DATE: July 14, 2009
Members present: Steve Bach, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham, Marty Krueger, William F. Wenzel
Others present: Kerry Beghin, Michelle Deutsch, Jessica Fry, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Michael Hafemann, Lynn Horkan, Chip Meister, Kathy Schauf, Brad Viegut, Media
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 Fordham. Motion carried. Motion by Wenzel to adopt the minutes of the previous meetings June 9, 12 and 16, 2009, second by Fordham. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Communications: None
Review of refinancing of long-term debt and debt market update.
Brad Viegut appeared from Robert W. Baird to review HCC bond anticipation notes refunding scenarios. Historic trends, inflation, stimulus and their effects on interest rates were discussed. Viegut reviewed the three refinancing scenarios and their yield curves. The Committee discussed the options, refunding process and timelines. Committee requested Viegut attend the next County Board meeting in July to share this information.
Presentation of jail state prisoners report.
Fry and Hafemann reviewed the distributed June 2009 report. Fry noted the jail commissary was not received as of this report. Hafemann reviewed the prisoner population. Committee discussed quarterly appearance by the Sheriff's Department to present report. General consensus was that the Sheriff forward monthly report to the Finance Committee, but only appear at Finance Committee meetings quarterly or if a situation merited in-person explanation.
Consideration of Resolution Accepting Donations, Authorizing Purchase of Police Dog and Amending the 2009 Budget for this Purpose; and authorizing out of state training.
Meister reviewed the donation fund and the purchase of new canine. Donations, current budget and $1,452 from Field Services-Field Supply will fund the cost of the canine and training. The dual purpose use and average service life of a canine was discussed. Motion by Fordham to authorize Accepting Donations, Authorizing Purchase of Police Dog and Amending the 2009 Budget for this Purpose; and authorizing out of state training, second by Wenzel. Motion carried.
Consider resolution utilizing economic development funds to improve communications and possible transfer of funds.
Schauf indicated there is no resolution for action at this time. The grant application is for two stages of fiber optic connection. The first is for connection of County fiber at I90/94. The second is for connection to higher education institutions, schools, libraries and public sector institutions in the county to extend availability to rural areas. If successful in getting the grant, there is a $230,000 required match. The Committee will be kept informed, with hope to receive a timely response in order to incorporate into the 2010 budget process.
Update on 2010 budget process, collective bargaining processes, strategic planning processes.
Deutsch reviewed the collective bargaining process and guidelines the County is bound to as required by the State, and potential outcomes if a contract is not ratified, triggering the interest arbitration process. Recent Wood and Buffalo County decisions were included in documents distributed. Wage cuts and furloughs would have to be bargained.
Consider Resolution to Authorize the 2010 Non-Represented Employees' Salaries Effective January 1, 2010.
The wording and implications of the resolution were discussed. Motion by Wenzel to approve resolution to authorize the 2010 non-represented employees' salaries effective January 1, 2010, second by Fordham. Motion carried.
Presentation of County financial report.
Financial reports were included with the agenda. Beghin distributed a 2009 Budget Mid-Course Correction "big picture" report. She pointed out the lag of revenues due to most grants being reimbursement of expenses paid. Beghin distributed the 2010 budget projections around the state budget impact. Schauf spoke to the ongoing conversations with department managers and the upcoming budget issues. Schauf highlighted additional CDBG EAP funds that are available to Sauk County to fund buyout of properties near the Lake Redstone dam.
Treasurer's Department Update.
Geoghegan updated the Committee on recent Treasurer Department activity. Bach congratulated foreclosure information on the website. Geoghegan indicated the public has had a positive response. Geoghegan reviewed the delinquent tax resolution process to claim deeds for 2004 and 2005 delinquencies. Motion by Fordham to receive the Treasurer's report and approve payment of the invoices from the Treasurer's Department in the amount of $772.92, second by Bach. Motion carried.
Consider resolution Designating County Depositories ; Establishing Investment and Related Financial Procedures. Geoghegan reviewed the purpose of the resolution will open up availability for deposits and investments at other institutions. Motion by Bach to approve resolution Designating County Depositories; Establishing Investment and Related Financial Procedures, second by Krueger. Motion carried.
Discussion and consideration of mission, vision, goals and performance measures; program grading for Treasurer's Department. Discussion to subtotal concepts rather than the concepts as a whole. This would allow for proper weight to each program individually.
Accounting Department Update:
Beghin pointed out the highlights of the Accounting Department's recent activity. Motion by Bach to receive the Accounting report and approve payment of the Accounting Department invoices in the amount of $84,036.56 and County invoices in the amount of $2,884,212.98, second by Wenzel. Motion carried.
Discussion and consideration of the Accounting Department program sheet. Discussed accounting impact under public results being understated.
Next Meeting.
The next regular Finance meeting will be August 11, 2009 at 8:30 am.
Motion by Fordham, second by Wenzel, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven Bach, Finance Committee Secretary