Finance Committee

finance_committee_minutes_08-11-15.pdf (15 KB)

Members present:             Tommy Lee Bychinski, Wally Czuprynko, Joan Fordham, Andrea Lombard and Marty Krueger

Others present:           Kerry Beghin, Cindy Bodendein, Liz Geoghegan, Lynn Horkan, Tom Kriegl, Vicki Meister, Brentt Michalek, Cathy Warwick

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.  Motion carried.  Motion by Fordham, second by Lombard to adopt the minutes of previous meetings on July 14 and 21, 2015.  Motion carried. 

Public Comment:  None

Communications:  None

Presentation of quarterly accounts receivable reports as of June 30, 2015.

Working with ADRC to get billing up to date.  Noted all reports are standard, and low level of Health Care Center receivables.

Consideration of Resolution to create a Full Time Public Health Nurse Position For the Sauk County Health Department Outside the 2015 Budget Process.

Warwick noted new position is for the Nurse Family Partnership program.  She reviewed the program and benefits.  Sauk is one of 11 counties considered at risk in Wisconsin.  Position is paid for through grant funding beginning October 1 through September 30, 2016.  The grant will need to be applied for in subsequent years, but history shows that they have never defunded a site that they began funding.  Results are seen based on replication and 100% fidelity to an evidence-based model.  Lombard noted her dissent and concern for government dependency.  Fordham noted this population is already eligible for many government programs and this would help in making them more self-sufficient.  Motion by Fordham, second by Czuprynko to create a Full Time Public Health Nurse Position For the Sauk County Health Department Outside the 2015 Budget Process. Motion carried, with Lombard opposed.

Discussion of possible 2015 budget overrun for Clerk of Courts department.

Meister noted decreased traffic forfeitures, decrease in overall case filings, and lower tax intercept collections.  Increased use of diversion programs, such as the criminal justice coordinating council, will further decrease revenues while savings costs in the long run elsewhere.  Motion by Czuprynko, second by Lombard accepting the written report by Clerk of Courts. 

Discussion of 2016 budget and process review. 

Preliminary equalized values came out with an increase in equalized value excluding the tax incremental districts of 5.16%, the first increase since 2009 budget.  Net new construction has increased 1.1%, translating into roughly $290,000 more in levy dollars.  Final valuations are released August 15.  Last week in August is staff review of budgets to look at big picture, commonalities and sharing of services.  September 28 & 29 are the two days for the Finance Committee to listen to budget presentations, with the 30th reserved for follow-up and deliberation.

Presentation of County financial reports.  Beghin reviewed notable items and trends.  Sales tax cumulatively 8% higher than last year at this time. 

Treasurer’s Department Update.  Geoghegan reviewed departmental activities.  Planning on not filling the position vacated position in June.  Tax delinquencies are far lower than last year, meaning the interest and penalties will also decrease.  Motion by Krueger, second by Czuprynko to accept the Treasurer’s monthly report and approve payment of Treasurer’s Department invoices in the amount of $34,484,120.16.  Motion carried. 

Accounting Department Update.  Beghin highlighted departmental activities.  Beghin noted the County received the GFOA Budget award for the 13th consecutive year.  Being subject to 2013 IRS audit to include payroll and accounts payable. Beghin highlighted plans to discuss staffing needs between County Clerk, Personnel, Accounting and Administrative Coordinator departments.  Motion by Fordham, second by Lombard to accept the monthly report and approve payment of Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $115,621.27 and County invoices in the amount of $36,417,772.05.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:  None

Next regular Finance Committee meeting will be Tuesday, September 8, 2015, 8:30 AM, Joint Finance Personnel committee meeting Thursday, September 10, 2015 1:00 PM.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Andrea Lombard, Finance Committee Secretary