Finance Committee

07/12/11 Minutes (75 KB)

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

Others present: Kerry Beghin, Cindy Bodendein, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Kim Gochanour, Lynn Horkan, Tom Kriegl, Marty Krueger, Peter Murray, Steve Pate, Michelle Posewitz, Jim Schernecker, Jeff Spencer, Cathy Warwick

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:30 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Bach to adopt the agenda, second by Lane. Motion carried. Motion by Lane to adopt the minutes of previous meetings on June 14 and 21, 2011, second by Fordham. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
Supervisor Murray expressed concern over the impact of State actions on the County’s 2011 budget. Supervisor Kriegl wished for updated 2012 budget projections.

Communications:
None.

Consideration of resolution to Eliminate a Dietary Technician Position and Create A Part time Registered Dietitian Project Position in the Women’s Infants and Children’s Program Outside of the Budget Process.
Bodendein reviewed the dietary position and additional revenues through prenatal care coordination program. A registered dietitian is needed in order to bill certain funding sources, and higher level skill set would enhance programming. Motion by Fordham, second by Bach to approve. Motion carried.

Consider non-represented employee pay adjustments for 2012.
Posewitz explained that any reclassification or new position requests were withdrawn whether due to changes in funding streams or the timing with department restructuring. After discussing wage adjustments for other bargaining groups, morale, wage compression and economic conditions, the Committee tentatively recommended 1% and continued suspension of merit increases. The Personnel Committee will meet on July 15, and a joint meeting of the committees will be determined.

Presentation of County financial reports.
Beghin reviewed the County financial position. Key lines were discussed. Sales tax performed very well in lastest month (April sales) compared to a year ago. Land use permits are behind, an indicator of housing. Retirement contribution by employees expected to be effective the end of August, but waiting for guidance from WRS. With the exception of rental income from inmate housing at the Sheriff’s Department, department managers have not notified administration of any other major shortfalls expected for 2011. Impending changes for 2012 related to the State budget are being analyzed, but few have heard from their contacts at the State of specific plans.

Update on 2012 budget process.
Waiting for State direction as to how levy limits and funding changes will be implemented. Equalized valuations and net new construction are expected August 15. Departments are always instructed to budget as realistically as possible with what is known at the time, and when unsure to budget conservatively.

Treasurer’s Department Update.
Geoghegan updated the Committee on Treasurer Department activity. Seeing an increase in tax collections. Working at selling tax deeded properties to return them to the tax rolls. Corporation Counsel is currently reviewing the contract for the new tax system. Motion by Bach to approve payment of Treasurer’s Department invoices in the amount of $3,939.95, second by Lane. Motion carried.

Accounting Department Update.
Beghin highlighted Accounting Department recent activity. Financial audit coming to close; single audit still in process. Budget reviews and changes are still very much a priority. Motion by Lane to approve payment of Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $81,650.58 and County invoices in the amount of $2,287,739.40, second by Bach. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.

Motion by Lane to adjourn the meeting, second by Fordham. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary