Finance Committee

09/30/11 Minutes (46 KB)

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

Others present: David Armstrong, Judy Ashford, Kerry Beghin, Judge Jim Evenson, Lynn Horkan, Tom Kriegl, Marty Krueger, Janell Lennon, Thomas Pleger, Sandy Roamer, Kathy Schauf, Bev Vaillancourt, multiple other members of the public, and media

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:30 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Lane to adopt the agenda, second by Fordham. Motion carried.

Discussion and consideration of the 2012 County Budget

Bychinski recommended the order for the meeting to include first the departmental presentation. Second, non-finance committee members/general public have an opportunity to comment for up to three minutes. Lastly, the Finance Committee will discuss and review the presented budget with the Department. Motion by Lane to allow non-finance committee members/general public have an opportunity to comment for up to three minutes after departmental presentation, second by Fordham. Motion carried unanimously.

Circuit Courts:
Judge Evenson reviewed the budget request. Consistent with other state funding, the court’s state grant was reduced 10%. Discussed courts caseload, trends and court security. Fourth judgeship is not realistic in the foreseeable future. Non-member comment: Roamer spoke concerning the 2012 budget.

Highway Department:
Muchow summarized budget increase. Discussed Ho-Chunk grant and allocation. Highway receives 100% reimbursement for outside agency work and sales. Discussed fuel purchase process and road maintenance. Currently do maintenance for 7 townships; costs are recouped from the township.

Libraries:
Vaillancourt highlighted Sauk County Library Board responsibility to provide library service to rural residents. Vaillancourt reviewed the library budget request, circulation, and trends. Calculation method was reviewed and discussed. Per Wisconsin statute 66.0602(3)(e)(4) library funding is exempt from levy limits. Municipal appropriations were discussed. Vaillancourt spoke about libraries’ need to weigh where their resources go and what their focus and priorities are for their acquisitions. Technology will require libraries to shift where they put their resources.

UW-Baraboo/Sauk County:
Pleger spoke about campus growth and record enrollment. Parking enhancement is complete and has received a lot of positive feedback. Looking to future, next project is slated for 2015 science project. Next year campus will itemize planning expenses for project and move forward when city and county are ready. Current budget is for basic maintenance. Contracting for an energy audit; State will pay for new equipment concerning energy cost savings. Pleger commented a strong campus is a great benefit to the county and provides a significant financial upgrade to residents. Housing project status was discussed.

Non –departmental Accounts and general discussion

County Board:
Krueger reviewed the budget which is based on historical average for committee and board meeting attendance and an estimated level of involvement from a county board chair. Discussed voting/roll call system; plan to manage with the current system. Videotaping meetings was discussed, supervisors requesting videotaping should come forward with a proposal that could be addressed. Discussed movement towards paperless agendas and improvements in the process. Non-member comment: Kriegl spoke concerning the 2012 budget.

Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDBG-ED):
Schauf spoke about the focus in 2012 to be marketing the revolving loan program to make it more viable. Administration funding for all CDBG programs was reviewed.

CDBG Emergency Assistance Program (EAP):
Clark Creek, Lakeside Foods, flood mitigation study, and LiDAR projects were discussed. Majority of CDBG-EAP programs should be completed in 2012.

CDBG Flood Recovery Small Business (FRSB):
Status of loans and payment plans were discussed. Payments made are transferred to the revolving loan fund to capitalize that program.

CDBG Revolving Loan Fund – Housing:
The program currently has approximately $245,000 in loans. Program ends September 2012; goal is to have all funding loaned at that time.

Debt Service:
Beghin reviewed the use of the debt service fund. HCC debt is recorded separately in that enterprise fund. Baird works with county if appropriate refinancing opportunities arise for prepayment of debt.

General:
Volatility of sales tax revenues and economic indicators were discussed. Shared revenue is decreased. Discussed the uncertainty of the State’s financial condition and partnership between state and counties. Other general revenues were reviewed. Discussed the need to continue to educate board and general public about the importance of policy and strategy.

Outside Agencies:
Beghin reviewed the requests and the oversight committee actions.

Discussed next meeting and budget presentation to full board. Committee needs to determine strategy/policy for the levy rate with consideration for future levy limits. Discussed positioning county for future.

Non-member comment: Roamer spoke concerning the 2012 budget.

Motion by Bach to adjourn the meeting at 12:20 PM, second by Lane. Motion carried. 2012 Budget discussion will continue at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary