Date: October 12, 2004
Members Present: A. Dippel, T. Bychinski, J. Fordham, T. Kriegl
Members Excused: W. Wenzel
Others Present: K. Beghin, J. Crowley, G. Wiegand, J. Carroll, T. Radke
Dippel called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and compliance with the open meeting law was verified. Motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham to approve the minutes from the prior meetings. Motion carried.
None
John Carroll, Solid Waste Manager, noted that the purpose of the resolution was to ensure that the landfill funds did not get used for purposes other than the landfill. Even after the active landfill is closed, the funds will still be spent on continued monitoring. The $2 million of landfill remediation funds may still be needed for a composite cap on the old landfill, but the County won't know for sure until 2005. The intent is to maximize the return on these investments, while maintaining principal. If a resolution of this nature were to be pursued, the financial policy could be amended to require strong reasons for any segregated fund to be used for purposes other than those generated. It was the consensus of the Committee that the financial policy be revised to encompass a county-wide policy which will limit the use of funds within segregated accounts.
Issues at Health Care Center are being addressed by the new business manager. Highway Department inventory problems are also being addressed.
Since the Finance Committee met with all the departments in September, three items have come to light that will further affect the 2005 budget. The Department of Revenue has said that Sauk County's shared revenues will increase from our previous estimate by $70,601. Indirect cost reimbursements will increase by $44,667. Terri Radke, Clerk of Courts Office Manager, presented the need for additional dollars related to interpreter costs. There is a high demand for certified interpreters, and counties are competing for these services. Qualified interpreters are demanding more payment, as well as travel time and mileage. An additional $13,000 is anticipated to be needed. Motion by Fordham, second by Bychinski to recommend $23,021,241 with a rate of $4.68 to the County Board in October. Discussion over possible state action, including possible future levy freezes and limits were not perceived as reasonable arguments for artificially inflating the levy rate. Therefore, it was the consensus of the Committee to not present a budget that includes an artificially high levy. This is a defensible budget based on considerable thought and effort. Motion carried unanimously.
Fordham was excused for another meeting at this time.
J. Crowley updated the Committee on activities within the department. The Local Government Investment Pool interest rate has increased to 1.37%. There have been some complaints about the new presealed tax bills to be used this December. These bills will save money, they don't allow for as much space for special notes. The large municipalities would save money by not having to hire people to fold and stuff the tax bills. Motion by Bychinski, second by Kriegl, to approve the payment of the Treasurer's invoices in the amount of $4,203.89.
K. Beghin updated the Committee on activities within the department. Time has been spent compiling and tying out the budget. Motion by Bychinski, second by Kriegl, to approve the payment of Accounting's invoices in the amount of $20,127.19. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Kriegl, second by Bychinski, to approve the payment of the County invoices in the amount of $3,727,624.27. Motion carried unanimously.
Next meetings (excluding budget meetings) are October 19, 2004 at 5:50 p.m. for the approval of bills. Next regular Finance Committee meeting is on November 02, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. Motion by Bychinski, second by Kriegl to adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted: Joan Fordham, Finance Committee Secretary