Finance Committee (2011 Budget)

Members present: Steve Bach, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham, Jason Lane, William F. Wenzel

Others present: Judy Ashford, Kerry Beghin, Darin Carignan, Lowell Haugen, Lynn Horkan, Marty Krueger, Steve Muchow, and Kathy Schauf

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:15 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Bach to adopt the agenda, second by Fordham. Motion carried.

Public Works - Highway

Muchow explained the budget request maintains the same level of service as last year. This is a safe level and meets the expectation of the public. Only increase is in labor costs. Anticipate that material expenses will maintain about the same as last year. Maintenance program is the same as last year, 12 miles for construction and improvements. Delays of these projects cost more in long term with increased maintenance costs. The prevailing wage law has increased costs in construction. Discussed efficiencies made around operations to save costs. Further reductions would not gain any long term cost savings. Huber inmates help in many areas to allow highway staff to do other tasks. The maintenance of the roundabouts was discussed.

Non-Departmental Accounts and General Discussion

Ashford reviewed the Historical Society appropriation and how it is used. She explained the grant approval process. The Fair Board appropriation was also discussed. Outside agency budgets and budget responsibilities were discussed.

County Board:

Krueger indicated the requested budget is based on estimated meeting attendance. The impact of the special committees and their expense is a concern in the coming year as special committees need to tackle lengthy issues. Conference attendance was discussed.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG):

Schauf explained these programs are monies received from Department of Commerce. CDBG-EAP will be expended in 2010 with minimal extension into 2011. CDBG-FRSB is awaiting repayment of loans in 2011.

Debt Service:

This fund has debt service not related to Health Care Center (HCC). Debt service payments are essentially exempt from levy limits. Beghin indicated that Robert W Baird contacts the county as refunding opportunities arise that could be a benefit.

General:

Beghin reviewed the general accounts. Currently 4%, about $434,000, ahead of last year’s sales tax revenue. A conservative sales tax revenue increase for the budget was discussed. Shared revenue has a small increase for 2011. Committee commented on maintaining a focus on essential, core and desirable priorities as approach the budget. Discussed use of fund balance in the budget. Beghin reviewed the levy limits and the calculation. Beghin reviewed the current request compared to the levy limits. The Committee discussed how to approach the budget presentation to the County Board. Long term affect of levy limits, base for future years and the unknown state legislative actions were discussed. Discussed a “real zero” versus just delayed purchases; long term operational changes need to be sustainable. Numerous budget items were discussed and their priority in the budget. Discussed Sheriff’s Department target levy increase over the prior year to 3.5%. Consensus to revisit with the City of Baraboo and the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County concerning the parking lot versus classroom expense priorities.

Motion by Fordham to adjourn the meeting at 1:15 pm, second by Lane. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Fordham, Finance Committee Secretary