Finance Committee

10/12/12 Minutes (63 KB)

Members present: Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham, Jason Lane, Andrea Lombard and William F. Wenzel

Others present: Dave Bangert, Kerry Beghin, Ruth Dawson, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Lynn Horkan, Marty Krueger, Kathy Schauf, Steve Schneider, and Media

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 2:05 PM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Lane, second by Fordham to approve the agenda and allow Steve Schneider to speak concerning agendized resolutions. Motion carried. Motion by Lombard, second by Wenzel to approve the minutes of September 11, 18, 26, 27, and 28. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None

Communications:
None

Consider Resolution Approving Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bond Financing for Hilbert Communications, LLC and Providing for Limited County Guaranty.
Schauf noted there will be two more resolutions in November; one for the bonding and one for legal surety. Krueger noted Adams and Fond du Lac County boards have unanimously approved resolutions. Krueger discussed Hilbert being responsible to report to the counties involved. The Committee discussed due diligence, effect on County bond rating in the event of default, risk, project timeline, and revenues. Private enterprise and economic development precedent were discussed. The mobile and fixed broadband capabilities of the project were highlighted. Fordham requested Bangert comment; and he commented on the project and his business. Motion by Lombard, second by Lane to approve Resolution Approving Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bond Financing for Hilbert Communications, LLC and Providing for Limited County Guaranty. Vote called: Bychinski-Aye, Fordham-Aye, Lane-Nay, Lombard-Nay, Wenzel-Nay. Motion defeated.

Consider Resolution Approving Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bond Financing for Hilbert Communications, LLC and Providing for Intergovernmental Agreement.
Motion by Lombard, second by Fordham to approve Resolution Approving Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bond Financing for Hilbert Communications, LLC and Providing for Intergovernmental Agreement. Vote called: Bychinski-Nay, Fordham-Aye, Lane-Nay, Lombard-Nay, Wenzel-Aye. Motion defeated.

Consideration of 2013 budget recommendation to the County Board.
Beghin noted budget issues and new information since the last budget meetings. Clean sweep options were discussed. Schauf noted a full classification study would cost approximately $60,000; Committee discussed funding study with fund balance. The levy rate and the effect of the reductions to the base were discussed. Committee agreed through consensus to adjust the budget as follows:
      1) Add levy to fund Highway transportation aids lower than projected $39,150
      2) Add levy to fund clean sweep grant not awarded $16,000
      3) Add levy to fund CPZ Committee request to restore a second clean sweep $38,000
      4) Add levy to fund E&L Committee request to add a law clerk in Corporation Counsel office $8,770
      5) Add $60,000 for a compensation study completely funded by General Fund balance
The net result of these changes generates a tentatively proposed property tax levy of $25,450,904, which is $80,393 less than for the 2012 budget. Motion by Lane, second by Lombard to recommend the 2013 budget with the changes as agreed through consensus to arrive at tax levy amount of $28,450,904. Motion carried.

Consider agenda of next intergovernmental meeting.
Schauf noted the agenda is being put together through WCA and other participating parties. The format and goals of the meeting were highlighted by Schauf and Krueger.

Presentation of County financial reports.
County financial information was reviewed and discussed. Sales tax was noted.

Treasurer’s Department Update.
Geoghegan highlighted departmental activities. Discussed tax collection. 2008 deeded properties will go to the Board in December. Appraisals on potential properties of greater value were discussed. Motion by Lane, second by Lombard to approve payment of Treasurer’s Department invoices in the amount of $183,838.51. Motion carried.

Accounting Department Update.
Beghin highlighted departmental activities. Motion by Fordham, second by Lombard to approve payment of Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $45,978.14 and County invoices in the amount of $3,501,188.16. Motion carried.

The next regular Finance Committee meeting is set for November 6, 2012.

Motion by Lombard, second by Lane to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary