Finance Committee

09/28/12 Minutes (44 KB)

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

Others present: Judy Ashford, Kerry Beghin, Lynn Horkan, Tom Kriegl, Marty Krueger, Maureen Palmer, Kathy Schauf, and Bev Vaillancourt.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:30 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Lombard, second by Fordham to adopt the agenda and allow the public and county supervisors a 3 minute comment time after budget presentations. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None

Discussion and consideration of the 2013 County Budget.

Libraries:
Vaillancourt reviewed the funding of the libraries and the services/programs. Trends show a drop in circulation related to an increase in electronic formats. Budget request is decreased compared to 2012 and reflects efficiencies of libraries as the use and programs increase. The issue of the outdated funding formula that does not include electronic circulation was discussed.

Arts, Humanities & Historic Preservation:
Ashford noted the budget is the same except for a decrease in state funding. Committee commented on the benefits of these programs to the County. Ashford reviewed the various grants.

Non-Departmental accounts and general discussion:
County Board:
Krueger noted change to budget since approval at Executive and Legislative is due to the inclusion of a meeting management and voting system. This is an annual recurring cost for the new system. All other meeting expenses were arrived at by best estimation and reviewing trends. Migration issues and costs concerning a new system were discussed.

CDBG-Economic Development / Revolving Loans:
Schauf spoke about the program’s transition to a regional loan fund.

CDBG-Emergency Assistance Program:
This program is winding to a close in 2013. Remaining funds will be used for mitigation and property buyouts.

CDBG-Flood Recovery Small Business:
Repayments for these loans are transferred to the CDBG Revolving Loan program.

CDBG-Revolving Loan Fund – Housing:
Schauf commented this program is currently transitioning to a regionalized program.

Debt Service:
Beghin reviewed the stability of debt service payments with a large decrease scheduled for 2022.

General:
Committee reviewed and discussed multiple accounts, including a conservative sales tax estimate.

Outside Agency Summary:
Committee discussed and reviewed the multiple requests.

Committee discussed and considered changes to the requested budget. Schauf noted there are several items in the budget that would be a good fit for fund balance. The balance of services, tax levy and the levy limits were discussed. Allocation of county levy as state rolls back funding was discussed. Fund balance available for use was reviewed.

Committee agreed through consensus to adjust the requested budget as follows:
     1) A levy reduction of $669,127 due to health insurance rate adjustment
     2) A levy reduction of $42,368 due to lower Wisconsin Retirement System rates
     3) Capital expenditures funded by general fund balance instead of tax levy:
          a. Remodel of West Square for $411,800
          b. Upgrade of communications system to accommodate frequency narrowbanding for $300,000
          c. Implementation of energy and cost saving measures for $225,000
     4) Addition of funds to the Sheriff's Department budget for cleanup of the vacated shooting range at the former landfill. The total estimated cost is $130,000, with $80,000 funded by the tax levy and $50,000 funded by General Fund balance
     5) Addition of funds to the Sheriff's Department budget to study potential remodeling of the jail for $17,119
     6) Deferral of purchase of a replacement vehicle for the Coroner's office for $28,000.
The net result of these changes generates a tentatively proposed property tax levy of $28,348,984, which is $182,313 less than for the 2012 budget.

Motion by Wenzel, second by Lombard to recommend the 2013 budget with the changes as agreed through consensus to arrive at tax levy amount of $28,348,984. Motion carried.

Consideration of Budget Process and Amendments:
Schauf noted the prior year’s amendment process allowed for extra discussion and knowledge around proposed amendments. Committee consensus is to keep the same amendment process.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary