cumulative shortfall in the Health Department’s Insurance fund. The biggest part of that shortfall stems from a shift at the end of 2009. At that time, $412,000 budgeted for health insurance and unspent at year’s end should have been rolled over but instead reverted back to the general fund. In 2010 and 2011 budgeting, that money was assumed to be available in the fund, but was not. After several questions for Ms. Poore, Alan McCloskey of SIHO (current insurance carrier) spoke to the issue of the changeover. McCloskey also noted that the county’s expected costs for 2012 are currently $3M, while we have budgeted $3.1M, with a maximum exposure of $3.4M (including all premiums). MUCH discussion of insurance premium rates, costs, employee share, etc., followed. The county’s current health insurance cost per employee is at $1195, with a national average nearly $1000, though McCloskey noted that the county’s benefit plan and employee costs compare to many employers whose costs are in the $1400-$1500 range. Commissioner Marc Applegate also addressed the difficulty of estimating health insurance budgets in July with renewal numbers coming in January. Extensive further discussion followed regarding the extent of the county’s liability and whether the appropriation was necessary. Eventually a motion to appropriate the $788,000 for the Health Department, as well as $120,000 for the Highway Department Health Fund, which is similarly underfunded, both carried 5-2. Marcia Wilhoite and I voted no on both. (Personal note: While I accept some responsibility for not overseeing these funds closely enough, I cannot accept spending a total of over $900,000 to cover an error in the Auditor’s office, particularly in light of the herculean efforts by the council, department heads and employees over the past year to squeeze budgets and to accept cuts in light of significantly falling revenues.)
County Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $40,000 from two different funds (Gas & Oil and Equipment Repair). Approved.
Requested $52,000 from CCD for radio upgrades, as discussed extensively at previous meetings, including last month’s joint meeting with the Commissioners. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Council approved meeting dates for 2012 on the second Tuesday of each month, with the exception of May, when we will meet on Wednesday, May 9th, due to the primary election holiday on the 8th.
Tonya Thayer of the Prosecutor’ Office addressed the Council regarding shifting of benefits from one employee to another due to moving the first employee’s benefits to a diversion fee line. Several questions were raised, but no action was requested or taken. The Council did thank Ms. Thayer for her years of service as office manager for the Prosecutor’s office, as she will be taking office as the Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Lebanon. (Thanks, Tonya! We’ll miss you!)
Sheriff Campbell introduced Morgan Stanley representatives Ed Painter and Elaine Beatty to address questions regarding the sheriff & merit deputy pension funds. Beatty had previously been employed at McCready and Keene, which oversaw the county’s pension funds actuarially. She gave an overview of the pension program, dating back to 1972. Gene Thompson asked for information regarding the county’s liability and projected exposure. The pension plan is pre-funded, based on a 20-year pay-off assumption. There was some discussion of how best to move the employee contribution and court filing fee portions of the county’s obligation, as well as how the council might determine possible long-term exposure. In recent years, the county’s contribution has steadily declined, if slightly, but with recent market volatility and especially interest rate returns, the longer-term picture would indicate increases will be required to cover the obligation.
Council President Jacob raised the issue of renewing board appointments. Some discussion of whether the Council needed to make a re-appointment to the Hussey-Mayfield Library board ended with consensus that we did not. Current appointments were renewed with the exception of the PTA/BOA, which may be shifting from five to three members, and Mapleview, where there is uncertainty as to the willingness of Tracey Hammel to continue serving.
Auditor Melody Price presented an overview update on the county’s financial position. With today’s actions, she estimates the county general fund will have an operating balance of roughly $2M. The Rainy Day and Economic Development Funds – the county’s two “reserve” funds – will total roughly $9.9M. This led to discussion of the possibility of budgeting a one-time lump sum payment to county employees. Several questions as to how such a payment would be distributed if it were approved ended with the item being placed on the Council’s January agenda and as a possible topic for the next quarterly joint meeting with the commissioners, which also likely will be in January.
OLD BUSINESS:
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Meeting adjourned after 11:00, which was when I had to leave, so these notes are incomplete.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be Tuesday, January 10th, 2012.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Agenda -- December 2011 Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 13, 2011
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of November 2011 Minutes, 2012 Budget Hearing and Adoption Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Surveyor, Drainage Board, Superior Court I, Circuit Court,Re-Assessment
Additional Requests:
Auditor, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Co Gen Health Fund, County Corrections, Highway, Highway Health Fund, Cum Bridge, CCD
New Business:
Ken Campbell and Morgan Stanly Rep – Sheriff’s Pension
Rick Carney, Highway Superintended – Narrow banding
Approval of 2012 Council Meeting Dates
Tonya Thayer, Office Manager Prosecutors Office – Benefits for Employee
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, November 2011 Council Minutes, 2012 Hearing and Adoption Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 13, 2011
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of November 2011 Minutes, 2012 Budget Hearing and Adoption Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Surveyor, Drainage Board, Superior Court I, Circuit Court,Re-Assessment
Additional Requests:
Auditor, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Co Gen Health Fund, County Corrections, Highway, Highway Health Fund, Cum Bridge, CCD
New Business:
Ken Campbell and Morgan Stanly Rep – Sheriff’s Pension
Rick Carney, Highway Superintended – Narrow banding
Approval of 2012 Council Meeting Dates
Tonya Thayer, Office Manager Prosecutors Office – Benefits for Employee
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, November 2011 Council Minutes, 2012 Hearing and Adoption Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Notes -- Joint Council/Commissioners Meeting November 2011
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 and Commissioners Joint Meeting – Zionsville Town Hall
11/16/2011
Present: All Council Members, All Commissioners, Commissioners Secretary Karen Maue
Commissioners President Jeff Wolfe and Council President Steve Jacob called the respective boards’ meetings to order. Wolfe led the boards and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wolfe thanked the Town of Zionsville and Town Manager Ed Mitro for hosting our meeting and providing the recording equipment as well.
Commissioner Wolfe asked County Auditor Melody Price to address the joint boards concerning her recommendation to change the county’s accounting software contract from Harris Financial to CYMA. Price and GUTS employee Gretchen Smith distributed information regarding the costs and benefits of the two programs, as well as the desirable features offered by CYMA which Harris does not offer. The annual cost differential between the two would be roughly $20,000 (beginning in 2013), though first-year costs with set-up would be more for CYMA (vs. adding the features desired which Harris does offer). Price also estimated that the manpower savings and related costs using the new software would be roughly $5,000 in the Auditor’s office alone, with the potential for additional savings in other offices as CYMA would dramatically increase the ease of communication between departments and reduce duplication of entries. Several council members asked questions of Price and Smith. Smith explained that GUTS has recently assisted Jasper in implementing the program with no serious issues, but with some useful learning that will be helpful should Boone County choose CYMA. County Treasurer Deanna Willhoite also spoke in favor of the CYMA program, highlighting the savings through efficiencies and elimination of duplication. Council member Gene Thompson asked about the timeline for a conversion to the new software and its impact on year-end accounting issues. The initial contract for the licensing through GUTS would be for three years. Commissioner Wolfe also spoke in favor of the CYMA package because of the additional features it offers. The Council approved a motion to support additional funding for the switch if needed through an additional appropriation at a later meeting. Commissioner Wolfe asked County Attorney Bob Clutter to make some additional clarifications to the GUTS/CYMA contract before the Commissioners take action at their next meeting.
Council President Jacob thanked Commissioners Secretary Karen Maue and Zionsville Fire Chief Van Gorder for setting up the room and equipment for our use. Jacob then asked Council member Marcia Wilhoite (who is our representative on the county Redevelopment Commission) to provide an update on the refinancing of the 96th Street TIF project. The project area concerns Zionsville as well. Wilhoite asked interim highway superintendent Rick Carney to summarize the project. Carney discussed the plans to alleviate drainage problems in the area, particularly coming off I-465 and I-865. The current plans call for installation of under-drains and a “chair-back” curbing within the existing right-of-way and on the existing surface area, without disturbance to the surrounding landscape or trees. Carney stated that the initial plan was to complete the project this past fall, but with the increased activity around Indianapolis a delay was deemed advisable. The current plan is to call for bids the first of the year and begin construction the first of June, with a timeline of 5-8 weeks for completion. Traffic will obviously be impacted, but the plans are designed to minimize that as much as possible.
Boone County Sheriff Ken Campbell addressed the boards and introduced Major Mike Nielsen, Chief Deputy, to address the FED-mandated narrow-banding of public safety radios. This is different from the re-banding to 800 MHz radios which has recently been completed, funded largely by Spring and Nextel. Major Nielsen reviewed these differences and clarified some of the highlights of the changeover. This project applies to the radio systems for the county jail and also to the highway department. The jail portion of the project is in place, with funding and contracts approved (see November Council Meeting notes), and implementation is underway. Major Nielsen and Rick Carney of the Highway Department discussed the highway portion of the contract. The original estimates for that changeover were $75,000; Major Nielsen, former Superintendent Tom Kouns, Carney and Wilhoite have reviewed options, combined duplicate functions and eliminated roughly 1/4th of the radio units originally requested, so that the current estimate for this portion is down to roughly $25,000, though some of the details of implementation are still under review. Jackie Ramsey of Ra-Comm also addressed the meeting regarding the savings effected by combining transmitters and abandoning plans to upgrade or replace the jail tower. Ramsey did assert that action would need to be taken by early 2012 in order to take advantage of a trade-in program which could net the county roughly $4000 for old equipment. Many questions followed from both boards. An additional appropriation request from the highway department will be on the Council’s agenda for its regular December meeting.
Sheriff Campbell and Major Nielsen also addressed the update to the county’s 911 contract with AT&T. The county had been operating on the assumption that the current contract expired at the end of 2012, but in reality the contract (which provides support for the 165,000 phone calls made to the sheriff’s office each year, not just the 27,000 911 calls) will expire at the end of this year. No funding for the contract was budgeted for 2012. Major Nielsen introduced Craig Bennett of AT&T to summarize the situation and the various options facing the county. Some of the options include joining a regional project involving neighboring counties surrounding Marion County, which might include $100,000 in grant money from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Essentially, Major Nielsen has recommended an option which would combine some services with the other donut counties (including accessing that grant money), but implementation of that plan likely will not be feasible until mid-2012. In the meantime, in order to maintain service at the current level, the county will enter into a monthly extension, most likely funded by an additional appropriation from the Commissioners next month (through a fluke in state law, the Commissioners oversee landline 911 budgets, while the Council oversees wireless 911). From there, the Sheriff, Council and Commissioners will have to come up with a plan to fund a new contract by mid-year.
Auditor Melody Price presented a brief financial update on the county’s budget, including the ongoing appeal process regarding the Cumulative Bridge Fund and the pending state approval of the county’s 2012 budget. Those two issues are somewhat interdependent. Price also distributed a DLGF summary of the county’s property tax revenues and expenditures by the various government entities.
Wolfe and Jacob discussed the scheduling of the next joint meeting, with the desire to reset the quarterly schedule. They will get together to come up with a date in late January, hopefully in Jamestown, as the boards desire to continue to make our activities more accessible to all the county’s citizens.
Wolfe and Jacob asked for Other Business from the boards, but not was raised.
Wolfe asked for public comment. Mr. Bleakman (? Sorry, I couldn’t hear clearly.) of Zionsville raised concerns over two road issues on the former 334. Some confusion arose over which entity would be responsible for addressing one of the problems on the bridge just east of the eastern entrance to Stonegate subdivision.
MANY citizens spoke regarding the Ford Road Bridge project.
• Zionsville town council member-elect Elizabeth Hopper addressed the boards asking for clarification regarding the process of deciding to replace the Ford Road bridge north of 96th Street with a used steel truss bridge. Commissioner Marc Applegate gave a brief history of the project, including the petition some ten years ago which scuttled the original project design in an effort to preserve the “tunnel of trees” on 96th Street. The commissioners then contracted with Barker Engineering, which specializes in historic bridges, to explore options. Barker located the steel truss bridge in Shelby County, and presented a design incorporating it which was approved by the commissioners. Applegate stated that the plan was presented to the then-Zionsville Town Council and received unanimous approval. Hopper asked for further clarification on the petition process and the decision to use the two-lane steel bridge.
• Zionsville resident Debbie Unger also addressed the bridge issue, stating that she felt replacing the current narrow bridge with an equally-narrow bridge would not address the increasing safety concerns. Ms. Unger related that she has been involved in numerous “near misses” around the bridge, and is very concerned for the safety of her two teenage sons who have recently become licensed drivers.
• Zionsville resident Paul Watson likewise spoke to the bridge issue. Mr. Watson is a retired engineer, and stated his opinion that Ford Road and 96th Street have become major traffic thoroughfares due to the booming population of Zionsville. Watson mentioned the increased pressure on this roadway due to the traffic limitations of the Zionsville village to the east and the now-abandoned plans for an interstate interchange on Cooper Road to the west. Watson pointed out several problems with the overgrowth of trees in the area and the resulting encroachment on traffic lanes, poor lines of sight, flooding and freezing issues, etc.
• Zionsville resident Dave Firanze (?) spoke to the bridge issue, citing the increasing congestion on Ford Road as the only viable north-south entry to Zionsville. He encouraged the commissioners to look to the future and the need for multi-lane access into town for which a two-lane bridge would become a choke point. Zionsville Town Council Vice President Tim Haak addressed the boards, stating that the Town Council will shortly have three new members, and reiterating his suggestion that representatives of the county and the town meet to discuss the future of the bridge project. Council member Brent Wheat suggested that the Ford Road capacity is clearly impacted by the Cooper Road decision. Haak suggested that any discussions need not be limited to the Ford Road situation. Commissioner Applegate stated that the project was already very far along, and that stopping it now would mean 6-8 years before another bridge could be planned, and that the current bridge would likely not last that long.
• Zionsville Town Council member Steve Mundy spoke, echoing Haak’s statement asking for dialogue on any bridge project. He also asked for continuing communication on the various entities’ budgeting processes.
• Lebanon city council member Dick Robertson, former county highway superintendent, addressed the boards encouraging them to adopt the Wheel Tax (Local Option Highway User Tax) to supplement the county and municipality highway department funds. Council member Gene Thompson stated that he has volunteered to bring up the possibilities of exploring additional revenue streams, including a Wheel Tax, in the first quarter of 2012. Robertson also gave some history of the origins of the Ford Road Bridge project, which he stated began in 1995. Robertson said the comprehensive project would have addressed the issues raised by previous speakers, but never reached the public hearing stage before it was abandoned by the commissioners. He also stated additional options were drawn up in plans dating back to the 1980s which would have addressed many of the congestion concerns.
• Aaron Smith of Lebanon clarified that Robertson did not represent the views of the Lebanon City Council regarding the Wheel Tax. He also stated that he has opposed the Wheel Tax since it was proposed by then-superintendent Tom Kouns nearly 10 years ago. Smith stated that one of the original purposes of the County Option Income Tax was to supplement highway funding; he agreed with Robertson that the county should find ways to reinstate that funding without passage of a Wheel Tax, as it is regressive.
• Council member Gene Thompson read a letter from a Zionsville resident regarding the Ford Road bridge. The author (Daniel Clark) is a bridge design and rehabilitation engineer with INDOT who stated that he has dealt with repairs on three steel truss bridges in the past year. He listed various problems with the steel truss bridge proposal for Ford Road and strongly advised the county not to implement the current project. Thompson raised additional concerns that installing a steel truss bridge would mean it would be an historic bridge, which would create significant – and expensive – additional hurdles for future repairs or replacement.
Sheriff Ken Campbell addressed the boards with a courtesy call regarding the replacement of an assistant jail maintenance supervisor, in light of the recent passing of long-time employee Joe Osborne.
Commissioners president Wolfe made a motion to appoint a representative to discuss bridge issues with Zionsville. Applegate and Eaton did not second, instead suggesting they discuss it at their meeting Monday. Wolfe tabled the motion. The Commissioners then adjourned their meeting.
Council president Jacob asked the council for comments. I thanked the boards for holding this meeting and the audience for attendance. Wilhoite suggested that Wolfe and Jacob create a set schedule for these joint meetings for 2012 on a regular quarterly date (third Wednesday, for example). The Council then adjourned as well.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00.
Boone County Council and Commissioners Joint Meeting – Zionsville Town Hall
11/16/2011
Present: All Council Members, All Commissioners, Commissioners Secretary Karen Maue
Commissioners President Jeff Wolfe and Council President Steve Jacob called the respective boards’ meetings to order. Wolfe led the boards and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wolfe thanked the Town of Zionsville and Town Manager Ed Mitro for hosting our meeting and providing the recording equipment as well.
Commissioner Wolfe asked County Auditor Melody Price to address the joint boards concerning her recommendation to change the county’s accounting software contract from Harris Financial to CYMA. Price and GUTS employee Gretchen Smith distributed information regarding the costs and benefits of the two programs, as well as the desirable features offered by CYMA which Harris does not offer. The annual cost differential between the two would be roughly $20,000 (beginning in 2013), though first-year costs with set-up would be more for CYMA (vs. adding the features desired which Harris does offer). Price also estimated that the manpower savings and related costs using the new software would be roughly $5,000 in the Auditor’s office alone, with the potential for additional savings in other offices as CYMA would dramatically increase the ease of communication between departments and reduce duplication of entries. Several council members asked questions of Price and Smith. Smith explained that GUTS has recently assisted Jasper in implementing the program with no serious issues, but with some useful learning that will be helpful should Boone County choose CYMA. County Treasurer Deanna Willhoite also spoke in favor of the CYMA program, highlighting the savings through efficiencies and elimination of duplication. Council member Gene Thompson asked about the timeline for a conversion to the new software and its impact on year-end accounting issues. The initial contract for the licensing through GUTS would be for three years. Commissioner Wolfe also spoke in favor of the CYMA package because of the additional features it offers. The Council approved a motion to support additional funding for the switch if needed through an additional appropriation at a later meeting. Commissioner Wolfe asked County Attorney Bob Clutter to make some additional clarifications to the GUTS/CYMA contract before the Commissioners take action at their next meeting.
Council President Jacob thanked Commissioners Secretary Karen Maue and Zionsville Fire Chief Van Gorder for setting up the room and equipment for our use. Jacob then asked Council member Marcia Wilhoite (who is our representative on the county Redevelopment Commission) to provide an update on the refinancing of the 96th Street TIF project. The project area concerns Zionsville as well. Wilhoite asked interim highway superintendent Rick Carney to summarize the project. Carney discussed the plans to alleviate drainage problems in the area, particularly coming off I-465 and I-865. The current plans call for installation of under-drains and a “chair-back” curbing within the existing right-of-way and on the existing surface area, without disturbance to the surrounding landscape or trees. Carney stated that the initial plan was to complete the project this past fall, but with the increased activity around Indianapolis a delay was deemed advisable. The current plan is to call for bids the first of the year and begin construction the first of June, with a timeline of 5-8 weeks for completion. Traffic will obviously be impacted, but the plans are designed to minimize that as much as possible.
Boone County Sheriff Ken Campbell addressed the boards and introduced Major Mike Nielsen, Chief Deputy, to address the FED-mandated narrow-banding of public safety radios. This is different from the re-banding to 800 MHz radios which has recently been completed, funded largely by Spring and Nextel. Major Nielsen reviewed these differences and clarified some of the highlights of the changeover. This project applies to the radio systems for the county jail and also to the highway department. The jail portion of the project is in place, with funding and contracts approved (see November Council Meeting notes), and implementation is underway. Major Nielsen and Rick Carney of the Highway Department discussed the highway portion of the contract. The original estimates for that changeover were $75,000; Major Nielsen, former Superintendent Tom Kouns, Carney and Wilhoite have reviewed options, combined duplicate functions and eliminated roughly 1/4th of the radio units originally requested, so that the current estimate for this portion is down to roughly $25,000, though some of the details of implementation are still under review. Jackie Ramsey of Ra-Comm also addressed the meeting regarding the savings effected by combining transmitters and abandoning plans to upgrade or replace the jail tower. Ramsey did assert that action would need to be taken by early 2012 in order to take advantage of a trade-in program which could net the county roughly $4000 for old equipment. Many questions followed from both boards. An additional appropriation request from the highway department will be on the Council’s agenda for its regular December meeting.
Sheriff Campbell and Major Nielsen also addressed the update to the county’s 911 contract with AT&T. The county had been operating on the assumption that the current contract expired at the end of 2012, but in reality the contract (which provides support for the 165,000 phone calls made to the sheriff’s office each year, not just the 27,000 911 calls) will expire at the end of this year. No funding for the contract was budgeted for 2012. Major Nielsen introduced Craig Bennett of AT&T to summarize the situation and the various options facing the county. Some of the options include joining a regional project involving neighboring counties surrounding Marion County, which might include $100,000 in grant money from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Essentially, Major Nielsen has recommended an option which would combine some services with the other donut counties (including accessing that grant money), but implementation of that plan likely will not be feasible until mid-2012. In the meantime, in order to maintain service at the current level, the county will enter into a monthly extension, most likely funded by an additional appropriation from the Commissioners next month (through a fluke in state law, the Commissioners oversee landline 911 budgets, while the Council oversees wireless 911). From there, the Sheriff, Council and Commissioners will have to come up with a plan to fund a new contract by mid-year.
Auditor Melody Price presented a brief financial update on the county’s budget, including the ongoing appeal process regarding the Cumulative Bridge Fund and the pending state approval of the county’s 2012 budget. Those two issues are somewhat interdependent. Price also distributed a DLGF summary of the county’s property tax revenues and expenditures by the various government entities.
Wolfe and Jacob discussed the scheduling of the next joint meeting, with the desire to reset the quarterly schedule. They will get together to come up with a date in late January, hopefully in Jamestown, as the boards desire to continue to make our activities more accessible to all the county’s citizens.
Wolfe and Jacob asked for Other Business from the boards, but not was raised.
Wolfe asked for public comment. Mr. Bleakman (? Sorry, I couldn’t hear clearly.) of Zionsville raised concerns over two road issues on the former 334. Some confusion arose over which entity would be responsible for addressing one of the problems on the bridge just east of the eastern entrance to Stonegate subdivision.
MANY citizens spoke regarding the Ford Road Bridge project.
• Zionsville town council member-elect Elizabeth Hopper addressed the boards asking for clarification regarding the process of deciding to replace the Ford Road bridge north of 96th Street with a used steel truss bridge. Commissioner Marc Applegate gave a brief history of the project, including the petition some ten years ago which scuttled the original project design in an effort to preserve the “tunnel of trees” on 96th Street. The commissioners then contracted with Barker Engineering, which specializes in historic bridges, to explore options. Barker located the steel truss bridge in Shelby County, and presented a design incorporating it which was approved by the commissioners. Applegate stated that the plan was presented to the then-Zionsville Town Council and received unanimous approval. Hopper asked for further clarification on the petition process and the decision to use the two-lane steel bridge.
• Zionsville resident Debbie Unger also addressed the bridge issue, stating that she felt replacing the current narrow bridge with an equally-narrow bridge would not address the increasing safety concerns. Ms. Unger related that she has been involved in numerous “near misses” around the bridge, and is very concerned for the safety of her two teenage sons who have recently become licensed drivers.
• Zionsville resident Paul Watson likewise spoke to the bridge issue. Mr. Watson is a retired engineer, and stated his opinion that Ford Road and 96th Street have become major traffic thoroughfares due to the booming population of Zionsville. Watson mentioned the increased pressure on this roadway due to the traffic limitations of the Zionsville village to the east and the now-abandoned plans for an interstate interchange on Cooper Road to the west. Watson pointed out several problems with the overgrowth of trees in the area and the resulting encroachment on traffic lanes, poor lines of sight, flooding and freezing issues, etc.
• Zionsville resident Dave Firanze (?) spoke to the bridge issue, citing the increasing congestion on Ford Road as the only viable north-south entry to Zionsville. He encouraged the commissioners to look to the future and the need for multi-lane access into town for which a two-lane bridge would become a choke point. Zionsville Town Council Vice President Tim Haak addressed the boards, stating that the Town Council will shortly have three new members, and reiterating his suggestion that representatives of the county and the town meet to discuss the future of the bridge project. Council member Brent Wheat suggested that the Ford Road capacity is clearly impacted by the Cooper Road decision. Haak suggested that any discussions need not be limited to the Ford Road situation. Commissioner Applegate stated that the project was already very far along, and that stopping it now would mean 6-8 years before another bridge could be planned, and that the current bridge would likely not last that long.
• Zionsville Town Council member Steve Mundy spoke, echoing Haak’s statement asking for dialogue on any bridge project. He also asked for continuing communication on the various entities’ budgeting processes.
• Lebanon city council member Dick Robertson, former county highway superintendent, addressed the boards encouraging them to adopt the Wheel Tax (Local Option Highway User Tax) to supplement the county and municipality highway department funds. Council member Gene Thompson stated that he has volunteered to bring up the possibilities of exploring additional revenue streams, including a Wheel Tax, in the first quarter of 2012. Robertson also gave some history of the origins of the Ford Road Bridge project, which he stated began in 1995. Robertson said the comprehensive project would have addressed the issues raised by previous speakers, but never reached the public hearing stage before it was abandoned by the commissioners. He also stated additional options were drawn up in plans dating back to the 1980s which would have addressed many of the congestion concerns.
• Aaron Smith of Lebanon clarified that Robertson did not represent the views of the Lebanon City Council regarding the Wheel Tax. He also stated that he has opposed the Wheel Tax since it was proposed by then-superintendent Tom Kouns nearly 10 years ago. Smith stated that one of the original purposes of the County Option Income Tax was to supplement highway funding; he agreed with Robertson that the county should find ways to reinstate that funding without passage of a Wheel Tax, as it is regressive.
• Council member Gene Thompson read a letter from a Zionsville resident regarding the Ford Road bridge. The author (Daniel Clark) is a bridge design and rehabilitation engineer with INDOT who stated that he has dealt with repairs on three steel truss bridges in the past year. He listed various problems with the steel truss bridge proposal for Ford Road and strongly advised the county not to implement the current project. Thompson raised additional concerns that installing a steel truss bridge would mean it would be an historic bridge, which would create significant – and expensive – additional hurdles for future repairs or replacement.
Sheriff Ken Campbell addressed the boards with a courtesy call regarding the replacement of an assistant jail maintenance supervisor, in light of the recent passing of long-time employee Joe Osborne.
Commissioners president Wolfe made a motion to appoint a representative to discuss bridge issues with Zionsville. Applegate and Eaton did not second, instead suggesting they discuss it at their meeting Monday. Wolfe tabled the motion. The Commissioners then adjourned their meeting.
Council president Jacob asked the council for comments. I thanked the boards for holding this meeting and the audience for attendance. Wilhoite suggested that Wolfe and Jacob create a set schedule for these joint meetings for 2012 on a regular quarterly date (third Wednesday, for example). The Council then adjourned as well.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Agenda -- Joint Council/Commissioner Meeting, 11/16/2011
AGENDA FOR JOINT MEETING
BOONE COUNTY COMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011 AT 6:00 P.M.
ZIONSVILLE TOWN HALL
BEV HARVES MEETING ROOM
1100 WEST OAK STREET
ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077
765-483-4492
1. Call Meeting to Order. Meeting Begins at 6:00 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discussion of Cyma Financial Contract With GUTS
4. 96th Street TIF Update
5. Withdrawn
6. Discussion of 2012 County Budget
7. Discussion of Next Joint Meeting Date
8. Other Business
9. Public Comment
10. Adjourn
All times are approximate. The public is encouraged to attend the monthly Council meetings and the monthly Commissioner Meetings as well as the Joint meetings.
This Agenda is subject to change.
BOONE COUNTY COMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011 AT 6:00 P.M.
ZIONSVILLE TOWN HALL
BEV HARVES MEETING ROOM
1100 WEST OAK STREET
ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077
765-483-4492
1. Call Meeting to Order. Meeting Begins at 6:00 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discussion of Cyma Financial Contract With GUTS
4. 96th Street TIF Update
5. Withdrawn
6. Discussion of 2012 County Budget
7. Discussion of Next Joint Meeting Date
8. Other Business
9. Public Comment
10. Adjourn
All times are approximate. The public is encouraged to attend the monthly Council meetings and the monthly Commissioner Meetings as well as the Joint meetings.
This Agenda is subject to change.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Notes November 2011 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
11/9/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the October meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All Approved.
Surveyor(Ken Hedge):
Requested $1200 from spray/clerical and $400 from photo/blueprint to travel to pay for fuel for the remainder of the year. The council, Surveyor Hedge and Auditor Price discussed the desirability of changing the name/coding of the travel line to more accurately reflect the standard use of the line for fuel expenditures.
Prosecutor(Tonya Thayer):
Requested $1500 from fugitive extradition to dues and $2000 from fugitive extradition to library. Those categories cover continuing education dues as well as subscriptions and research fees.
Superior I(No one present):
Requested $1000 from extradition -- $500 to library and $500 to med/psych evaluation, as well as $200 from office equipment -- $100 to library and $100 to other operating expenses. Several members discussed the propriety of the annual transfer of funds to library, dues and subscriptions from the judges’ and prosecutor’s offices and asked that more information be presented in future.
Superior II (No one present):
Requested $200 from dues/subscriptions to library.
Circuit Court (No one present):
Requested $1500 from juvenile counseling to library and $3000 from juvenile counseling to pauper attorney fees.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $6000 moved from road maintenance to road striping.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (No one present):
Requested roughly $2400 in various transfers for Inmate Medical and Postage reimbursements. Approved.
Coroner (No one present):
Requested $4480 for travel expenses and $1000 for cell phone to reimburse expenditures. The council has had an ongoing conversation with the coroner about the inadequacy of the budgeted lines for the increasing caseload of that office. Coroner Harris has largely been paying expenses as they arise. Approved.
Community Corrections (No one present):
Withdrawn as a duplicate submission.
County Corrections (Ken Campbell):
Requested $25,000 for the federally-mandated VHF radio upgrade in conjunction with the highway department. The council asked Sheriff Campbell and Mr. Carney several questions about the radio upgrade and the contracts from the highway and sheriff’s departments. This discussion had been inadvertently placed on the agenda for next week’s joint council/commissioners meeting (my fault!), but following today’s discussion it will be withdrawn. The sheriff’s department portion of the contract is covered by this additional, while the highway department’s will need to be on the agenda for the council’s December meeting. Approved.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $133,000+ as reimbursement from INDOT grant money for the 146th Street extension project. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recorder Sam Baldwin addressed the council regarding her desire to hire a new part-time employee to cover absences in her office. This is a new employee, but not a new position. No additional funds will be budgeted.
County Attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council regarding a resolution authorizing transfer of $600,000 from the Rainy Day Fund to a newly-created fund housing monies for the I-65 West TIF re-development bond. This essentially serves as surety for the reissued bond for that development district, as proposed by the RDC board and discussed last month. Additional language in the resolution and the segregation of this money into its own fund it is hoped will prevent expenditure of this money on other projects as happened with the surety from the original bond issue. The council approved a motion adopting the resolution.
Auditor Melody Price presented the monthly financial update, including an estimate that the county’s general fund operating balance will be roughly $2M at year-end, with the prospect of additional unspent and unencumbered funds from the 2011 budget reverting to that fund January 1.
More importantly, Ms. Price took the council through a discussion of the state DLGF’s rejection of the council’s resolution to reset the Cumulative Bridge Fund rate to reflect the end of the county’s commitment of $500,000 from that fund’s annual revenue to the county 4-H building program. State statute requires such resolutions to be published as public notice in two newspapers in the county. As both the Lebanon Reporter and Zionsville Times-Sentinel are owned by the same company, the county submitted the information for publication to the single individual who then forwards the submission to both papers. In this instance, the Times-Sentinel failed to publish the notice. As a result, the fund rate will actually drop in an amount equivalent to roughly $500,000, and result in the Cum Bridge fund being underfunded. The fund does have sufficient balance to cover the budget despite the loss, but the council is uncomfortable with the lack of “cushion” which will be left. Several options for appeals were discussed, and Attorney Clutter, president Jacob and the commissioners will discuss options. In the face of this rejection, Auditor Price submitted an increased levy rate for the county’s general fund which would allow for roughly the same amount of revenue to be collected, just into a different fund. In the end the consensus was to proceed with the appeal currently underway and then to adapt to whatever the result. It was also agreed with the commissioners to propose a change to the statute language in the legislature through the Association of Indiana Counties.
Councilman Thompson asked a question about possible use of the Sheriff’s Pension Fund account to help offset the county’s portion of the sheriff’s pension plan. Auditor Price and Ms. Barton answered that they had just received clarification to outstanding questions on that issue and that it appeared next year the county could allocate a set amount from the fund to the budget for the pension plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council member Wilhoite asked Commissioner Wolfe for an update on the status of the county health insurance plan renewal. Wolfe stated that Commissioner Applegate is meeting with representatives of three companies this week and was expected to report back to the commissioners by month’s end.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be Wednesday, November 16th, at 6:00 p.m. when the council and commissioners will conduct their “quarterly” joint meeting at the Zionsville Town Hall.
Boone County Council
11/9/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the October meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All Approved.
Surveyor(Ken Hedge):
Requested $1200 from spray/clerical and $400 from photo/blueprint to travel to pay for fuel for the remainder of the year. The council, Surveyor Hedge and Auditor Price discussed the desirability of changing the name/coding of the travel line to more accurately reflect the standard use of the line for fuel expenditures.
Prosecutor(Tonya Thayer):
Requested $1500 from fugitive extradition to dues and $2000 from fugitive extradition to library. Those categories cover continuing education dues as well as subscriptions and research fees.
Superior I(No one present):
Requested $1000 from extradition -- $500 to library and $500 to med/psych evaluation, as well as $200 from office equipment -- $100 to library and $100 to other operating expenses. Several members discussed the propriety of the annual transfer of funds to library, dues and subscriptions from the judges’ and prosecutor’s offices and asked that more information be presented in future.
Superior II (No one present):
Requested $200 from dues/subscriptions to library.
Circuit Court (No one present):
Requested $1500 from juvenile counseling to library and $3000 from juvenile counseling to pauper attorney fees.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $6000 moved from road maintenance to road striping.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (No one present):
Requested roughly $2400 in various transfers for Inmate Medical and Postage reimbursements. Approved.
Coroner (No one present):
Requested $4480 for travel expenses and $1000 for cell phone to reimburse expenditures. The council has had an ongoing conversation with the coroner about the inadequacy of the budgeted lines for the increasing caseload of that office. Coroner Harris has largely been paying expenses as they arise. Approved.
Community Corrections (No one present):
Withdrawn as a duplicate submission.
County Corrections (Ken Campbell):
Requested $25,000 for the federally-mandated VHF radio upgrade in conjunction with the highway department. The council asked Sheriff Campbell and Mr. Carney several questions about the radio upgrade and the contracts from the highway and sheriff’s departments. This discussion had been inadvertently placed on the agenda for next week’s joint council/commissioners meeting (my fault!), but following today’s discussion it will be withdrawn. The sheriff’s department portion of the contract is covered by this additional, while the highway department’s will need to be on the agenda for the council’s December meeting. Approved.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $133,000+ as reimbursement from INDOT grant money for the 146th Street extension project. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recorder Sam Baldwin addressed the council regarding her desire to hire a new part-time employee to cover absences in her office. This is a new employee, but not a new position. No additional funds will be budgeted.
County Attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council regarding a resolution authorizing transfer of $600,000 from the Rainy Day Fund to a newly-created fund housing monies for the I-65 West TIF re-development bond. This essentially serves as surety for the reissued bond for that development district, as proposed by the RDC board and discussed last month. Additional language in the resolution and the segregation of this money into its own fund it is hoped will prevent expenditure of this money on other projects as happened with the surety from the original bond issue. The council approved a motion adopting the resolution.
Auditor Melody Price presented the monthly financial update, including an estimate that the county’s general fund operating balance will be roughly $2M at year-end, with the prospect of additional unspent and unencumbered funds from the 2011 budget reverting to that fund January 1.
More importantly, Ms. Price took the council through a discussion of the state DLGF’s rejection of the council’s resolution to reset the Cumulative Bridge Fund rate to reflect the end of the county’s commitment of $500,000 from that fund’s annual revenue to the county 4-H building program. State statute requires such resolutions to be published as public notice in two newspapers in the county. As both the Lebanon Reporter and Zionsville Times-Sentinel are owned by the same company, the county submitted the information for publication to the single individual who then forwards the submission to both papers. In this instance, the Times-Sentinel failed to publish the notice. As a result, the fund rate will actually drop in an amount equivalent to roughly $500,000, and result in the Cum Bridge fund being underfunded. The fund does have sufficient balance to cover the budget despite the loss, but the council is uncomfortable with the lack of “cushion” which will be left. Several options for appeals were discussed, and Attorney Clutter, president Jacob and the commissioners will discuss options. In the face of this rejection, Auditor Price submitted an increased levy rate for the county’s general fund which would allow for roughly the same amount of revenue to be collected, just into a different fund. In the end the consensus was to proceed with the appeal currently underway and then to adapt to whatever the result. It was also agreed with the commissioners to propose a change to the statute language in the legislature through the Association of Indiana Counties.
Councilman Thompson asked a question about possible use of the Sheriff’s Pension Fund account to help offset the county’s portion of the sheriff’s pension plan. Auditor Price and Ms. Barton answered that they had just received clarification to outstanding questions on that issue and that it appeared next year the county could allocate a set amount from the fund to the budget for the pension plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council member Wilhoite asked Commissioner Wolfe for an update on the status of the county health insurance plan renewal. Wolfe stated that Commissioner Applegate is meeting with representatives of three companies this week and was expected to report back to the commissioners by month’s end.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be Wednesday, November 16th, at 6:00 p.m. when the council and commissioners will conduct their “quarterly” joint meeting at the Zionsville Town Hall.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Council Agenda, November 9, 2011
Note that this month's meeting will be on WEDNESDAY the 9th, due to the election on the 8th.
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Superior Court I, Circuit Court
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Coroner, County Corrections, Community Corrections – PI, Highway
New Business:
Sam Baldwin, Recorder – PT Person
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, October 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Superior Court I, Circuit Court
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Coroner, County Corrections, Community Corrections – PI, Highway
New Business:
Sam Baldwin, Recorder – PT Person
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, October 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Notes -- October 2011 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
10/11/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the September meeting with several corrections.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All approved
Circuit Court(no one present):
Requested $2100 from Juvenile Counseling to Library.
CCD/Courthouse Maintenance (Mike Miller):
Requested $2140 from Equipment to Courthouse/Annex. This is simply moving the funds allocated last month for the new generator and fence into the appropriate line.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $23000 to the Part-Time line to cover jailer and communications officer positions (full-time) which have been empty and not yet filled. Most of the full-time positions were/are being paid out of the Rainy Day Fund, so that money, while still available in that fund, cannot be used to pay from this general fund part-time line. We’ll actually be spending less money than originally budgeted, but less from Rainy Day and more from the General Fund. (As council president Steve Jacob said, “Gotta love government accounting!”) Approved.
Also requested $168 to Part-Time to cover employee work on sheriff’s sales. Approved.
Requested roughly $900 in various transfers for Inmate Medical, Postage and Supplies for inmate reimbursements. Approved.
Commissioners/Trails (no one present):
Requested reimbursement of nearly $3000 for rail-to-trail grant money. Approved.
Jail Maintenance/Vehicle (Mike Martin):
Requested $1000 for fuel costs for the jail truck, as that line has been depleted. Approved.
Jail Building/CCD (Mike Martin):
Requested $15,000 for building maintenance costs. Approved.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $30,000 for GPS tracking to pay a vendor for increased monitoring, including increased juvenile offender monitoring. This will be paid through offender fees. Approved.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $15000 for tires and tubes to cover that line’s expected expense for the remainder of the year. This is Highway Fund money, not general fund. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Tonya Thayer from the Prosecutor’s Office requested an amendment of the salary ordinance to reflect personnel shuffles in the Chief Deputy Prosecutor position, an additional deputy prosecutor position and the CAC Director. Much confusing discussion followed, and in the end a motion to make the change carried 4-3.
Major Nielsen and County Attorney Bob Clutter presented a series of amendments to the sheriff’s retirement fund required by new IRS regulations on recent legislative changes. Clutter stated the amendments were all technical in nature and would make no substantive changes in our current retirement plan. The council voted to authorize the changes.
Dax Norton, Executive Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on a busy couple of months. One major project has placed a Boone County location in its final three site list and will likely decide soon. Two companies in the Lebanon Business Park are in discussions regarding expansion, both in space and in employees. The EDC continues to work on its “gardening” project of finding small companies in the incubator stage and help them to grow while staying in Boone County. The EDC will be hosting a “Boone EDC 101” in Lebanon on November 4th, as well as a development summit workshop in Advance at a TBD date.
Auditor Melody Price presented the monthly financial update, as well updates on the upcoming tax sale and surplus funds. Price also asked the Council to consider purchase of a software package called CYMA, which her office and the Treasurer have been evaluating with GUTS, the county attorney and the commissioners. Our current provider will cost just under $50,000 next year between needed upgrades and annual maintenance ($26,000). This new software will be about $47,000 for the first year, then $12,000 annual maintenance.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Marcia Wilhoite noted that issues regarding the 911 upgrade, as well as addressing radio issues with the sheriff’s and highway departments, will be discussed at the November meeting.
Gene Thompson took the podium to update the council on an award presented to the county and the town of Zionsville from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns commending the county’s cooperation with the town in regards to the Zionsville/Eagle/Union consolidation.
Clarification was made that our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 9th, as the regular Tuesday meeting date will be election day.
Discussion also followed regarding the agenda for the joint council/commissioners meeting November 16th. Among the items which may be on the agenda will be the software contract discussed above, the outcome of the budget process and its ongoing issues, the RDC update on the I-65 TIF bond, drainage issues on 865 and the Ford Road bridge.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:40.
Following a brief recess, the council reconvened its hearing on the 2012 budget. Following the cuts made in our regular hearings in August, the council asked department heads and elected officials to make an additional 5% in cuts to their general fund budgets to move us closer to a balanced budget. After extensive work by most of the departments and council members Gene Thompson and Marcia Wilhoite in particular, a new set of numbers amounting to a total budget of $14,316,762 from the general fund (with projected revenue of $12,528,888) was presented and adopted. The difference of just under $1.8M will be drawn from the county’s General Fund operating balance, unlike last year, when we drew $1.85M from the Rainy Day Fund. Several other fund budgets and levy rates were also approved to finalize the overall budget. One point of discussion was the county park levy, which was reduced slightly last year after much discussion, with the understanding (at least on my part) that it would be gradually phased out. No notice of a reduction was given to the towns who rely on that revenue, however. In the end, the council opted to leave it where it is, but with plans to eliminate the levy altogether for 2013.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 9th, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon. The following week, Wednesday, November 16th, the council and commissioners will conduct their “quarterly” joint meeting at the Zionsville Town Hall.
Boone County Council
10/11/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the September meeting with several corrections.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All approved
Circuit Court(no one present):
Requested $2100 from Juvenile Counseling to Library.
CCD/Courthouse Maintenance (Mike Miller):
Requested $2140 from Equipment to Courthouse/Annex. This is simply moving the funds allocated last month for the new generator and fence into the appropriate line.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $23000 to the Part-Time line to cover jailer and communications officer positions (full-time) which have been empty and not yet filled. Most of the full-time positions were/are being paid out of the Rainy Day Fund, so that money, while still available in that fund, cannot be used to pay from this general fund part-time line. We’ll actually be spending less money than originally budgeted, but less from Rainy Day and more from the General Fund. (As council president Steve Jacob said, “Gotta love government accounting!”) Approved.
Also requested $168 to Part-Time to cover employee work on sheriff’s sales. Approved.
Requested roughly $900 in various transfers for Inmate Medical, Postage and Supplies for inmate reimbursements. Approved.
Commissioners/Trails (no one present):
Requested reimbursement of nearly $3000 for rail-to-trail grant money. Approved.
Jail Maintenance/Vehicle (Mike Martin):
Requested $1000 for fuel costs for the jail truck, as that line has been depleted. Approved.
Jail Building/CCD (Mike Martin):
Requested $15,000 for building maintenance costs. Approved.
Community Corrections (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $30,000 for GPS tracking to pay a vendor for increased monitoring, including increased juvenile offender monitoring. This will be paid through offender fees. Approved.
Highway (Rick Carney):
Requested $15000 for tires and tubes to cover that line’s expected expense for the remainder of the year. This is Highway Fund money, not general fund. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Tonya Thayer from the Prosecutor’s Office requested an amendment of the salary ordinance to reflect personnel shuffles in the Chief Deputy Prosecutor position, an additional deputy prosecutor position and the CAC Director. Much confusing discussion followed, and in the end a motion to make the change carried 4-3.
Major Nielsen and County Attorney Bob Clutter presented a series of amendments to the sheriff’s retirement fund required by new IRS regulations on recent legislative changes. Clutter stated the amendments were all technical in nature and would make no substantive changes in our current retirement plan. The council voted to authorize the changes.
Dax Norton, Executive Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on a busy couple of months. One major project has placed a Boone County location in its final three site list and will likely decide soon. Two companies in the Lebanon Business Park are in discussions regarding expansion, both in space and in employees. The EDC continues to work on its “gardening” project of finding small companies in the incubator stage and help them to grow while staying in Boone County. The EDC will be hosting a “Boone EDC 101” in Lebanon on November 4th, as well as a development summit workshop in Advance at a TBD date.
Auditor Melody Price presented the monthly financial update, as well updates on the upcoming tax sale and surplus funds. Price also asked the Council to consider purchase of a software package called CYMA, which her office and the Treasurer have been evaluating with GUTS, the county attorney and the commissioners. Our current provider will cost just under $50,000 next year between needed upgrades and annual maintenance ($26,000). This new software will be about $47,000 for the first year, then $12,000 annual maintenance.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Marcia Wilhoite noted that issues regarding the 911 upgrade, as well as addressing radio issues with the sheriff’s and highway departments, will be discussed at the November meeting.
Gene Thompson took the podium to update the council on an award presented to the county and the town of Zionsville from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns commending the county’s cooperation with the town in regards to the Zionsville/Eagle/Union consolidation.
Clarification was made that our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 9th, as the regular Tuesday meeting date will be election day.
Discussion also followed regarding the agenda for the joint council/commissioners meeting November 16th. Among the items which may be on the agenda will be the software contract discussed above, the outcome of the budget process and its ongoing issues, the RDC update on the I-65 TIF bond, drainage issues on 865 and the Ford Road bridge.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:40.
Following a brief recess, the council reconvened its hearing on the 2012 budget. Following the cuts made in our regular hearings in August, the council asked department heads and elected officials to make an additional 5% in cuts to their general fund budgets to move us closer to a balanced budget. After extensive work by most of the departments and council members Gene Thompson and Marcia Wilhoite in particular, a new set of numbers amounting to a total budget of $14,316,762 from the general fund (with projected revenue of $12,528,888) was presented and adopted. The difference of just under $1.8M will be drawn from the county’s General Fund operating balance, unlike last year, when we drew $1.85M from the Rainy Day Fund. Several other fund budgets and levy rates were also approved to finalize the overall budget. One point of discussion was the county park levy, which was reduced slightly last year after much discussion, with the understanding (at least on my part) that it would be gradually phased out. No notice of a reduction was given to the towns who rely on that revenue, however. In the end, the council opted to leave it where it is, but with plans to eliminate the levy altogether for 2013.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 9th, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon. The following week, Wednesday, November 16th, the council and commissioners will conduct their “quarterly” joint meeting at the Zionsville Town Hall.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Agenda -- October 2011 Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 11, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Circuit Court, CCD
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Commissioners, Jail Maintenance, Community Corrections – PI, Highway, CCD
New Business:
Prosecutor – Salary Ordinance
Signature for Sheriff Retirement
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, September 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 11, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Circuit Court, CCD
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Commissioners, Jail Maintenance, Community Corrections – PI, Highway, CCD
New Business:
Prosecutor – Salary Ordinance
Signature for Sheriff Retirement
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, September 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Notes -- September 2011 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.
I should also note that my computer was in the process of dying during this meeting, so I apologize to my loyal reader for any holes, and for the delay in posting. By the time everything was transferred over to the new laptop, posting had slipped my mind.
Boone County Council
9/13/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Brent Wheat, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the August meeting. Council also approved a change to today’s agenda based on two items from those minutes which have been added to Old Business.
Council President Steve Jacob addressed the Council and the audience regarding the budget situation. Last week, representatives of GUTS approached Jacob and the Commissioners questioning the accuracy of some of the budget numbers the county has been working with, suggesting that a significant of revenue has not been included in the calculations. As this would make a major difference in our budgeting, the council will hold a workshop with GUTS and the Auditor’s office to discuss this new information before going forward with the budget process. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Sept 22, 3:00.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $7000 from dispatchers to part-time. The department has been down two dispatchers for the past two months, and using part-time help to cover the job. Approved.
Re-Assessment (no one present):
Requested $4750 from Ariel to Appraisal for appraisals on four properties in downtown Lebanon. Council believes this money was already approved as an additional in June. Clarification was sought from the Assessor; in the mean time, no action was taken. After some clarification, the request was withdrawn.
Clerk ( ):
Requested $300 from Equipment Repair to Travel Expense for additional state meeting travel. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested transfer of $1464 from Sheriff’s Sale fee moneys to part-time to pay the person who oversees the Sheriff’s Sales. Approved.
Requested roughly $1100 from various lines as reimbursements for things like damages, postage and inmate medical expense. Approved.
Enhanced 911 (Mike Nielsen):
Requested not quite $8000 for FICA and not quite $8300 for PERF contributions to cover a miscalculation in last year’s budgeting. Approved after some discussion.
CVB (no one present):
Steve Jacob (who serves on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board) explained that the CVB board plans to hire a consulting firm to conduct a study to guide the CVB’s strategy going forward in attracting visitors to Boone County. The money comes from the “innkeeper’s tax” and can only be spent by the CVB. Questions as to the propriety of the expense (the CVB board supports it, though it is high) and whether the council even has authority to approve or deny (probably not, but the CVB wanted the process to be public). Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis (also on the CVB board) spoke to the goals of the CVB in terms of economic development. A motion to approve did not pass, but was not apparently necessary.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $2200 to vehicle repair for insurance reimbursement.
Requested $35000 to vehicle repair. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $70,000 to replace a small bridge on Hamilton County Line Road north of SR 47. Kouns brought pictures of the damage to the current bridge. Construction costs will require reappropriation of funds, probably next month. Approved.
CCD (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $15,000 for cost of a generator and safety fencing. The Health Department received a grant to purchase a back-up generator for their vaccines, and the commissioners opted to join the purchase and get a bigger generator, big enough to power the Courthouse Annex in an emergency. This additional includes the commissioners’ share of the generator, plus required fencing around the installation. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
The council was asked to make an appointment to the board of the newly-opened Child Advocacy Center. Councilman Brent Wheat was not present today, but had expressed an interest in serving, and was appointed.
Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis addressed the council regarding the proposed county-wide water needs project he is spearheading. Mayor Lewis had addressed the council during its budget hearings in August. The council voted during those hearings to cut $10,000 from Commissioners’ proposed budget for a feasibility study. Lewis asked Lebanon Utilities Director Mike Martin to address the need for the study and why the county should be a part of the resulting planning. Boone County Economic Development Commission Director Dax Norton also addressed the council on the importance of water in attracting economic development to the county. The council asked several questions and made several comments. Commissioner Jeff Wolfe stated that the commissioners support the project, and while the council denied the additional funding for the study in next year’s budget, the commissioners will continue to support the project through other line items as possible.
Highway Superintendent Tom Kouns reminded the council of its discussions during budget hearings regarding the replacement of a furnace at the highway garage. Council agreed with Kouns’s recommendation of how to pay for the furnace and the installation in a timely manner.
Councilman Gene Thompson asked Kouns and Major Mike Nielsen about the possibility of requesting a waiver from the FCC for the upgrading of radio equipment to narrow band technology. both Kouns and Nielsen agreed to explore the possibility and get back to the council.
Kouns updated the council on his research for a leasing rate for the highway trucks the council approved earlier this year. Key Bank agreed to a rate of 2.65%, a significant savings over the initial proposal.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Norton and his office will be traveling extensively this fall to various site consultant conventions and other EDC networking opportunities. Norton also stated that one of the major site consultants who had previously looked at Boone County for a project and rejected it due to water issues who has again requested information from the EDC regarding a new project tied to the I-74 corridor. Dax is optimistic about the EDC’s recruitment efforts, and has been pleasantly surprised by positive reports from corporations already in the county regarding retention. Norton stated that his office will be following up on meetings held in recent weeks with Jamestown and Thorntown, and is looking to begin a program for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
Auditor Melody Price presented a financial update to the council. I commented that except for two additional appropriations required because of bookkeeping errors on the council’s part, ALL of the additional were for reimbursements. I appreciate the effort it has taken for the various county offices to stay within their budgets in this difficult year.
OLD BUSINESS:
County attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council on variety of issues.
First, the Redevelopment Commission has arranged to refinance development (TIF) bonds along I-65 through State Bank of Lizton at a rate of 2.1%. The Bank requested the support of the council behind this plan. The council voted unanimously to support the refinancing.
Second, Clutter updated the council on the request of residents along 525 S to have the speed limit lowered on the half-mile stretch of road. The residents have addressed the commissioners and stated that traffic study would be unnecessary if the county declared the road an urban district. As the road is actually in the “rural” portion of Zionsville, such a declaration raises all sorts of legal questions. The commissioners are continuing to look into the ramifications of any decisions changing the road’s status.
Third, Clutter addressed the ongoing confusion regarding the Zionsville library board appointments. The State Library Board and the town of Zionsville have stated that they are satisfied with the current appointments. Council member Gene Thompson asked Clutter if, in his legal opinion, the council had a valid appointment to the Zionsville library board. Clutter stated that he was comfortable relying on the written opinion of the state library. Zionsville Library Director Jake Speer addressed the issue as well.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 11, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
I should also note that my computer was in the process of dying during this meeting, so I apologize to my loyal reader for any holes, and for the delay in posting. By the time everything was transferred over to the new laptop, posting had slipped my mind.
Boone County Council
9/13/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Brent Wheat, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the August meeting. Council also approved a change to today’s agenda based on two items from those minutes which have been added to Old Business.
Council President Steve Jacob addressed the Council and the audience regarding the budget situation. Last week, representatives of GUTS approached Jacob and the Commissioners questioning the accuracy of some of the budget numbers the county has been working with, suggesting that a significant of revenue has not been included in the calculations. As this would make a major difference in our budgeting, the council will hold a workshop with GUTS and the Auditor’s office to discuss this new information before going forward with the budget process. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Sept 22, 3:00.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested $7000 from dispatchers to part-time. The department has been down two dispatchers for the past two months, and using part-time help to cover the job. Approved.
Re-Assessment (no one present):
Requested $4750 from Ariel to Appraisal for appraisals on four properties in downtown Lebanon. Council believes this money was already approved as an additional in June. Clarification was sought from the Assessor; in the mean time, no action was taken. After some clarification, the request was withdrawn.
Clerk ( ):
Requested $300 from Equipment Repair to Travel Expense for additional state meeting travel. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Mike Nielsen):
Requested transfer of $1464 from Sheriff’s Sale fee moneys to part-time to pay the person who oversees the Sheriff’s Sales. Approved.
Requested roughly $1100 from various lines as reimbursements for things like damages, postage and inmate medical expense. Approved.
Enhanced 911 (Mike Nielsen):
Requested not quite $8000 for FICA and not quite $8300 for PERF contributions to cover a miscalculation in last year’s budgeting. Approved after some discussion.
CVB (no one present):
Steve Jacob (who serves on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board) explained that the CVB board plans to hire a consulting firm to conduct a study to guide the CVB’s strategy going forward in attracting visitors to Boone County. The money comes from the “innkeeper’s tax” and can only be spent by the CVB. Questions as to the propriety of the expense (the CVB board supports it, though it is high) and whether the council even has authority to approve or deny (probably not, but the CVB wanted the process to be public). Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis (also on the CVB board) spoke to the goals of the CVB in terms of economic development. A motion to approve did not pass, but was not apparently necessary.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $2200 to vehicle repair for insurance reimbursement.
Requested $35000 to vehicle repair. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $70,000 to replace a small bridge on Hamilton County Line Road north of SR 47. Kouns brought pictures of the damage to the current bridge. Construction costs will require reappropriation of funds, probably next month. Approved.
CCD (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $15,000 for cost of a generator and safety fencing. The Health Department received a grant to purchase a back-up generator for their vaccines, and the commissioners opted to join the purchase and get a bigger generator, big enough to power the Courthouse Annex in an emergency. This additional includes the commissioners’ share of the generator, plus required fencing around the installation. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
The council was asked to make an appointment to the board of the newly-opened Child Advocacy Center. Councilman Brent Wheat was not present today, but had expressed an interest in serving, and was appointed.
Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis addressed the council regarding the proposed county-wide water needs project he is spearheading. Mayor Lewis had addressed the council during its budget hearings in August. The council voted during those hearings to cut $10,000 from Commissioners’ proposed budget for a feasibility study. Lewis asked Lebanon Utilities Director Mike Martin to address the need for the study and why the county should be a part of the resulting planning. Boone County Economic Development Commission Director Dax Norton also addressed the council on the importance of water in attracting economic development to the county. The council asked several questions and made several comments. Commissioner Jeff Wolfe stated that the commissioners support the project, and while the council denied the additional funding for the study in next year’s budget, the commissioners will continue to support the project through other line items as possible.
Highway Superintendent Tom Kouns reminded the council of its discussions during budget hearings regarding the replacement of a furnace at the highway garage. Council agreed with Kouns’s recommendation of how to pay for the furnace and the installation in a timely manner.
Councilman Gene Thompson asked Kouns and Major Mike Nielsen about the possibility of requesting a waiver from the FCC for the upgrading of radio equipment to narrow band technology. both Kouns and Nielsen agreed to explore the possibility and get back to the council.
Kouns updated the council on his research for a leasing rate for the highway trucks the council approved earlier this year. Key Bank agreed to a rate of 2.65%, a significant savings over the initial proposal.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Norton and his office will be traveling extensively this fall to various site consultant conventions and other EDC networking opportunities. Norton also stated that one of the major site consultants who had previously looked at Boone County for a project and rejected it due to water issues who has again requested information from the EDC regarding a new project tied to the I-74 corridor. Dax is optimistic about the EDC’s recruitment efforts, and has been pleasantly surprised by positive reports from corporations already in the county regarding retention. Norton stated that his office will be following up on meetings held in recent weeks with Jamestown and Thorntown, and is looking to begin a program for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
Auditor Melody Price presented a financial update to the council. I commented that except for two additional appropriations required because of bookkeeping errors on the council’s part, ALL of the additional were for reimbursements. I appreciate the effort it has taken for the various county offices to stay within their budgets in this difficult year.
OLD BUSINESS:
County attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council on variety of issues.
First, the Redevelopment Commission has arranged to refinance development (TIF) bonds along I-65 through State Bank of Lizton at a rate of 2.1%. The Bank requested the support of the council behind this plan. The council voted unanimously to support the refinancing.
Second, Clutter updated the council on the request of residents along 525 S to have the speed limit lowered on the half-mile stretch of road. The residents have addressed the commissioners and stated that traffic study would be unnecessary if the county declared the road an urban district. As the road is actually in the “rural” portion of Zionsville, such a declaration raises all sorts of legal questions. The commissioners are continuing to look into the ramifications of any decisions changing the road’s status.
Third, Clutter addressed the ongoing confusion regarding the Zionsville library board appointments. The State Library Board and the town of Zionsville have stated that they are satisfied with the current appointments. Council member Gene Thompson asked Clutter if, in his legal opinion, the council had a valid appointment to the Zionsville library board. Clutter stated that he was comfortable relying on the written opinion of the state library. Zionsville Library Director Jake Speer addressed the issue as well.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 11, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Agenda -- September 2011 Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Clerk, Sheriff, Re-Assessment
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, CVB, Highway, Cum Bridge, E-911, CCD
New Business:
CAC Board Appointment
Mayor Huck Lewis – Water Feasibility Study
Tom Kouns, Highway Superintendent – Furnace & Fairwell
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, August 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Clerk, Sheriff, Re-Assessment
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, CVB, Highway, Cum Bridge, E-911, CCD
New Business:
CAC Board Appointment
Mayor Huck Lewis – Water Feasibility Study
Tom Kouns, Highway Superintendent – Furnace & Fairwell
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, August 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
2012 Budget
Last week, the County Council conducted four days of budget hearings, going through the proposed 2012 budgets of every department, line by line, discussing expenditures, services and priorities, and looking for cuts. Despite all the efforts of the Council to encourage savings and reductions over the past year, the proposed general fund budgets submitted to the Council by the department heads and elected officials amounted to over $17M, slightly higher than those submitted last year for the 2011 budget year. Conversely, the county's projected revenue for 2012 is even lower than that for 2011. Through the week-long process, over $2M was either cut or shifted to other funds with revenue sources outside the General Fund (which is primarily property tax and income tax revenues). That still leaves us far short of a balanced budget. At week's end, the council discussed -- extensively -- several options for moving forward given the remaining shortfall. After several failed motions, the letter below was approved for distribution to the various departments, requiring an additional 5% reduction in general fund budgets. I think it's fairly self-explanatory. As always, I'm anxious to hear your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to contact me.
The county must submit its budget to the state by November 1, so much more discussion will certainly take place.
August 31, 2011
Boone County Department Heads and Elected Officials,
First and foremost, let us express our gratitude for your efforts in confronting our county’s serious financial situation. The thoughtfulness and professionalism displayed throughout last week’s budget hearings, despite the stressful and sometimes arduous process, were a credit to your offices and to our community as a whole. The council applauds your efforts and appreciates all the work you and your staffs have done to plan for the upcoming year.
Unfortunately, the county faces such a dramatic decline in revenue that the cuts made last week are still insufficient to balance our budget. County revenue has fallen more than $4.7 Million over the past two years. Through your efforts and those of your staff to find efficiencies, to make do with less and to identify alternative sources for funding outside the county’s general fund, by week’s end over $2.2 Million had been trimmed from the submitted budget requests. But this still leaves the total of requested expenses more than $2.5 Million over the county’s anticipated income.
To help close this gap, the Council voted Friday to require that each department review its budget and ¬cut an additional five percent (5%) from the general fund budget reviewed by the Council. Because the projections for county revenue in the coming years show a continuing decline, you should not anticipate these funding cuts being restored next year but rather consider them as permanent reductions in funding. The Council recognizes, regretfully, that in many departments these cuts can only be achieved by reducing expenditures on personnel. While we have worked to protect our employees as this budget crisis has approached, the grim fiscal reality may mean that the county workforce will have to be trimmed. The Council also recognizes that achieving this further five percent will be extremely difficult, particularly for some smaller departments, and such extreme cases will be reviewed as necessary.
These additional cuts, painful as they will be, will still leave the county far short of a balanced budget. Last year the Council shifted roughly $1.85 Million of the general fund budget to the Rainy Day Fund to help cover the 2011 shortfall, and the Council plans to draw on the Rainy Day Fund again for 2012. However, this course cannot be sustained indefinitely, and without significant, permanent cuts or significant increases in revenue, our reserves will be exhausted in just a few years. For longer-term planning purposes, further reductions of an additional five percent should be anticipated for 2013 and beyond.
We ask that you have your revised budgets – including these additional 5% cuts from the General Fund – submitted to the Auditor’s office by the end of business on Friday, September 9th. The Council expects to discuss the issue further at its regular meeting on September 13, and likely at the joint meeting with the County Commissioners in the first week of October. One or more additional meetings to discuss and review these measures may also be forthcoming, as we continue to work together to address this very difficult and complex predicament.
Thank you for your service,
Boone County Council
Steve Jacob, President
Marcia Wilhoite, Vice President
David Rodgers
Debby Shubert
Walter “Butch” Smith
Gene Thompson
Brent Wheat
The county must submit its budget to the state by November 1, so much more discussion will certainly take place.
August 31, 2011
Boone County Department Heads and Elected Officials,
First and foremost, let us express our gratitude for your efforts in confronting our county’s serious financial situation. The thoughtfulness and professionalism displayed throughout last week’s budget hearings, despite the stressful and sometimes arduous process, were a credit to your offices and to our community as a whole. The council applauds your efforts and appreciates all the work you and your staffs have done to plan for the upcoming year.
Unfortunately, the county faces such a dramatic decline in revenue that the cuts made last week are still insufficient to balance our budget. County revenue has fallen more than $4.7 Million over the past two years. Through your efforts and those of your staff to find efficiencies, to make do with less and to identify alternative sources for funding outside the county’s general fund, by week’s end over $2.2 Million had been trimmed from the submitted budget requests. But this still leaves the total of requested expenses more than $2.5 Million over the county’s anticipated income.
To help close this gap, the Council voted Friday to require that each department review its budget and ¬cut an additional five percent (5%) from the general fund budget reviewed by the Council. Because the projections for county revenue in the coming years show a continuing decline, you should not anticipate these funding cuts being restored next year but rather consider them as permanent reductions in funding. The Council recognizes, regretfully, that in many departments these cuts can only be achieved by reducing expenditures on personnel. While we have worked to protect our employees as this budget crisis has approached, the grim fiscal reality may mean that the county workforce will have to be trimmed. The Council also recognizes that achieving this further five percent will be extremely difficult, particularly for some smaller departments, and such extreme cases will be reviewed as necessary.
These additional cuts, painful as they will be, will still leave the county far short of a balanced budget. Last year the Council shifted roughly $1.85 Million of the general fund budget to the Rainy Day Fund to help cover the 2011 shortfall, and the Council plans to draw on the Rainy Day Fund again for 2012. However, this course cannot be sustained indefinitely, and without significant, permanent cuts or significant increases in revenue, our reserves will be exhausted in just a few years. For longer-term planning purposes, further reductions of an additional five percent should be anticipated for 2013 and beyond.
We ask that you have your revised budgets – including these additional 5% cuts from the General Fund – submitted to the Auditor’s office by the end of business on Friday, September 9th. The Council expects to discuss the issue further at its regular meeting on September 13, and likely at the joint meeting with the County Commissioners in the first week of October. One or more additional meetings to discuss and review these measures may also be forthcoming, as we continue to work together to address this very difficult and complex predicament.
Thank you for your service,
Boone County Council
Steve Jacob, President
Marcia Wilhoite, Vice President
David Rodgers
Debby Shubert
Walter “Butch” Smith
Gene Thompson
Brent Wheat
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Notes -- August 2011 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
8/9/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Marcia Wilhoite, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the August meeting. The board requested Secretary Barton distribute the monthly meeting minutes to the Council for review within a few days of each month’s meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All approved except the $3000 request from Local Road & Street described below.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested transfer of funds from Fugitive Extradition to Travel Expense ($1500) and Dues & Subscriptions ($1000). I asked about the necessity of the ever-increasing dues and subscriptions budget.
Superior I (no one present):
Requested money from Library ($231) and Continuing Education ($100) to Dues & Subscriptions.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $6400 from Road Maintenance to New Equipment to replace a damaged snow plow, and $3000 from Road Striping to Engineering Services to pay for a study required because residents on a half-mile stretch of 525 South between 650 E and 700 E petitioned to lower the speed limit from 40 to 30 on their road. Much discussion followed on the legal necessity of funding this study. In the end, the council voted to table the $3000 request until next month, hopefully with further clarity on whether the council is required by statute to fund the study, the general sentiment being that if we are not required to do so we would not.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $150,000 and $30,000 for replacement of two bridges in Marion Township. Approved.
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2000 to Administrative Assistant for the Sex Offender Registry. Money is collected from fees from offenders who are registered and used to supplement the county’s share of the Adm. Asst’s salary. Approved.
Requested $577 to the Medical line for reimbursement from inmates. Approved.
Requested $707 for reimbursement of travel expense for training for the BCSD’s DARE officer, which actually comes from the Prosecutor’s Office. Approved.
Requested $26 to Postage for reimbursement from inmates. Approved.
Requested $13000 from grant money deposited in the general fund for the purchase of new radars and digital video cameras for sheriff’s vehicles. There was some question as to whether $4000 of that was a duplicate request, but the motion was approved with understanding that clarification would be obtained. Approved.
Commissioners/Soil & Water (no one present):
Requested transfer of $2265 to pay salary of S & W Board members, as funded by Soil & Water. Approved.
Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $15,833 be transferred from User Fees as supplement to salary. Approved.
EMA (no one present):
Requested $3750 be transferred as reimbursement from grant money to EMA Planning for purchase of a generator for the EMA response trailer. Councilor Thompson asked several questions about the source of the additional funds for the $5000. Council eventually voted to approve the motion, but asked that the EMA be present next month to answer questions.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested transfer of $80 for reimbursement from inmates for damage. Approved.
CCD/Jail Boiler & Lighting (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $11,300 for replacement of a flue on the boiler at the jail, which went bad over the winter. Approved. (Side note -- this is the only one of all these additional appropriations that is truly an additional, in that it took unbudgeted and unreimbursed funds to cover an unexpected expense.)
NEW BUSINESS:
Probation Director Kari Ragsdale asked for guidance in replacing an administrative employee who left for private employment. The primary function of the employee is administering the community corrections program, which largely funds the employee’s salary. President Jacob expressed his appreciation for Ms. Ragsdale coming before the board to discuss the situation. I asked about the concern of decreasing fees to fund the position in the future, which had been raised in funding this year’s budget. Ms. Ragsdale informed the council that her fee funds for this year had actually come in above estimates, so she saw no potential trouble. The council approved a motion approving replacement of the employee.
Assessor Lisa Garoffolo addressed the council on the upcoming issue of the Re-Assessment Fund being inadequately funded. Without a change by the state in the assessment process, the county will likely be short and so Ms. Garoffolo will be requesting an increase in the Re-Assessment Levy in next year’s budget.
Auditor Melody Price gave the council the monthly update on the county’s general fund balances and projected revenues for 2012 as preparation for the upcoming budget hearings. News was mixed, in that the county's operating balance is up considerably from last year, but the revenue projection for 2012 is down, as expected.
Gene Thompson addressed the council regarding a recent memo from the state library regarding the makeup of the Hussey-Mayfield Library Board. The state recently reviewed the makeup of the board after the reorganization of Zionsville with Eagle and Union Townships, which would shift one of the two appointments from both the County Council and County Commissioners to Town Council appointments. The Zionsville Town Council last week appointed two members back to the seats they had been granted by the county boards. Thompson questions the interpretation of state statute regarding the reorganization and the validity of the town’s appointments. Attorney Clutter advised that the responsibility for ensuring the proper makeup of the library board rests with the library itself, but agreed to speak with the legal counsel for the town and the library to ensure the situation is handled properly.
Mike Martin, Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor, submitted a list of the projects for which he will be requesting funding, and invited council members to tour the courthouse to see the projects before the budget hearings.
Dax Norton was not present for his monthly update, but I was appointed as the council’s representative to the board of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
OLD BUSINESS:
Brent Wheat, chair of the Personnel Committee, updated the council on the ongoing discussions of the proposed hiring freeze. Wheat stated that while he supports the proposal in theory, he does not believe that its practical implementation will be effective in saving the county money. I made a motion as follows: “If a full-time position is vacated an offer of employment to fill the position shall not be extended until approval from the County Council, effective with passage.” After much discussion – in addition to the discussion at previous council meetings and committee meetings, including yesterday’s meeting with most of the department heads – the motion failed to pass on a 3-3 vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
HR Consultant Dennis Dunlap recommended that the council investigate regular (quarterly or semi-annually) budget and personnel reviews with the department heads as a way to evaluate expenditures on an ongoing basis.
Sheriff Campbell addressed the council to remind us of our transfer of his deputies’ salaries at last year’s budget hearings to the Rainy Day Fund, and encouraged the council to review the possibility of implementing the Public Safety portion of the Local Option Income Tax.
Treasurer Deanna Willhoite addressed the council regarding hiring policy, suggesting (as she had at yesterday’s committee meeting) that the county create a personnel page for posting of job openings internally. The council commended the recommendation and asked Commissioner Jeff Wolfe, who was in attendance, to oversee its implementation.
Auditor Price asked for clarification on the date of the next joint Commissioners/Council meeting, which has not yet been determined. Board Presidents Wolfe and Jacob will plan to set a date and time before the next commissioners’ meeting next week.
I reminded everyone of the upcoming Boone County Cancer Society’s annual BBQ Cook-Off this Saturday at Lebanon’s Memorial Park, 5-7, which will include a team from the Sheriff’s Department and a joint City of Lebanon/County government team called Government Pork.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Boone County Council
8/9/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Marcia Wilhoite, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the August meeting. The board requested Secretary Barton distribute the monthly meeting minutes to the Council for review within a few days of each month’s meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: All approved except the $3000 request from Local Road & Street described below.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested transfer of funds from Fugitive Extradition to Travel Expense ($1500) and Dues & Subscriptions ($1000). I asked about the necessity of the ever-increasing dues and subscriptions budget.
Superior I (no one present):
Requested money from Library ($231) and Continuing Education ($100) to Dues & Subscriptions.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $6400 from Road Maintenance to New Equipment to replace a damaged snow plow, and $3000 from Road Striping to Engineering Services to pay for a study required because residents on a half-mile stretch of 525 South between 650 E and 700 E petitioned to lower the speed limit from 40 to 30 on their road. Much discussion followed on the legal necessity of funding this study. In the end, the council voted to table the $3000 request until next month, hopefully with further clarity on whether the council is required by statute to fund the study, the general sentiment being that if we are not required to do so we would not.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Cum Bridge (Tom Kouns):
Requested $150,000 and $30,000 for replacement of two bridges in Marion Township. Approved.
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $2000 to Administrative Assistant for the Sex Offender Registry. Money is collected from fees from offenders who are registered and used to supplement the county’s share of the Adm. Asst’s salary. Approved.
Requested $577 to the Medical line for reimbursement from inmates. Approved.
Requested $707 for reimbursement of travel expense for training for the BCSD’s DARE officer, which actually comes from the Prosecutor’s Office. Approved.
Requested $26 to Postage for reimbursement from inmates. Approved.
Requested $13000 from grant money deposited in the general fund for the purchase of new radars and digital video cameras for sheriff’s vehicles. There was some question as to whether $4000 of that was a duplicate request, but the motion was approved with understanding that clarification would be obtained. Approved.
Commissioners/Soil & Water (no one present):
Requested transfer of $2265 to pay salary of S & W Board members, as funded by Soil & Water. Approved.
Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $15,833 be transferred from User Fees as supplement to salary. Approved.
EMA (no one present):
Requested $3750 be transferred as reimbursement from grant money to EMA Planning for purchase of a generator for the EMA response trailer. Councilor Thompson asked several questions about the source of the additional funds for the $5000. Council eventually voted to approve the motion, but asked that the EMA be present next month to answer questions.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested transfer of $80 for reimbursement from inmates for damage. Approved.
CCD/Jail Boiler & Lighting (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $11,300 for replacement of a flue on the boiler at the jail, which went bad over the winter. Approved. (Side note -- this is the only one of all these additional appropriations that is truly an additional, in that it took unbudgeted and unreimbursed funds to cover an unexpected expense.)
NEW BUSINESS:
Probation Director Kari Ragsdale asked for guidance in replacing an administrative employee who left for private employment. The primary function of the employee is administering the community corrections program, which largely funds the employee’s salary. President Jacob expressed his appreciation for Ms. Ragsdale coming before the board to discuss the situation. I asked about the concern of decreasing fees to fund the position in the future, which had been raised in funding this year’s budget. Ms. Ragsdale informed the council that her fee funds for this year had actually come in above estimates, so she saw no potential trouble. The council approved a motion approving replacement of the employee.
Assessor Lisa Garoffolo addressed the council on the upcoming issue of the Re-Assessment Fund being inadequately funded. Without a change by the state in the assessment process, the county will likely be short and so Ms. Garoffolo will be requesting an increase in the Re-Assessment Levy in next year’s budget.
Auditor Melody Price gave the council the monthly update on the county’s general fund balances and projected revenues for 2012 as preparation for the upcoming budget hearings. News was mixed, in that the county's operating balance is up considerably from last year, but the revenue projection for 2012 is down, as expected.
Gene Thompson addressed the council regarding a recent memo from the state library regarding the makeup of the Hussey-Mayfield Library Board. The state recently reviewed the makeup of the board after the reorganization of Zionsville with Eagle and Union Townships, which would shift one of the two appointments from both the County Council and County Commissioners to Town Council appointments. The Zionsville Town Council last week appointed two members back to the seats they had been granted by the county boards. Thompson questions the interpretation of state statute regarding the reorganization and the validity of the town’s appointments. Attorney Clutter advised that the responsibility for ensuring the proper makeup of the library board rests with the library itself, but agreed to speak with the legal counsel for the town and the library to ensure the situation is handled properly.
Mike Martin, Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor, submitted a list of the projects for which he will be requesting funding, and invited council members to tour the courthouse to see the projects before the budget hearings.
Dax Norton was not present for his monthly update, but I was appointed as the council’s representative to the board of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
OLD BUSINESS:
Brent Wheat, chair of the Personnel Committee, updated the council on the ongoing discussions of the proposed hiring freeze. Wheat stated that while he supports the proposal in theory, he does not believe that its practical implementation will be effective in saving the county money. I made a motion as follows: “If a full-time position is vacated an offer of employment to fill the position shall not be extended until approval from the County Council, effective with passage.” After much discussion – in addition to the discussion at previous council meetings and committee meetings, including yesterday’s meeting with most of the department heads – the motion failed to pass on a 3-3 vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
HR Consultant Dennis Dunlap recommended that the council investigate regular (quarterly or semi-annually) budget and personnel reviews with the department heads as a way to evaluate expenditures on an ongoing basis.
Sheriff Campbell addressed the council to remind us of our transfer of his deputies’ salaries at last year’s budget hearings to the Rainy Day Fund, and encouraged the council to review the possibility of implementing the Public Safety portion of the Local Option Income Tax.
Treasurer Deanna Willhoite addressed the council regarding hiring policy, suggesting (as she had at yesterday’s committee meeting) that the county create a personnel page for posting of job openings internally. The council commended the recommendation and asked Commissioner Jeff Wolfe, who was in attendance, to oversee its implementation.
Auditor Price asked for clarification on the date of the next joint Commissioners/Council meeting, which has not yet been determined. Board Presidents Wolfe and Jacob will plan to set a date and time before the next commissioners’ meeting next week.
I reminded everyone of the upcoming Boone County Cancer Society’s annual BBQ Cook-Off this Saturday at Lebanon’s Memorial Park, 5-7, which will include a team from the Sheriff’s Department and a joint City of Lebanon/County government team called Government Pork.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Agenda -- August 2011 Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR AUGUST 9, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Superior I, Local Road & Street
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Soil & Water, Probation, EMA, Jail Maintenance, Cum Bridge, CCD
New Business:
Kari Ragsdale, Probation – Replace Employee
Lisa Garoffolo, Assessor – Re-Assessment Levy
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Vote on Hiring/Replacing Employee Policy
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, July 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR AUGUST 9, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests:
Prosecutor, Superior I, Local Road & Street
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Soil & Water, Probation, EMA, Jail Maintenance, Cum Bridge, CCD
New Business:
Kari Ragsdale, Probation – Replace Employee
Lisa Garoffolo, Assessor – Re-Assessment Levy
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Vote on Hiring/Replacing Employee Policy
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, July 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
An Open Letter to my Fellow Conservatives
Below is a letter I recently submitted to our local newspapers. I had trouble limiting myself to just 400 words, but I hope it gets my point across. We can disagree, even vehemently, but we cannot let those disagreements tear us apart. Both our current political climate and our national news media – from established television networks and newspapers to talk radio and the blogosphere – thrive on manufactured outrage, keeping us all worked up about whatever “they” have done that “we” must fight back against. The details and even the truth are irrelevant, as long as the advertising revenue and the campaign donations keep coming. We have serious problems which require serious thought and action, and instead we have an increasingly polarized and heated climate that can only lead to violence and the disintegration of our political society. We have to think about what we’re saying when we argue and what message we’re really sending. We have to stand up not just to our opponents, but especially to our friends, and say, “This isn’t right. This has to stop.” This is my attempt to say that. I hope you’ll stand with me.
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FELLOW CONSERVATIVES
I’m frustrated, too. Both major parties are to blame for the fiscal mess in Washington, but I’m particularly disappointed that the Republican Party – which I’ve supported my entire adult life as the party of limited government, fiscal discipline and local control – oversaw much of the past decade’s debt explosion. I understand why many of you have been so disgusted that you’ve turned to the Tea Party “movement.” I don’t always agree with their arguments or their actions, but that’s how democratic society works: concerned citizens engage each other on issues that matter, even when they disagree.
However, I cannot sit quietly by as our local Tea Party, like far too many other “conservative” groups and individuals, goes beyond political debate to inciting violence and advocating treason. The group’s booth at this year’s Boone County Fair proudly displayed and offered for sale t-shirts that proclaim “Got Ammo!” Such a threat – and it is clearly a threat – has no place in political debate, nor in civilized society. Tea Party supporters tell me they expect a civil war if the federal government does not return to what they consider “constitutional” principles, and they want to be ready. Advocating this position is advocating treason. It threatens violence to those who disagree and endorses armed resistance to government. Another big seller encourages violence by stating “Our forefathers would be shooting by now.” Tea Partiers claim to advocate “Liberty, not Tyranny;” the only forefathers who might call our government today “tyranny” are the fathers of the Confederacy, who claimed to fight for liberty while committing treason to protect slavery. The patriots of the Boston Tea Party petitioned their government and carried out peaceful protest, only resorting to violence when, in response to that protest, the Crown took away their rights to self-government by closing their courts and outlawing their democratic assemblies. Our forefathers took up arms to defend those rights, rights we enjoy today to an extent none of them could even have imagined.
Losing an election is not tyranny; it’s democracy. Compromise is not treason; it’s governance. Living in a diverse society with people whose views differ so dramatically is difficult. Freedom requires behaving responsibly, and remembering that our words have consequences. Violent and threatening rhetoric has no place in our political discourse. I want no part of it, nor of any group which condones it. We’re better than this.
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FELLOW CONSERVATIVES
I’m frustrated, too. Both major parties are to blame for the fiscal mess in Washington, but I’m particularly disappointed that the Republican Party – which I’ve supported my entire adult life as the party of limited government, fiscal discipline and local control – oversaw much of the past decade’s debt explosion. I understand why many of you have been so disgusted that you’ve turned to the Tea Party “movement.” I don’t always agree with their arguments or their actions, but that’s how democratic society works: concerned citizens engage each other on issues that matter, even when they disagree.
However, I cannot sit quietly by as our local Tea Party, like far too many other “conservative” groups and individuals, goes beyond political debate to inciting violence and advocating treason. The group’s booth at this year’s Boone County Fair proudly displayed and offered for sale t-shirts that proclaim “Got Ammo!” Such a threat – and it is clearly a threat – has no place in political debate, nor in civilized society. Tea Party supporters tell me they expect a civil war if the federal government does not return to what they consider “constitutional” principles, and they want to be ready. Advocating this position is advocating treason. It threatens violence to those who disagree and endorses armed resistance to government. Another big seller encourages violence by stating “Our forefathers would be shooting by now.” Tea Partiers claim to advocate “Liberty, not Tyranny;” the only forefathers who might call our government today “tyranny” are the fathers of the Confederacy, who claimed to fight for liberty while committing treason to protect slavery. The patriots of the Boston Tea Party petitioned their government and carried out peaceful protest, only resorting to violence when, in response to that protest, the Crown took away their rights to self-government by closing their courts and outlawing their democratic assemblies. Our forefathers took up arms to defend those rights, rights we enjoy today to an extent none of them could even have imagined.
Losing an election is not tyranny; it’s democracy. Compromise is not treason; it’s governance. Living in a diverse society with people whose views differ so dramatically is difficult. Freedom requires behaving responsibly, and remembering that our words have consequences. Violent and threatening rhetoric has no place in our political discourse. I want no part of it, nor of any group which condones it. We’re better than this.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Notes -- July 2011 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
7/12/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Marcia Wilhoite, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the June meeting. Council also approved the meetings from the joint meeting with the commissioners held June 22.
President Steve Jacob convened a public hearing to consider the Cumulative Bridge Fund levy, which would otherwise be scheduled to drop by $500,000 (.0173), which is currently being diverted to the 4-H building fund. This hearing process will maintain the Cum Bridge Fund at its current rate without the $500,000 being designated specifically for 4-H, though the council could then use it for that purpose or any other by transferring it to the county’s general fund. Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns addressed the council with concerns about the level of the Cum Bridge Fund, particularly in light of the recent addition of the three bridges in the former State Road 334, which recently passed to county control. No members of the public spoke on the issue. The council approved an ordinance to maintain the fund, and closed the hearing.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $14,894 from printing to Form 11. After last year’s budgets were set, the line for printing and Form 11s (notice of assessment) were separated on directive from the state, so this will move money to the appropriate line. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1000 from Uniforms to Communications to cover maintenance contract with RayCom. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $742 be transferred from the general to medical, training and postage funds for reimbursements. Approved.
Commissioners (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $6554 for Boone County Trails from a federal grant. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (none present):
Requested $36 for reimbursement from damage caused by an inmate. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $67,214 for reimbursement from the federal grant funding the extension of 146th St. Approved.
Also requested $50,000 for Gas & Oil to fund the summer road maintenance program. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cindy Murphy of the Boone County Health Department asked for creation of a new unappropriated fund to house monies from the “Trust Account” for the county’s portion of the Tobacco Master Settlement. This had previously been in the department’s general budget, but the state now requires the monies go into their own fund with more accountability. The council moved to create the fund.
The council considered a hiring freeze policy which had been recommended by the personnel committee at the joint council/commissioners meeting in June. The policy as written is nearly identical to the proposal discussed last fall by the council, with the addition of a requirement that no offer of employment could be extended without the approval of the Council. MUCH discussion followed, with several elected officials and department heads objecting to various aspects of the proposal. In the end, Attorney Clutter advised that revisiting the document and policy before enacting it would be wise, and the several department heads asked – again – that they be allowed further input. As a result, the personnel committee will be holding another meeting to discuss this policy recommendation specifically. Department heads and elected officials were invited to attend and also asked to submit concerns and proposals to committee chair Brent Wheat before the meeting so they could be circulated and evaluated in preparation for the meeting.
Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns asked for guidance in submitting his budget proposals regarding CCD fund requests and the federally-mandated radio upgrade.
Dax Norton of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation gave his monthly update, including inviting the council to attend tomorrow’s fund analysis meeting. Norton observed that national economic climate seems to be losing momentum, but Boone County continues to do well attracting business investment, particularly in the Lebanon Business Park.
Auditor Melody Price gave the council a financial update. Several positive items surfaced recently, including a continuing increase in tax collections, particularly from the Food & Beverage Tax. The state also recently allowed the county to transfer more than $575,000 from the excess levy fund to the general fund, which had a significant positive impact on our operating balance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Attorney Clutter advised the council that the Sheridan School Board has submitted paperwork for a referendum this fall. Previously the council had to certify any such referendums, but a change in state statute now makes that notice to the council advisory only.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jane Myers of the Lebanon Library Board (as the Council’s appointee) and Director Kay Martin addressed the council on the library’s expanding services and usage. Among other things, the library will be housing the Boone County Learning Network for the coming year.
Fair Board President Jim Love addressed the council on the improvements made to the fairgrounds, in part through the county’s contributions, as well as planned improvements. The county also contributes to the fairgrounds’ maintenance fund, and Love asked that those contributions continue.
Tom Kouns reminded the council that the Cum Bridge Fund balance of $5.1M does not reflect commitments for bridge repairs already made. Actual non-committed funds available is just over $2M.
Dax Norton urged the council to drive around Lebanon, Zionsville and Anson to visit the multiple economic development projects underway. Norton also reported on his recent trip to Meijer corporate headquarters in Michigan, where he and others from the EDC met with Meijer officials to encourage them to build their planned store in Anson.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 9, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Boone County Council
7/12/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Marcia Wilhoite, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the June meeting. Council also approved the meetings from the joint meeting with the commissioners held June 22.
President Steve Jacob convened a public hearing to consider the Cumulative Bridge Fund levy, which would otherwise be scheduled to drop by $500,000 (.0173), which is currently being diverted to the 4-H building fund. This hearing process will maintain the Cum Bridge Fund at its current rate without the $500,000 being designated specifically for 4-H, though the council could then use it for that purpose or any other by transferring it to the county’s general fund. Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns addressed the council with concerns about the level of the Cum Bridge Fund, particularly in light of the recent addition of the three bridges in the former State Road 334, which recently passed to county control. No members of the public spoke on the issue. The council approved an ordinance to maintain the fund, and closed the hearing.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $14,894 from printing to Form 11. After last year’s budgets were set, the line for printing and Form 11s (notice of assessment) were separated on directive from the state, so this will move money to the appropriate line. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $1000 from Uniforms to Communications to cover maintenance contract with RayCom. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $742 be transferred from the general to medical, training and postage funds for reimbursements. Approved.
Commissioners (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested $6554 for Boone County Trails from a federal grant. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (none present):
Requested $36 for reimbursement from damage caused by an inmate. Approved.
Highway (Tom Kouns):
Requested $67,214 for reimbursement from the federal grant funding the extension of 146th St. Approved.
Also requested $50,000 for Gas & Oil to fund the summer road maintenance program. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cindy Murphy of the Boone County Health Department asked for creation of a new unappropriated fund to house monies from the “Trust Account” for the county’s portion of the Tobacco Master Settlement. This had previously been in the department’s general budget, but the state now requires the monies go into their own fund with more accountability. The council moved to create the fund.
The council considered a hiring freeze policy which had been recommended by the personnel committee at the joint council/commissioners meeting in June. The policy as written is nearly identical to the proposal discussed last fall by the council, with the addition of a requirement that no offer of employment could be extended without the approval of the Council. MUCH discussion followed, with several elected officials and department heads objecting to various aspects of the proposal. In the end, Attorney Clutter advised that revisiting the document and policy before enacting it would be wise, and the several department heads asked – again – that they be allowed further input. As a result, the personnel committee will be holding another meeting to discuss this policy recommendation specifically. Department heads and elected officials were invited to attend and also asked to submit concerns and proposals to committee chair Brent Wheat before the meeting so they could be circulated and evaluated in preparation for the meeting.
Highway Supervisor Tom Kouns asked for guidance in submitting his budget proposals regarding CCD fund requests and the federally-mandated radio upgrade.
Dax Norton of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation gave his monthly update, including inviting the council to attend tomorrow’s fund analysis meeting. Norton observed that national economic climate seems to be losing momentum, but Boone County continues to do well attracting business investment, particularly in the Lebanon Business Park.
Auditor Melody Price gave the council a financial update. Several positive items surfaced recently, including a continuing increase in tax collections, particularly from the Food & Beverage Tax. The state also recently allowed the county to transfer more than $575,000 from the excess levy fund to the general fund, which had a significant positive impact on our operating balance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Attorney Clutter advised the council that the Sheridan School Board has submitted paperwork for a referendum this fall. Previously the council had to certify any such referendums, but a change in state statute now makes that notice to the council advisory only.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jane Myers of the Lebanon Library Board (as the Council’s appointee) and Director Kay Martin addressed the council on the library’s expanding services and usage. Among other things, the library will be housing the Boone County Learning Network for the coming year.
Fair Board President Jim Love addressed the council on the improvements made to the fairgrounds, in part through the county’s contributions, as well as planned improvements. The county also contributes to the fairgrounds’ maintenance fund, and Love asked that those contributions continue.
Tom Kouns reminded the council that the Cum Bridge Fund balance of $5.1M does not reflect commitments for bridge repairs already made. Actual non-committed funds available is just over $2M.
Dax Norton urged the council to drive around Lebanon, Zionsville and Anson to visit the multiple economic development projects underway. Norton also reported on his recent trip to Meijer corporate headquarters in Michigan, where he and others from the EDC met with Meijer officials to encourage them to build their planned store in Anson.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35.
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 9, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Agenda July Council Meeting
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JULY 12, 2011
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of June 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: Re-assessment, Highway
Additional Requests: Sheriff, Commissioners, Jail Maintenance, Highway
New Business: Cindy Murphy, Director-Boone Co Health Dept – New Fund
Hiring Freeze/Replacing Employees
Tom Kouns, Highway Superintendent – Budget Questions
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business: Cum Bridge Rate
Public Comment:
Document Signing: Re-Appropriations, Additionals, June
2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JULY 12, 2011
LOCATION: CONNIE LAMAR MEETING ROOM, ROOM 105
116 W Washington St
Lebanon, IN 46052
Call meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.
Approval of June 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: Re-assessment, Highway
Additional Requests: Sheriff, Commissioners, Jail Maintenance, Highway
New Business: Cindy Murphy, Director-Boone Co Health Dept – New Fund
Hiring Freeze/Replacing Employees
Tom Kouns, Highway Superintendent – Budget Questions
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business: Cum Bridge Rate
Public Comment:
Document Signing: Re-Appropriations, Additionals, June
2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Joint Council & Commissioners Meeting -- June 2011
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 and Commissioners Joint Meeting
6/22/2011
Present: All Council Members except President Steve Jacob, All Commissioners, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Commissioners President Jeff Wolfe and Council Vice-President Marcia Wilhoite called the respective boards’ meetings to order. (Council president Jacob is stuck in Colorado with a disabled motor home.) Wolfe led the boards and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wolfe asked the elected officials in the audience to stand and introduce themselves. Several county officials, as well town board members from Thorntown and Zionsville were present.
Commissioner Wolfe adjusted the schedule to address a proposed inter-local agreement between the County and the City of Lebanon to cooperate in APC inspections. The assisting inspector would be paid $25 per inspection, with both entities anticipating the cumulative total to be roughly even. The Commissioners adopted the agreement unanimously. Several council members asked questions about the financing and oversight of the inspections. APC Director Rachel Whittington addressed the group to answer questions. The Council also approved unanimously.
Brent Wheat (and I) presented the recommendations of the Personnel Committee he chaired, including eight related to personnel costs, and three others in unrelated areas seeking efficiencies. (See below. Other members were Commissioner Charles Eaton and Auditor Melody Price, with much assistance from county HR Specialist Dennis Dunlap.) Much discussion followed. Marcia Wilhoite asked about health insurance for council and commissioners. Gene Thompson asked about a timeline for implementation. Jeff Wolfe asked for a breakdown of the part-time and over-time budget lines. Others asked about the expansion of employee hours and whether that would incur additional cost. Butch Smith stated that much of the fault for the crisis lies with the state. Marc Applegate suggested that the commissioners and council members take a pay cut themselves as a show of good faith. Marcia Wilhoite commented that asking employees to continue at the same pay level (even without a rate cut with expanded hours) would result in the county losing good employees to the private sector. Applegate suggested creating a pay system which would include incentives for performance and efficiency. Much further discussion followed. Wolfe asked for comments from the audience. County Assessor Lisa Garoffolo asked for clarification on the implementation of an expanded work week, particularly her concern that it might impair employees from working second jobs. Aaron Smith thanked the board for their efforts and expressed his confidence that these boards could make the hard decisions to address the crisis. (Wow! Thanks, Aaron!) Josh Morris (? – sorry, I got behind in my typing) commended the boards for having an evening meeting so citizens could attend, suggested that any savings accrued through a hiring freeze be put into a pool for merit pay uses, and also suggested that the county look to revenue-side solutions. Cindy Poore, Health Department Director, commended the suggestions for efficiencies, but also stated concerns in relation to health insurance costs both for her department’s budget and for individual employees. Tom Kouns, County Highway Superintendent, suggested a couple tactics implemented in Ohio County, including paying employees with insurance options through their spouses to take those options, still with a net savings to the county. Council member Gene Thompson asked for input from municipal officials regarding performance-based pay. Steve Mundy, Zionsville Town Council, stated that Zionsville is moving toward that system for future increases beginning next year. The one action taken at this meeting was to put the hiring freeze on both boards' agendas for their next monthly meeting.
Wolfe asked Attorney Clutter to explain the agenda item of the Cum Bridge Fund Levy. In 2006, the county council approved an annual appropriation of $500,000 for five years from the fund to the Boone County Fair Board to support construction of new buildings, including the Witham Health Services Pavilion. That commitment will end next year. Changes to state law since 2006 now require both the council and commissioners to advertise the fund levy in order to maintain it at its current rate after the 4-H commitment expires. This process needs to start this August to be in place in time to prevent a disruption in the levy. The rate did not increase in 2006, and will not increase through this process, but the income from the levy will return to the cum bridge fund. Both council and commissioners approved resolutions directing Clutter to draft the resolutions to begin the process.
Wolfe asked me to address the agenda item of the Courthouse Centennial. Next July 4, 2012, will be the centennial of the dedication of our county courthouse, and I would like the county to partner with the Historical Society and perhaps the Lebanon Fourth of July Committee to recognize that anniversary. I proposed creating a committee to coordinate the activities and ask for volunteers. The council moved to create such a committee and named me chair (surprise!), with Brent Wheat volunteering to serve also. Charles Eaton will represent the Commissioners. Anyone in the community interested in helping should contact one of us (drodgers@ilines.net, bwheat@cityoflebanon.org, ceaton@co.boone.in.us ).
Wolfe asked for Other Business from the boards. Gene Thompson asked for clarification on the re-assessment contract which was discussed at the last monthly meetings of the two boards. He expressed concern that the funds coming into the fund designated for the next assessment cycle may not be sufficient to cover the anticipated costs. One of the concerns is that the commissioners approve contracts while the council is charged with funding them, so communication is an issue. Wolfe explained to the audience that the county has pushed the state legislature to move to “rolling reassessment” to make assessment more efficient and less costly, and encouraged anyone interested to contact their legislators.
Public comment was solicited but no one spoke.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00.
While no date has been set, it is the expectation of the boards that another joint evening meeting will be held in September, possibly in either Thorntown or Zionsville to accommodate citizens attending from other parts of the county. Any input from the public on the advisability/feasibility to doing this would be welcome. Please contact the council or commissioners members with your thoughts!
Personnel Committee Recommendations for Joint Commissioners/Council Meeting
1. Eliminate council/commissioners insurance package. ($90,000/year)
2. Eliminate part-time and over-time. ($200,000/year)
3. Expand work week to 37.5 hours/week.
4. Electronic time keeping.
5. Hard hiring freeze with corresponding reduction in allocation. Dept. heads must request and advertise additional appropriation before extending employment offer to fill positions.
6. Direct deposit for all employees.
7. Review medical insurance:
a. Eligibility (“regular” full-time employees, dependents, employer options)
b. Level of coverage
c. County portion of payment
8. Council ask department heads to adjust budget requests according to percentage of last year’s
budget based on 2012 projections.
9. Any other suggestions from council or commissioners?
Other suggestions
1. Move vendor payments to electronic funds transfer.
2. Move settlements to electronic funds transfer.
3. Ask department heads/elected officials to seek efficiencies.
4. Solicit employee ideas for efficiencies.
Boone County Council and Commissioners Joint Meeting
6/22/2011
Present: All Council Members except President Steve Jacob, All Commissioners, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Commissioners President Jeff Wolfe and Council Vice-President Marcia Wilhoite called the respective boards’ meetings to order. (Council president Jacob is stuck in Colorado with a disabled motor home.) Wolfe led the boards and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wolfe asked the elected officials in the audience to stand and introduce themselves. Several county officials, as well town board members from Thorntown and Zionsville were present.
Commissioner Wolfe adjusted the schedule to address a proposed inter-local agreement between the County and the City of Lebanon to cooperate in APC inspections. The assisting inspector would be paid $25 per inspection, with both entities anticipating the cumulative total to be roughly even. The Commissioners adopted the agreement unanimously. Several council members asked questions about the financing and oversight of the inspections. APC Director Rachel Whittington addressed the group to answer questions. The Council also approved unanimously.
