Finance Committee

05/08/12 Minutes (66 KB)

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

Others present: Scott Alexander, Kerry Beghin, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Lynn Horkan, Tom Kriegl, Marty Krueger, Don Nobs.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:30 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given.

Election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
     • Motion by Wenzel to nominate Bychinski as Finance Committee Chair, second by Fordham. Motion by Fordham to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Bychinski as Chair, second by Lane. Motion carried.
     • Motion by Lane to nominate Wenzel as Finance Committee Vice-Chair, second by Lombard. Motion by Bychinski to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Wenzel as Vice Chair, second by Lane. Motion carried.
     • Motion by Bychinski to nominate Fordham as Finance Committee Secretary, second by Wenzel. Motion by Lombard to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Fordham as Secretary, second by Wenzel. Motion carried.
     • Motion by Lane to adopt the agenda, second by Fordham. Motion carried. Motion by Fordham to adopt the minutes of previous meetings on April 10 and 17, 2012, second by Wenzel. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None

Communications:
None

Presentation of quarterly accounts receivable reports as of March 31, 2012.
Committee discussed and reviewed the reports. Discussed difference between a write off and an adjustment. Beghin noted each department has policy and procedure for receivables. Health Care Center private pay trends were discussed.

Discussion and possible resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2011 Budget.
Coroner department in the general fund is the only department exceeding 2011 budget. Hahn commented on number of autopsies and other lab expenses for the department. Committee agreed departments work hard to stay within budget, and noted this is the function of the oversight committees. Motion by Wenzel to approve the resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2011 Budget, second by Lane. Motion carried.

Consider update to Financial Policy 4-96, Capital Improvements.
Beghin reviewed the changes to the policy. Motion by Fordham update Financial Policy 4-96, Capital Improvements, second by Wenzel. Motion carried.

Review of 2013 budget process – public input mechanism.
Budget form changes help the process by tying input and outcomes to goals and budget dollars. However, it continues to be difficult to get the focus on programs and priorities instead of dollars. Night committee meetings are being scheduled, many will be in June. Discussed low public and supervisor attendance at the night meetings. The response rate and value of the budget survey was discussed. Schauf commented the process is always evolving and will continue to explore other opportunities and methods.

Presentation of County financial reports.
County financial information was reviewed and discussed. The first quarter sales tax was not as robust as last year. Uncollected taxes as of April 30 are more favorable than a year ago. Interest on taxes, permits and housing of prisoners are also favorable to budget.

Treasurer’s Department Update.
System implementation is going well; multiple staff are using the new system full time. As of September 1, everything will be in the new system. Tax notification letters distributed to parties with interest in 2008 delinquent properties and encouragement to set up payment plans. Motion by Lane to approve payment of Treasurer’s Department invoices in the amount of $4,002.69, second by Fordham. Motion carried.

Accounting Department Update.
Beghin highlighted Accounting Department recent activity. The audit field work has been completed. Work will begin on financial statements and schedule of awards. Motion by Wenzel to approve payment of Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $9,429.29 and County invoices in the amount of $1,930,514.44 second by Fordham. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting is tentatively set for the evening of June 12, 2012.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary