Finance Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES    

Room 213, West Square Building, 505 Broadway, Baraboo WI   Thursday, September 26, 2019

Members present:        Tony DeGiovanni, John Dietz, Tom Kriegl, Kevin Lins, and Kristin White Eagle

Others present:             Regina Baldwin, Kerry Beghin, Susan Blodgett, Sharon Boesl, Alene Bolin, Stephanie Box, Dan Brattset, Kevin Calkins, Jim Daniels, Kelly Finup, Leo Grill, Bryant Hazard, Marc Higgs, Lynn Horkan, Jeff Jelinek, George Johnson, Marty Krueger, Lewis Lange, Tim Lawther, Janell Lennon, Jessica Machovec, Sheriff Richard Meister, Amy Merwin, Yvonne Neumann, Adrienne Olson, Pat Rego, Tim Reppen, Judge Michael Screnock, Chuck Spencer, Jeff Spencer, Tony Tyczynski, Jennifer Vosen, Cathy Warwick, Carrie Wastlick, and Lisa Wilson

 

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

 

Public Comment:  None

 

Discussion and consideration of the 2020 County Budget.

Bolin commented on $1,846,075 levy overage based on oversight committee requests, looking big picture, long term focus, and consideration of priorities and strategic issues.  She noted Sauk County is in good fiscal position and it is important to recognize the past has gotten us here.  She commented on new programs, mandated versus discretionary programs, new positions and use of fund balance.  Beghin emphasized the Finance Committee’s job is to examine programs being offered, both long-standing and new.  She noted it is important to consider what it means to have less fund balance in the future; diminishes preparedness for emergencies and ability to fund future projects. 

 

Law Enforcement & Safety departments:

 

Child Support:  Olson reviewed the mandated child support program.  The budget tax levy is less than last year, use of fund balance for retirement payouts and two months overlap training for new employees.  Slight increase in grant funding.  She reviewed the funding change for birth cost collection.

 

Coroner:  Hahn commented the budget is not changed much compared to 2019.  Minor changes due to new account for cremations for unclaimed cases; funeral homes have also been helping with the costs.  The number of cases needing autopsies and toxicology has been slowing increasing.  Evaluating the need for clerical help in the future.  All entities are requiring more recordkeeping and statistical information. 

 

District Attorney / Victim Witness:  Calkins noted staffing levels and future projections.  Budget has increased mostly due to labor costs.  Victim Witness collections and upgraded technology for electronic records were highlighted. 

 

Drug Seizures:  Machovec noted this account can only be used for drug fighting items. 

 

Emergency Management:   Jelinek noted grants are going to stay consistent. The disaster case coordinator position for 2018 flooding will be disbanded by the end of 2019.  Budget includes a reclass for the program assistant to program coordinator, this lines up with the responsibilities the position is handling.  Possible $80,000 river study grant with UW Madison to look at increased amount of rain fall.  Study will help guide County to prevent building in flood prone areas. 

 

Jail Assessment:  All fines and forfeiture dollars go to pay debt service through 2021.  Once jail is paid off these dollars need to continue to go towards jail capital and programs. 

 

Sheriff:  Meister noted the department’s budget increase is a little less than the increase in the labor costs.  Other expenses have not increased over the years resulting in delay of some equipment purchases and upgrades.  The oversight committee asked for consequences of cutting various amounts in the budget; Meister reviewed these possible cuts with the Committee.  Kriegl commented on sheriff reductions, levy limits imposed on counties, jail staffing/operations, Huber Center and other county jails throughout the state.  Crimes, public safety, department turnover, overtime, staffing prisoner population and jail configuration/remodel from previous jail study were discussed.  Lange noted the state will need to re-evaluate the jail if staffing is decreased, current staffing levels allow for double bunking.  Committee discussed the need for agreement on numbers/data.

 

At 10:02 AM motion to recess for 15 minutes by Kriegl, second by White Eagle.  Motion carried.

At 10:17 AM resume meeting.

 

Committee discussed Sheriff Department jail overtime costs.  Committee discussed sales tax budget and projections, Lins recommended taking the sales tax budget up to the WCA projections. 

 

County Board:  Bolin reviewed the budget highlights. 

 

CDBG ED (Community Development Block Grant Economic Development):  Beghin noted the budget is ending, through the CDBG Close Program.  State is ending this program, County chose to participate in the close program and create projects in line with the federal rules.  Economic development was discussed, Bolin noted it is a discretionary program and Sauk County continues to explore their options. 

 

Justice departments:

Judge Screnock made opening comments on the functional team and their work together.  He highlighted the benefits of the updated video and audio improvements being implemented.

 

Circuit Courts:  Screnock noted the cost of juries remains volatile; budgeted based on history knowing that if the courts exceed the budget contingency is available.  The CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) includes a new judgeship in the future, other counties have greater need, but important to keep this in the CIP.  Year 2019 was a transition year for the court appointed counsel rate.  This creates revenues and expenses in Clerk of Courts.  Screnock reviewed the need/requirement of the court appointed counsel. 

 

Clerk of Courts:  Wastlick noted mandated changes for 2020, increase to court appointed and guardian ad litem (GAL) fees.  She reviewed collection revenues.  There is an increase in state aid due to the mandated rate changes, it helps offset but does not fully cover the increase.   

 

Court Commissioner / Family Court Counseling Services: 

Grill commented on the budget, no changes other than labor and small adjustments to postage and office supplies.  He discussed pro se cases and mediation. 

 

Register in Probate:  Daniels reviewed the statutory mandates.  He commented on file purging and transfer to historical society as allowed.  Little change to budget and services in the department.  He highlighted move to electronic filing. 

 

CDBG Housing:  Beghin reviewed the original grant funding and the continuation of the program; as properties are sold and loans repaid, funds are to be loaned out again.  MSA Professional Services Inc. manages the program for the County and region.  No tax levy in this fund.  Bolin confirmed there is no waiting list, biggest obstacle is finding contractors to do the work for these federal dollars. 

 

Debt Service:  Beghin reviewed the budget is only related to Law Enforcement Center (LEC); Health Care Center (HCC) is included in the HCC fund.  LEC will be paid off in 2021, HCC will be paid off in 2027.

 

General Non-departmental:  Beghin reviewed the general line items, revenues and expenses.  Use of fund balance was discussed. 

 

At 12:05 PM motion to recess until 1:00 PM by Lins, second by DeGiovanni.  Motion carried.

At 1:00 PM resume meeting. 

 

Tri-County Airport:  Higgs reviewed the airport budget and planned design project.  He reviewed other expenses including the addition of flood insurance.  He highlighted the recent tri-county agreement and addition of Cardinal Glass on the airport commission.

 

Health & Human Services departments:

Vosen reviewed the functional group’s mission, awards and collaborations.  The departments touch the lives of most vulnerable populations in the County from before birth through death. 

 

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC):  Blodgett reviewed staffing and focus of service population.  As area aged population increases service needs also increase.  She highlighted transportation and home delivered meal programs.  She reviewed the funding for these programs.  Budget includes an ADRC fund balance request to purchase a new van for meal delivery.  Discussed dining site structure and locations.

 

Health Care Center (HCC):  Vosen reviewed facility services, staffing and citation-free survey awards.  She noted the payment from the state due to the underfunding to Medicaid nursing homes.  Daily average is 68% Medicaid funded beds.  She also noted new funding/payor sources resulting in increased revenues to help offset increased expenses.  She highlighted the extreme shortage of health care staff nationwide.  Certified Public Expenditure funds help with capital expenditures, not always guaranteed into the future.  Once that funding is exhausted the HCC may need levy to help with the capital projects. 

Lawther commented the Heath Department has four budgets, focus on prevention in most economical fashion available.  He reviewed their accreditation and level three status.  Budget includes added positions mostly funded through grants. New programs are through grant funding not levy.

