Finance Committee

01/08/13 Minutes (78 KB)

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

Others present: Kerry Beghin, Cindy Bodendein, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Greg Hahn, Lynn Horkan, Marty Krueger, Steve Pate, Kathy Schauf, Jeff Spencer and Cathy Warwick

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:30 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Lombard, second by Fordham to approve the agenda with agenda. Motion carried. Motion by Lane, second by Lombard to approve the minutes of December 11 and 18. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None

Communications:
None

Consider approval of travel in excess of 300 miles for Sheriff’s Department staff to attend National Fire Academy training in Emmitsburg, MD.
Spencer commented on department’s role in fire investigations and required specialized training. Two week training for one detective will equip the department with two fully trained staff. Tuition, lodging and travel are at no expense to the county, reimbursed after training. The County is responsible for cost of staff wages and meals during training dates. Training dates not yet final; they will be in the summer 2013. Motion by Fordham, second by Lane to approve travel in excess of 300 miles for Sheriff’s Department staff to attend National Fire Academy training in Emmitsburg, MD. Motion carried.

Consider approval of travel in excess of 300 miles for MIS staff to attend OnBase System Administration training in Cleveland, OH.
Pate described training required to obtain software for public health system. Estimated required training cost is $1,500 and is part of the software implementation budget. Motion by Lane, second by Wenzel to approve travel in excess of 300 miles for MIS staff to attend OnBase System Administration training in Cleveland, OH. Motion carried.

Update on possible 2012 budget overruns.
Committee reviewed submitted written updates. The County Clerk estimates no budget overage at this time and the Coroner estimates $1,110 over budget. These departments were able to find savings in other areas. The Committee noted the cremation fees for the Coroner were implemented January 1, 2013. Probate has no significant changes since last report estimating budget overrun $23,050. Bodendein and Warwick reviewed written status update of the Home Care budget. Case mix continues to challenge the department. This projection of $60,000 over budget is the worst case scenario. Bodendein noted the new system, once implemented, should help with productivity and scheduling. Committee discussed the responsibility of the oversight committee to determine priority for this program and potential county levy to sustain.

Consideration of resolution Amending the 2012 Budget to Appropriate $90,259 Pursuant to an Intergovernmental Agreement Between Sauk County, Wisconsin and the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Schauf commented this is the same revenue received from the Nation as previous years. The Committee needs to determine how to allocate the funds. She noted this revenue was not budgeted due to the variability of these dollars. Funds are flexible in their use as long as they are not used to fund anything in opposition to the Nation. The Committee discussed various allocation scenarios.

Discussion of the federal tax treatment of municipal bonds.
Committee discussed the tax free status of municipal bond interest potentially being withdrawn by the Federal Government. Motion by Lombard, second by Wenzel to bring forward a resolution in support of preservation of tax exempt financing. Motion carried.

Presentation of County financial reports.
County financial information was reviewed and discussed. Sales tax, key lines and contingency fund was noted. Overall big picture looks good for 2012.

Treasurer’s Department Update.
Geoghegan highlighted departmental activities. On track for collections in December, tax deeds were taken in December and bids for deeded property will be taken to County Board in February. Discussed new tax system benefits and capabilities. Motion by Lombard, second by Lane to approve payment of Treasurer’s Department invoices in the amount of $4,765.08. Motion carried.

Accounting Department Update.
Beghin highlighted departmental activities. She commented on beginning discussions concerning funding for the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County science lab capital project. FDIC coverage change with banks was reviewed; the Treasurer is handling as needed. Motion by Fordham, second by Lane to approve payment of Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $72,452.35 and County invoices in the amount of $1,487,783.17. Motion carried.

The next regular Finance Committee meeting is set for February 12, 2013.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Fordham
Finance Committee Secretary