Finance Committee (2011 Budget)

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

Others present: David Armstrong, Pat Barrett, Kerry Beghin, Cindy Bodendein, Stephanie Box, Dan Brattset, Penny Clary, Jim Daniels, Judge Jim Evenson, Jessica Fry, Kevin Fults, Kim Gochanour, Leo Grill, Michael Hafemann, Greg Hahn, Paul Hefty, Betty Hinze, Lynn Horkan, Bonnie Konkel, Marty Krueger, Janell Lennon, Chip Meister, Vicki Meister, Bill Orth, Thomas Pleger, Kathy Schauf, Randy Stammen, Ruth Steinhorst, Tony Tyczynski, Cathy Warwick, and media

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.

Schauf gave opening comments about the complex levy limit calculation and the state’s deficit. She indicated the need for long term planning. If “zero” is to be the limit, it needs to be a true “zero”, which means don’t delay purchases but actually determine if the expenditure is necessary. The levy limit worksheet came in the mail yesterday; calculation results will be brought to the Committee once complete. Discussed the possible issues concerning maximizing or minimizing the allowable levy capacity. Discussed long-term view and not just quick fixes that will cause problems in the long run.

Circuit Courts

Judge Evenson noted his request for 2011 is a decrease from 2010 due to a reducing one law clerk next year. He noted the unpredictable state funding for the court support grant. Evenson reviewed court security and the relationship with the Sheriff’s Department.

Justice and Public Safety Functional Group

Vicki Meister reviewed the mission and goals of the group. Group confirmed there are a significant number of languages used in the court system. They have good system for obtaining certified interpreters.

District Attorney (DA):

DA Barrett noted the budget form shows a decrease in caseload which is a result of decreased staff time due to state mandatory furloughs. She reviewed the decision among department attorneys to no longer prosecute a tier of cases. This decision was necessary to accommodate other caseloads due to decreased staff time. She noted the budget includes a vacant restitution specialist to leave unfilled for 2011.

Child Support:

Fandry reviewed the changes in the child support funding. Since 2005 caseload is up 23%; however, minimal expense changes in the department. Fandry explained the contracted services expenses and funding.

Register in Probate:

Daniels reviewed scope of Register in Probate and Juvenile court with the Committee. Budget is based on filings for this year. Minimal change in budget overall.

Court Commissioner/Family Court Counseling:

Grill highlighted his revenues and expenses have no real changes in caseload and case types. There seems to be an increase in family cases which are more time consuming. The mediation program has no tax levy. Discussed pro se process.

Coroner:

Hinze noted Coroner budget not changed much, caseload about the same. Talked about potential for revenue for cremation permits and mortuary use.

Clerk of Courts:

V. Meister reviewed the changed budget items, guardian ad litem revenues and collections. Interpreter fees are down in 2010 due to local availability and telephone interpretation.

Sheriff:

Stammen reviewed the budget, effect of decreased Huber fees, closing of Unit A and equipment outlay. The trend for Huber fees was discussed. Discussed housing prisoners from other jurisdictions revenues and budgeted rental beds. Stammen noted the Animal Shelter request increase is due to new law to regulate “puppy mills.” Stammen stated the potential to delay purchases is minimal, to make any significant effect to budget request would require staff layoffs to include a small amount of equipment purchase deferrals. Discussed the future need to consider restructure prisoner transport program. Impact of overtime was discussed and use of flexible staff. Reviewed outlay requests, potential delay and possibility of Federal grants for radio compliance. Possible impending consultant study was discussed. Stammen stated they continue to balance overtime expense versus hiring more staff. Potential unemployment funding due to Unit A closing was discussed.

Drug Seizure:

Fults discussed the available use of these funds. Fund use is limited to expenditures to combat drugs and cannot supplant existing expenditures.

Jail Assessment:

Fund is used to pay debt service on the law enforcement center.

The Committee recessed for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

UW-Baraboo/Sauk County

Armstrong and Pleger reviewed the capital plan and the requested budget. Parking lot has become a priority due to safety and to prepare for future expansion. Current enrollment is 600 students with parking lot capacity for 350. The new science lab and remodel of old lab was reviewed. Discussed long term planning and the benefits and economic impact the campus brings to our community.

Health & Human Services Functional Group

Vandre discussed the group’s goal of sharing resources and collaboration and cited a few potential opportunities. Group will bring these opportunities separately as they flesh them out more. Talked about working with Continuum of Care Committee and the TMG (The Management Group) study.

Public Health:

Bodendein indicated department is looking at service provision and where they can increase revenues and efficiencies. Bodendein spoke about the preparedness grant, and additional revenue and expense were highlighted. The Committee asked about the opportunity to reduce non-mandated programs. Bodendein confirmed there would be options to revise programs if needed.

Home Care:

There were no questions or discussions on Home Care.

Environmental Health:

Bodendein indicated that to modify or eliminate programs would be difficult and still protect the health and safety of County residents. User fees could only be increased if County obtained full agent status. She stated staffing will be looked at as current manager retires in 2011.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC):

Bodendein stated this program received additional funding from the State and Federal governments. Program is self-funded, no levy impact.

Veterans Service:

Tyczynski said workload remains steady. He is looking for work study staff through UW Baraboo and possible grants from ADRC with overlap in services between two departments. Options for newsletter communication were discussed.

Human Services:

Orth reviewed that there are challenges at the state level to come up with funding to replace lapsed stimulus monies. Department budget is a 2.8% increase. Orth reviewed staff and other changes due to Family Care transition to South West Family Care Alliance (SWFCA), affecting about 21 employees. Discussed unemployment funding by the Human Services contingency fund. The volatile alternate care program has decreased slightly due to additional funding from the state. Institutions costs are anticipated to be higher. Orth indicated they continue to be aggressive with Medicaid (MA) revenue sources. The VARC facility was discussed concerning ownership and rent. Outside agency requests are the same as last year. Discussed looking at contingency plans should the external funding change significantly. Orth spoke about balancing service versus risk and related costs. Future regionalization of services was discussed.

Health Care Center (HCC):

Gochanour reviewed the factors used for 2011 budget, including required new changes concerning admissions and ongoing resident records maintenance to be more time consuming. Utility costs in the new facility were discussed. The transfer of sales tax to the HCC for debt payment was reviewed.

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC):

Vandre highlighted changes in revenue streams and expenses. She spoke about program services and the capacity to serve. Capacity and use of the bus were discussed. Department continues to trend usage and make changes as needed. Vandre clarified the Bus funding needs to be for public transportation. Committee requested total cost, number of passengers, and per passenger cost estimated for 2010.

Motion by Bach to adjourn the meeting at 3:44 pm, second by Wenzel. Motion carried. 2010 Budget presentations will begin at 8:15 AM on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Fordham, Finance Committee Secretary