Brent Wheat (and I) presented the recommendations of the Personnel Committee he chaired, including eight related to personnel costs, and three others in unrelated areas seeking efficiencies. (See below. Other members were Commissioner Charles Eaton and Auditor Melody Price, with much assistance from county HR Specialist Dennis Dunlap.) Much discussion followed. Marcia Wilhoite asked about health insurance for council and commissioners. Gene Thompson asked about a timeline for implementation. Jeff Wolfe asked for a breakdown of the part-time and over-time budget lines. Others asked about the expansion of employee hours and whether that would incur additional cost. Butch Smith stated that much of the fault for the crisis lies with the state. Marc Applegate suggested that the commissioners and council members take a pay cut themselves as a show of good faith. Marcia Wilhoite commented that asking employees to continue at the same pay level (even without a rate cut with expanded hours) would result in the county losing good employees to the private sector. Applegate suggested creating a pay system which would include incentives for performance and efficiency. Much further discussion followed. Wolfe asked for comments from the audience. County Assessor Lisa Garoffolo asked for clarification on the implementation of an expanded work week, particularly her concern that it might impair employees from working second jobs. Aaron Smith thanked the board for their efforts and expressed his confidence that these boards could make the hard decisions to address the crisis. (Wow! Thanks, Aaron!) Josh Morris (? – sorry, I got behind in my typing) commended the boards for having an evening meeting so citizens could attend, suggested that any savings accrued through a hiring freeze be put into a pool for merit pay uses, and also suggested that the county look to revenue-side solutions. Cindy Poore, Health Department Director, commended the suggestions for efficiencies, but also stated concerns in relation to health insurance costs both for her department’s budget and for individual employees. Tom Kouns, County Highway Superintendent, suggested a couple tactics implemented in Ohio County, including paying employees with insurance options through their spouses to take those options, still with a net savings to the county. Council member Gene Thompson asked for input from municipal officials regarding performance-based pay. Steve Mundy, Zionsville Town Council, stated that Zionsville is moving toward that system for future increases beginning next year. The one action taken at this meeting was to put the hiring freeze on both boards' agendas for their next monthly meeting.
Wolfe asked Attorney Clutter to explain the agenda item of the Cum Bridge Fund Levy. In 2006, the county council approved an annual appropriation of $500,000 for five years from the fund to the Boone County Fair Board to support construction of new buildings, including the Witham Health Services Pavilion. That commitment will end next year. Changes to state law since 2006 now require both the council and commissioners to advertise the fund levy in order to maintain it at its current rate after the 4-H commitment expires. This process needs to start this August to be in place in time to prevent a disruption in the levy. The rate did not increase in 2006, and will not increase through this process, but the income from the levy will return to the cum bridge fund. Both council and commissioners approved resolutions directing Clutter to draft the resolutions to begin the process.
Wolfe asked me to address the agenda item of the Courthouse Centennial. Next July 4, 2012, will be the centennial of the dedication of our county courthouse, and I would like the county to partner with the Historical Society and perhaps the Lebanon Fourth of July Committee to recognize that anniversary. I proposed creating a committee to coordinate the activities and ask for volunteers. The council moved to create such a committee and named me chair (surprise!), with Brent Wheat volunteering to serve also. Charles Eaton will represent the Commissioners. Anyone in the community interested in helping should contact one of us (drodgers@ilines.net, bwheat@cityoflebanon.org, ceaton@co.boone.in.us ).
Wolfe asked for Other Business from the boards. Gene Thompson asked for clarification on the re-assessment contract which was discussed at the last monthly meetings of the two boards. He expressed concern that the funds coming into the fund designated for the next assessment cycle may not be sufficient to cover the anticipated costs. One of the concerns is that the commissioners approve contracts while the council is charged with funding them, so communication is an issue. Wolfe explained to the audience that the county has pushed the state legislature to move to “rolling reassessment” to make assessment more efficient and less costly, and encouraged anyone interested to contact their legislators.
Public comment was solicited but no one spoke.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00.
While no date has been set, it is the expectation of the boards that another joint evening meeting will be held in September, possibly in either Thorntown or Zionsville to accommodate citizens attending from other parts of the county. Any input from the public on the advisability/feasibility to doing this would be welcome. Please contact the council or commissioners members with your thoughts!
Personnel Committee Recommendations for Joint Commissioners/Council Meeting
1. Eliminate council/commissioners insurance package. ($90,000/year)
2. Eliminate part-time and over-time. ($200,000/year)
3. Expand work week to 37.5 hours/week.
4. Electronic time keeping.
5. Hard hiring freeze with corresponding reduction in allocation. Dept. heads must request and advertise additional appropriation before extending employment offer to fill positions.
6. Direct deposit for all employees.
7. Review medical insurance:
a. Eligibility (“regular” full-time employees, dependents, employer options)
b. Level of coverage
c. County portion of payment
8. Council ask department heads to adjust budget requests according to percentage of last year’s
budget based on 2012 projections.
9. Any other suggestions from council or commissioners?
Other suggestions
1. Move vendor payments to electronic funds transfer.
2. Move settlements to electronic funds transfer.
3. Ask department heads/elected officials to seek efficiencies.
4. Solicit employee ideas for efficiencies.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Joint Council/Commissioners Meeting -- June 22
AGENDA FOR JOINT MEETING
BOONE COUNTY COMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011 AT 5:30 P.M.
LEBANON PUBLIC LIBRARY
TOP FLOOR MEETING ROOM
104 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
LEBANON, IN 46052
765-483-4492
1. Call Meeting to Order. Meeting Begins at 5:30 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discussion of Budget and Ways to Manage Current County
Structure
4. Discussion of Contingency Plan for the County
5. Discussion of the Cum Bridge Fund Levy
6. Discussion of the Courthouse Centennial
7. Other Business
8. Adjourn
All times are approximate. The public is encouraged to attend the monthly Council meetings and the monthly Commissioner Meetings as well as the Joint meetings.
This Agenda is subject to change.
BOONE COUNTY COMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011 AT 5:30 P.M.
LEBANON PUBLIC LIBRARY
TOP FLOOR MEETING ROOM
104 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
LEBANON, IN 46052
765-483-4492
1. Call Meeting to Order. Meeting Begins at 5:30 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discussion of Budget and Ways to Manage Current County
Structure
4. Discussion of Contingency Plan for the County
5. Discussion of the Cum Bridge Fund Levy
6. Discussion of the Courthouse Centennial
7. Other Business
8. Adjourn
All times are approximate. The public is encouraged to attend the monthly Council meetings and the monthly Commissioner Meetings as well as the Joint meetings.
This Agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Notes -- June 2011 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
6/14/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Brent Wheat, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: None
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $1400 be transferred from the general to various funds (gas, medical, training and postage) for reimbursements. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (none present):
Requested $50 be transferred as reimbursement. Approved.
Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $4750 ($5500 was advertised) to cover the cost of state appeal on the appraisal value of four buildings in downtown Lebanon. The owner has submitted appraisals on the four buildings showing a total difference of roughly $280,000. Several questions were asked about the accuracy of the initial appraisal program, the responsibility of the initial appraisal contractor and the propriety of spending this amount to ensure the county’s recovery of $16,000 in property tax. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council Secretary Heather Barton requested creation of a new fund to hold grant money for the sheriff’s department to enforce speed limit in work zones. This is a pilot program from INDOT, created largely at Sheriff Campbell’s request in response to enforcement issues last year on I-65. Council approved.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Among highlights are the EDC’s website and social media efforts, including the Facebook page encourage Meijer to build a store in the Anson development. Progress has been made with multiple developers on constructing a “spec” building or “shell” to assist in attracting new development, and multiple companies are looking seriously at coming to Boone County. Steve Jacob commended Norton and his staff for their energetic pursuit of various projects, and their involvement of the county and municipalities. Marcia Wilhoite commented that she had recently toured Anson with the RDC and was very impressed.
Auditor Melody Price presented a spreadsheet of the county’s various general fund budget funds, as requested by the council. Treasurer Deanna Willhoite was also present and stated that the county’s tax collections for the spring payment cycle are a bit ahead of last year, with 94% collected, and a total collection of roughly 51% of the year’s projected taxes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Steve Jacob reminded the council of the upcoming joint council/commissioners meeting next Wednesday, June 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lebanon Public Library’s upstairs meeting room. The primary topic of discussion will be the county’s financial situation, including a report from the personnel committee presenting recommendations for action by the two boards.
Attorney Bob Clutter brought to the council’s attention that the Cum Bridge allocation for the 4-H building fund will expire after 2012, so to keep the levy rate at its current level, the county will have to notify the DLGF by this August to begin the public hearing schedule in time to have everything in place for the 2013 budget hearings in summer/fall of next year.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns, highway superintendent, asked for guidance on submitting budget forms for 2012 in terms of salary increase. It was recommended that he and other department heads hold off on that until after next week’s joint meeting and the recommendations of the personnel committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30. (wow!)
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Boone County Council
6/14/2011
Present: All Council Members present except Brent Wheat, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS: None
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $1400 be transferred from the general to various funds (gas, medical, training and postage) for reimbursements. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (none present):
Requested $50 be transferred as reimbursement. Approved.
Re-Assessment (Lisa Garoffolo):
Requested $4750 ($5500 was advertised) to cover the cost of state appeal on the appraisal value of four buildings in downtown Lebanon. The owner has submitted appraisals on the four buildings showing a total difference of roughly $280,000. Several questions were asked about the accuracy of the initial appraisal program, the responsibility of the initial appraisal contractor and the propriety of spending this amount to ensure the county’s recovery of $16,000 in property tax. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council Secretary Heather Barton requested creation of a new fund to hold grant money for the sheriff’s department to enforce speed limit in work zones. This is a pilot program from INDOT, created largely at Sheriff Campbell’s request in response to enforcement issues last year on I-65. Council approved.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Among highlights are the EDC’s website and social media efforts, including the Facebook page encourage Meijer to build a store in the Anson development. Progress has been made with multiple developers on constructing a “spec” building or “shell” to assist in attracting new development, and multiple companies are looking seriously at coming to Boone County. Steve Jacob commended Norton and his staff for their energetic pursuit of various projects, and their involvement of the county and municipalities. Marcia Wilhoite commented that she had recently toured Anson with the RDC and was very impressed.
Auditor Melody Price presented a spreadsheet of the county’s various general fund budget funds, as requested by the council. Treasurer Deanna Willhoite was also present and stated that the county’s tax collections for the spring payment cycle are a bit ahead of last year, with 94% collected, and a total collection of roughly 51% of the year’s projected taxes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Steve Jacob reminded the council of the upcoming joint council/commissioners meeting next Wednesday, June 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lebanon Public Library’s upstairs meeting room. The primary topic of discussion will be the county’s financial situation, including a report from the personnel committee presenting recommendations for action by the two boards.
Attorney Bob Clutter brought to the council’s attention that the Cum Bridge allocation for the 4-H building fund will expire after 2012, so to keep the levy rate at its current level, the county will have to notify the DLGF by this August to begin the public hearing schedule in time to have everything in place for the 2013 budget hearings in summer/fall of next year.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tom Kouns, highway superintendent, asked for guidance on submitting budget forms for 2012 in terms of salary increase. It was recommended that he and other department heads hold off on that until after next week’s joint meeting and the recommendations of the personnel committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30. (wow!)
Next regularly-scheduled council meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
June 2011 Council Agenda
BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JUNE 14, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: None
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Jail Maintenance, Re-Assessment
New Business:
Heather Barton, Deputy Auditor – New Fund
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, May 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
BUSINESS AGENDA FOR JUNE 14, 2011
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 2011 Minutes
Re-Appropriation Requests: None
Additional Requests:
Sheriff, Jail Maintenance, Re-Assessment
New Business:
Heather Barton, Deputy Auditor – New Fund
Dax Norton, Director Boone EDC - Update
Melody Price, Auditor - Financial Update
Old Business:
Public Comment:
Document Signing:
Re-Appropriations, Additionals, May 2011 Council Minutes
Adjournment
This agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Notes -- May 2011 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
5/10/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Elections (no one present):
Requested a transfer of $1500 for voter registration per diem, which must be moved into a new line. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $3018 from road maintenance to new equipment to replace shop equipment. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Rainy Day/Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $69525 from grant money deposited by the probation department for community corrections officers to provide jail supervision. Approved.
Rainy Day/Stone & Gravel (Kouns):
Last month the council asked Kouns to come up with a proposal to spend $2M on equipment and summer road maintenance. Kouns proposes to spend $500,000 on purchase of one road grader and lease of five dump trucks. He also proposed $1.4M+ for road maintenance – 13 miles of chip and seal, 3 miles of cold mix overlay, 16 miles hot mix overlay. Council President Steve Jacob asked about the amount of contracting out of services the department does, and whether more contracting out might be more cost effective, particularly in terms of capitalization of equipment. Kouns disagreed that there would be a savings, arguing that the department could provide services cheaper and faster than a contractor. The council asked several questions regarding the proposed leasing of trucks and the long-term equipment replacement plan Kouns and the commissioners have been planning. It was also suggested that Kouns might take the $275,000 for the initial (and then annual) lease payments for the five trucks out of the food and beverage fund. The council approved $500,000 from the Rainy Day Fund for the equipment replacement, as well as $1.225M for road maintenance. The council suggested that Kouns could return for an additional $275,000 from the food and beverage fund for road maintenance later in the year if he wished. Approved
Highway (Kouns):
Requested $5000 for tires & tubes and $50,000 for equipment from the highway fund for existing repairs. Those funds’ budgets have nearly been depleted for the year. Approved.
Sherriff (Campbell):
Requested roughly $600 for inmate medical and other reimbursement funds. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested transfer of money collected from inmates for damages. Approved.
Commissioners (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested transfer of grant money ($3500) collected for Friends of Boone County Trails. Approved.
Health Department (Vicky Foster):
Requested transfer of grant money collected from the state for emergency preparedness money. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
County Attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council regarding an interlocal agreement with Whitestown to apply for federal matching funds to upgrade two miles of county road 650 South between (roughly) Indianapolis Road and State Road 267. 85% of the road in question falls within Whitestown limits, but the commissioners, town and their attorneys have determined that grant and maintenance would run best through the county, which would agree to take over maintenance of the entire stretch for the duration of the agreement, which is four years. Tom Kouns addressed the council on the history of this road improvement project, which was initially approved in 1999, then dropped in 2002 when some parcel owners refused to sell right-of-way. Commissioner Charles Eaton also spoke in favor of the agreement and answered questions. The project cost estimate in 1999 was $1.5M, while the current cost estimate would be nearly $5.5M. The county would have to commit to 20% of the cost, which would be just over $1M. The council asked many questions about the terms of the agreement and the grant project, particularly on the county’s relationship with Whitestown. The council had several concerns about the source of the county’s funding responsibility. The most likely source will be the $1M the state will be paying the county for taking over State Road 334 (which is 650 S on the east side of the interstate) over the next three years. The council approved the agreement (I voted against), as well as the associated financial commitment letter.
Kouns also asked approval of a financial commitment letter for an already-approved federal highway project upgrading county road 400 S east of I-65 as part of the 146th street extension. Approved.
Auditor Melody Price addressed the council on our financial standing, as requested last month. The council requested a regular update on the county’s general fund operating balance, which stood at just over $1.1M as of January 1. Part of the summary for 2010 included that the county spent only about 95% of what was budgeted. The council also set the 2012 budget hearings for the week of August 22.
Dax Norton of the Economic Development Commission gave an update on several companies looking at the Lebanon Business Park. The EDC’s current top priorities are marketing the county’s open land and adding building inventory. A recent announcement by Amazon to add space in the Indy area highlights the county’s shortage of ready space. Norton also asked for guidance on his upcoming budget request.
Tom Kouns presented the council with a FCC directive to switch the highway department to a narrow bandwith system (12.5 kHz) by January 1, 2013. Some other departments (jail, sheriff) might also be affected. Kouns estimates the cost at roughly $75,000. Several members asked questions about using cell phones &/or Nextel systems instead of radios, but Kouns was pessimistic.
OLD BUSINESS:
Council member Brent Wheat gave a brief update on the personnel committee’s first meeting, which consisted primarily of gathering data for future decisions. The committee will meet again at the end of the month to look more closely at the numbers and include HR consultant Dennis Dunlap.
The joint council/commissioners meeting in June is tentatively scheduled for the 22nd at 6:30. Meeting space issues are preventing that being a firm date, though the suggestion to hold this and future such meetings at a county library may solve that problem.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 10:50.
Next regularly-scheduled meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Boone County Council
5/10/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the April meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Elections (no one present):
Requested a transfer of $1500 for voter registration per diem, which must be moved into a new line. Approved.
Local Road & Street (Tom Kouns):
Requested $3018 from road maintenance to new equipment to replace shop equipment. Approved.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Rainy Day/Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested $69525 from grant money deposited by the probation department for community corrections officers to provide jail supervision. Approved.