 

Health Department-Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC):  He reviewed the budget and highlighted programs, new grants and community support.  He reviewed the staffing increase and reclassifications requested.  In future plan to demonstrate success to get additional federal funding.  Staffing and program expansion were discussed. 

 

Health Department-Environmental Health (EH):  Lawther reviewed almost two years into full agent for Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).  He reviewed the activities and changes for the budget.  He reviewed the staffing changes requested in large part due to nuisance complaints and health hazard responses.  He commented the DATCP revenues collected exceeding expenses can only be used for DATCP service.  Only tax levy in this department is state mandated programs/health hazards.  Discussed the fees charged. 

 

Health Department-Public Health:  Lawther reviewed the reason for growth is the ability to find additional grant funding and resources.  He reviewed the levy increase due mostly to labor.  He reviewed staffing requests and reclassifications.  Reviewed the dental program expansion.

 

Health Department-Women Infant & Children (WIC):  Long standing program.  Program does not use tax levy.  Budget is built on anticipated caseload and funding.

 

Human Services (HS):  Brattset reviewed department organization chart and staffing reallocations due to change in delivery of service needs and programs.  HS provides both mandated and non-mandated services from birth to elderly populations.  Integrated services wraparound team approach has grown, serving many families in an evidence based practice.  One of the largest providers in the state for Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) drawing 100% reimbursement.  He reviewed funding sources and levy request.  Discussed outside agency requests.  Discussed volatile lines for services in HS, hospitalizations and youth out of home placements.  Box reviewed some areas that have contributed to the past general fund transfer due to favorable year end.  It was noted there is a Human Services fund balance risk reserve. 

 

Veterans Service:   Tony reviewed the programs for veterans services provided.  He highlighted staffing reclassifications and increased staffing due to the complexity of cases handled. 

 

Outside agencies:  The Committee discussed outside agencies and oversight of funds.  Wilson noted the Conservation Congress is a citizen board that deals with multiple conservation issues, elected delegates representing the County.  Discussed Friends of the Baraboo River and how it fits with county mission and priorities, specifically placemaking. 

 

Motion by Lins, second by DeGiovanni to strike funding for outside agency requests $1,400 Conservation Congress, $25,000 Friends of the Baraboo River, $200,000 Lake Redstone Protection District.  Motion failed, with Lins and DeGiovanni in favor. 

 

Motion by Kriegl, second by Lins to strike funding for Lake Redstone outside agency funding $200,000.  Motion carried, with Dietz opposed. 

 

Motion by Lins, second by DeGiovanni to strike $25,000 funding for Friends of the Baraboo River.  Motion carried, with Kriegl and White Eagle opposed. 

 

Motion by Lins, second by White Eagle to strike $1,400 funding for Conservation Congress.  Motion carried unanimously (Kriegl absent for this vote). 

 

Motion by Lins, second by White Eagle to strike $5,000 funding for Reedsburg Bar Buddies.  Motion carried, with Dietz and Kriegl opposed. 

 

Motion by Lins, second by White Eagle to strike $4,100 funding each for Baraboo Dells, Reedsburg and Sauk Prairie Airports.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Motion by Lins, second by White Eagle to strike $15,000 funding for Reedsburg Area Historical Society.  Motion failed, with Lins and White Eagle in favor.

 

Motion by Lins to strike $15,000 funding for Kid’s Ranch.  Motion failed, no second.

 

Motion by Lins, second by DeGiovanni to strike $70,000 funding for Boys & Girls Club.  Motion carried, with Kriegl and White Eagle opposed. 

 

Motion by White Eagle second by Kriegl to fund the Boys & Girls Club at $20,000.  Motion carried, with Lins and DeGiovanni opposed. 

 

Public Comment:  None

 

Motion by DeGiovanni, second by Lins to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,  

 

Kristin White Eagle

Finance Committee Secretary