Rainy Day/Stone & Gravel (Kouns):
Last month the council asked Kouns to come up with a proposal to spend $2M on equipment and summer road maintenance. Kouns proposes to spend $500,000 on purchase of one road grader and lease of five dump trucks. He also proposed $1.4M+ for road maintenance – 13 miles of chip and seal, 3 miles of cold mix overlay, 16 miles hot mix overlay. Council President Steve Jacob asked about the amount of contracting out of services the department does, and whether more contracting out might be more cost effective, particularly in terms of capitalization of equipment. Kouns disagreed that there would be a savings, arguing that the department could provide services cheaper and faster than a contractor. The council asked several questions regarding the proposed leasing of trucks and the long-term equipment replacement plan Kouns and the commissioners have been planning. It was also suggested that Kouns might take the $275,000 for the initial (and then annual) lease payments for the five trucks out of the food and beverage fund. The council approved $500,000 from the Rainy Day Fund for the equipment replacement, as well as $1.225M for road maintenance. The council suggested that Kouns could return for an additional $275,000 from the food and beverage fund for road maintenance later in the year if he wished. Approved
Highway (Kouns):
Requested $5000 for tires & tubes and $50,000 for equipment from the highway fund for existing repairs. Those funds’ budgets have nearly been depleted for the year. Approved.
Sherriff (Campbell):
Requested roughly $600 for inmate medical and other reimbursement funds. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested transfer of money collected from inmates for damages. Approved.
Commissioners (Jeff Wolfe):
Requested transfer of grant money ($3500) collected for Friends of Boone County Trails. Approved.
Health Department (Vicky Foster):
Requested transfer of grant money collected from the state for emergency preparedness money. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
County Attorney Bob Clutter addressed the council regarding an interlocal agreement with Whitestown to apply for federal matching funds to upgrade two miles of county road 650 South between (roughly) Indianapolis Road and State Road 267. 85% of the road in question falls within Whitestown limits, but the commissioners, town and their attorneys have determined that grant and maintenance would run best through the county, which would agree to take over maintenance of the entire stretch for the duration of the agreement, which is four years. Tom Kouns addressed the council on the history of this road improvement project, which was initially approved in 1999, then dropped in 2002 when some parcel owners refused to sell right-of-way. Commissioner Charles Eaton also spoke in favor of the agreement and answered questions. The project cost estimate in 1999 was $1.5M, while the current cost estimate would be nearly $5.5M. The county would have to commit to 20% of the cost, which would be just over $1M. The council asked many questions about the terms of the agreement and the grant project, particularly on the county’s relationship with Whitestown. The council had several concerns about the source of the county’s funding responsibility. The most likely source will be the $1M the state will be paying the county for taking over State Road 334 (which is 650 S on the east side of the interstate) over the next three years. The council approved the agreement (I voted against), as well as the associated financial commitment letter.
Kouns also asked approval of a financial commitment letter for an already-approved federal highway project upgrading county road 400 S east of I-65 as part of the 146th street extension. Approved.
Auditor Melody Price addressed the council on our financial standing, as requested last month. The council requested a regular update on the county’s general fund operating balance, which stood at just over $1.1M as of January 1. Part of the summary for 2010 included that the county spent only about 95% of what was budgeted. The council also set the 2012 budget hearings for the week of August 22.
Dax Norton of the Economic Development Commission gave an update on several companies looking at the Lebanon Business Park. The EDC’s current top priorities are marketing the county’s open land and adding building inventory. A recent announcement by Amazon to add space in the Indy area highlights the county’s shortage of ready space. Norton also asked for guidance on his upcoming budget request.
Tom Kouns presented the council with a FCC directive to switch the highway department to a narrow bandwith system (12.5 kHz) by January 1, 2013. Some other departments (jail, sheriff) might also be affected. Kouns estimates the cost at roughly $75,000. Several members asked questions about using cell phones &/or Nextel systems instead of radios, but Kouns was pessimistic.
OLD BUSINESS:
Council member Brent Wheat gave a brief update on the personnel committee’s first meeting, which consisted primarily of gathering data for future decisions. The committee will meet again at the end of the month to look more closely at the numbers and include HR consultant Dennis Dunlap.
The joint council/commissioners meeting in June is tentatively scheduled for the 22nd at 6:30. Meeting space issues are preventing that being a firm date, though the suggestion to hold this and future such meetings at a county library may solve that problem.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 10:50.
Next regularly-scheduled meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Notes -- April 2011 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
4/12/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the March meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Health Dept. (no one present):
Request for $3000 from environmental specialist to attorney. The auditor’s office advised the council that because this transfer was considered a “shift” within the same fund series, no council action was needed.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $2200 be transferred from the general to various funds (medical, postage and other equipment) for reimbursements. The biggest single item was moving grant funds of $1230 in grant money for camera equipment. Approved.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested transfer of $1000 of grant fund reimbursement from a copier purchase. Approved.
Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $215,623 to cover funding of probation officer salaries. The council had budgeted this amount to come from a probation user fee fund, but a clarification from the state and a decrease in that fund’s income caused that plan to fall through. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested roughly $210 to reimburse inmate expenses returned to the general fund. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Carney):
A request for $100,000 for bridge 32 (steel truss over sugar creek) was withdrawn last month due to a typo in the advertising, but is resubmitted to correct a state budgeting error. This is not actually additional money, but correction of a paperwork error. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Member Gene Thompson updated the council on the efforts of the prosecutor’s office to create a new fund in order to track expenses for the Child Advocacy Center. The Auditor’s office has approved this creation.
Council Secretary Heather Barton presented a request to create three new funds for tracking grant funds received for the Sherriff’s Department (OWI, Seatbelt, Aggressive Driving). These are not new grants, but rather an attempt to clarify accounting for future tracking of the funds. Council moved to create the funds.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Thursday, April 21, the EDC will sponsor a rural development summit at the Fairgrounds Pavilion, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Tom Kouns of the Highway Department was on the agenda to discuss highway department equipment repairs/replacement last month, but was attending the Purdue Road School. Today Kouns updated the council on increasing prices of oil, asphalt and other materials in asking for guidance in setting up a summer road maintenance program. Several members discussed the declining road situation, and whether the council could or should continue to attempt to keep roads at their current state as revenues decline. Several questions involved the road inventories in areas annexed by Whitestown and Lebanon, and that involved in the Zionsville reorganization. In those annexed areas, the municipalities are now responsible for road maintenance, while in the “rural” areas of Zionsville, the county continues its responsibility for service. Kouns did clarify that the county still receives its distribution of state highway and motor vehicle funding based on those roads. (In other words, the county’s share of funding has stayed the same, though the overall funding has declined.)
Kouns also addressed the sorry state of his department’s equipment. Kouns spent 70% of the dept’s equipment repairs in the first quarter of 2011, as well as 50% of his gas and oil budget and over half of the tires and tubes budget. Commissioner Charles Eaton spoke extensively encouraging the council to adopt a wheel tax to avoid the impending emergency in road funding. Such a tax would have to be approved by June in order to be in place for next year’s income. The council did not respond favorably to Commissioner Eaton’s suggestions.
Council member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that the council and Kouns consider a total number equaling the amount transferred from the Cum Bridge fund last year, which was $2.1M. The council asked Kouns to come back with a plan which would spend up to $2M.
Wilhoite also asked for a regular update on where the council’s budget stands (over/under) in terms of what was allocated. President Steve Jacob asked Auditor Melody Price to give an update on the operating balance at the end of the year, with the idea of receiving a quarterly update. As part of the discussion, Price advised the council that the county actually spent roughly 94% of its allocated budget in 2010, which left an operating balance of just over $1M, which was up from just under $200,000 at the end of 2009.
Kouns also asked for clarification on funding for medical dust control. Last year, we budgeted $25,000 and spent just over $23,000 for just over 100 applications. After extensive discussion, the council decided NOT to fund medical dust control this year.
I raised the possibility of creating a personnel committee to address issues like extending employee work hours, trimming full-time &/or part-time employees, pay increases/bonuses, tying compensation to performance and job descriptions, and benefits. After discussion which included county commissioner Jeff Wolfe and HR consultant Dennis Dunlap, the council moved to create a committee of two council members, one commissioner and Auditor Price. Assuming the commissioners approve at their Monday meeting, I will serve on the committee, with council member Brent Wheat as chair. There was some discussion as to whether the committee should be a permanent, standing committee, but that question was left open for the time being.
I also moved to have a quarterly joint meeting with the county commissioners, inviting other elected officials and department heads, held in the evening, for the purposes of discussing county issues and allowing more public access to our proceedings. This would be outside the two boards’ regular morning monthly meetings. Whether this would be a business meeting or more focused just on discussion was debated extensively. Commissioner Wolfe asserted that the commissioners would be interested in such a meeting. Council member Butch Smith argued strongly against holding an evening meeting. Marcia Wilhoite questioned the desirability of holding a meeting without it being a regular business meeting. Smith suggested simply attending a commissioner’s meeting once a quarter in lieu of the regular monthly council meeting. Wilhoite asked that any meeting be in the late afternoon rather than later evening. I moved to ask the commissioners to conduct an additional joint quarterly meeting, and that motion carried, with the understanding that Jacob and Wolfe, as presidents of the respective boards, would arrange a schedule and set a time, morning or evening.
OLD BUSINESS:
Heather Barton updated the council on the efforts to determine the county’s portion of employee health benefits. We had asked for that information in order to adjust future funding for grant employees and possibly the CAC employees, especially in relation to the newly-created employee health funds. Through a convoluted process using the COBRA reimbursement rate for former employees, the auditor’s office reached a figure of $1,717, which is a high-end average estimate.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Auditor Price asked for guidance in setting the schedule for budget hearings in August. Tentative schedule is for the week of August 8th, though there is some question of whether the state will have distributed COIT funding information by that date. Price will attempt to find information on that schedule and advise the council next month in order to set the dates.
Steve Jacob asked the council’s input on contracting with Umbaugh & Associates for an update on the budget projections they prepared last year. The consensus seemed to be that while those were very useful, and an update of some sort would be helpful for the budget hearings as well, we will wait to see what information we can gather on our own and what might still be needed, with the possibility of engaging Umbaugh at some level this summer.
Gene Thompson asked Price for clarification on changes to contracting and reporting of IV-D grant funds in the prosecutor’s office. Price said a meeting with the new contractor and the clerk has been scheduled to address that issue. She will have an update next month.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55.
Next regularly-scheduled meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
Boone County Council
4/12/2011
Present: All Council Members present, Secretary Heather Barton.
The council approved the minutes of the March meeting.
RE-APPROPRIATIONS:
Health Dept. (no one present):
Request for $3000 from environmental specialist to attorney. The auditor’s office advised the council that because this transfer was considered a “shift” within the same fund series, no council action was needed.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Sheriff (Ken Campbell):
Requested roughly $2200 be transferred from the general to various funds (medical, postage and other equipment) for reimbursements. The biggest single item was moving grant funds of $1230 in grant money for camera equipment. Approved.
Prosecutor (Tonya Thayer):
Requested transfer of $1000 of grant fund reimbursement from a copier purchase. Approved.
Probation (Kari Ragsdale):
Requested $215,623 to cover funding of probation officer salaries. The council had budgeted this amount to come from a probation user fee fund, but a clarification from the state and a decrease in that fund’s income caused that plan to fall through. Approved.
Jail Maintenance (no one present):
Requested roughly $210 to reimburse inmate expenses returned to the general fund. Approved.
Cum Bridge (Carney):
A request for $100,000 for bridge 32 (steel truss over sugar creek) was withdrawn last month due to a typo in the advertising, but is resubmitted to correct a state budgeting error. This is not actually additional money, but correction of a paperwork error. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Member Gene Thompson updated the council on the efforts of the prosecutor’s office to create a new fund in order to track expenses for the Child Advocacy Center. The Auditor’s office has approved this creation.
Council Secretary Heather Barton presented a request to create three new funds for tracking grant funds received for the Sherriff’s Department (OWI, Seatbelt, Aggressive Driving). These are not new grants, but rather an attempt to clarify accounting for future tracking of the funds. Council moved to create the funds.
Dax Norton, Director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, updated the council on the ongoing efforts of the EDC. Thursday, April 21, the EDC will sponsor a rural development summit at the Fairgrounds Pavilion, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Tom Kouns of the Highway Department was on the agenda to discuss highway department equipment repairs/replacement last month, but was attending the Purdue Road School. Today Kouns updated the council on increasing prices of oil, asphalt and other materials in asking for guidance in setting up a summer road maintenance program. Several members discussed the declining road situation, and whether the council could or should continue to attempt to keep roads at their current state as revenues decline. Several questions involved the road inventories in areas annexed by Whitestown and Lebanon, and that involved in the Zionsville reorganization. In those annexed areas, the municipalities are now responsible for road maintenance, while in the “rural” areas of Zionsville, the county continues its responsibility for service. Kouns did clarify that the county still receives its distribution of state highway and motor vehicle funding based on those roads. (In other words, the county’s share of funding has stayed the same, though the overall funding has declined.)
Kouns also addressed the sorry state of his department’s equipment. Kouns spent 70% of the dept’s equipment repairs in the first quarter of 2011, as well as 50% of his gas and oil budget and over half of the tires and tubes budget. Commissioner Charles Eaton spoke extensively encouraging the council to adopt a wheel tax to avoid the impending emergency in road funding. Such a tax would have to be approved by June in order to be in place for next year’s income. The council did not respond favorably to Commissioner Eaton’s suggestions.
Council member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that the council and Kouns consider a total number equaling the amount transferred from the Cum Bridge fund last year, which was $2.1M. The council asked Kouns to come back with a plan which would spend up to $2M.
Wilhoite also asked for a regular update on where the council’s budget stands (over/under) in terms of what was allocated. President Steve Jacob asked Auditor Melody Price to give an update on the operating balance at the end of the year, with the idea of receiving a quarterly update. As part of the discussion, Price advised the council that the county actually spent roughly 94% of its allocated budget in 2010, which left an operating balance of just over $1M, which was up from just under $200,000 at the end of 2009.
Kouns also asked for clarification on funding for medical dust control. Last year, we budgeted $25,000 and spent just over $23,000 for just over 100 applications. After extensive discussion, the council decided NOT to fund medical dust control this year.
I raised the possibility of creating a personnel committee to address issues like extending employee work hours, trimming full-time &/or part-time employees, pay increases/bonuses, tying compensation to performance and job descriptions, and benefits. After discussion which included county commissioner Jeff Wolfe and HR consultant Dennis Dunlap, the council moved to create a committee of two council members, one commissioner and Auditor Price. Assuming the commissioners approve at their Monday meeting, I will serve on the committee, with council member Brent Wheat as chair. There was some discussion as to whether the committee should be a permanent, standing committee, but that question was left open for the time being.
I also moved to have a quarterly joint meeting with the county commissioners, inviting other elected officials and department heads, held in the evening, for the purposes of discussing county issues and allowing more public access to our proceedings. This would be outside the two boards’ regular morning monthly meetings. Whether this would be a business meeting or more focused just on discussion was debated extensively. Commissioner Wolfe asserted that the commissioners would be interested in such a meeting. Council member Butch Smith argued strongly against holding an evening meeting. Marcia Wilhoite questioned the desirability of holding a meeting without it being a regular business meeting. Smith suggested simply attending a commissioner’s meeting once a quarter in lieu of the regular monthly council meeting. Wilhoite asked that any meeting be in the late afternoon rather than later evening. I moved to ask the commissioners to conduct an additional joint quarterly meeting, and that motion carried, with the understanding that Jacob and Wolfe, as presidents of the respective boards, would arrange a schedule and set a time, morning or evening.
OLD BUSINESS:
Heather Barton updated the council on the efforts to determine the county’s portion of employee health benefits. We had asked for that information in order to adjust future funding for grant employees and possibly the CAC employees, especially in relation to the newly-created employee health funds. Through a convoluted process using the COBRA reimbursement rate for former employees, the auditor’s office reached a figure of $1,717, which is a high-end average estimate.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Auditor Price asked for guidance in setting the schedule for budget hearings in August. Tentative schedule is for the week of August 8th, though there is some question of whether the state will have distributed COIT funding information by that date. Price will attempt to find information on that schedule and advise the council next month in order to set the dates.
Steve Jacob asked the council’s input on contracting with Umbaugh & Associates for an update on the budget projections they prepared last year. The consensus seemed to be that while those were very useful, and an update of some sort would be helpful for the budget hearings as well, we will wait to see what information we can gather on our own and what might still be needed, with the possibility of engaging Umbaugh at some level this summer.
Gene Thompson asked Price for clarification on changes to contracting and reporting of IV-D grant funds in the prosecutor’s office. Price said a meeting with the new contractor and the clerk has been scheduled to address that issue. She will have an update next month.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55.
Next regularly-scheduled meeting will be 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, in the Courthouse Annex, Lebanon.
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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.
