Approved 11/2/05

FINANCE

BUDGET HEARING

September 28, 2005

Minutes

 

 

Members Present:         Lisa Dedden, Chris Swope, Curtis Hertel, Andy Schor, Marc Thomas, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Grebner

 

Members Absent:         None

 

Others Present:             Jerry Ambrose, John Neilsen, Teri Younger, Jared Cypher, Bob Moore, Gene Wriggelsworth, Dean Sienko, Judge Lawless, David Easterday, Mr. Bishop, Harry Moxley, Nervy Oliver, Jeff Probst, Bruce Bragg, Don Reisig, Anethia Brewer, Matthew Myers, Kim Fiaro, Judge Economy, Shirley Rodgers and Bill Matt

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dedden at 6:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

 

Additions to the Agenda

Memorandum from the Controller’s Office

Information from the Parks Department

 

Limited Public Comment

Judge Economy withdrew his request for a Bailiff position due to the financial concern regarding the Friend of the Court.  He may make the same request at a later date. 

 

1.         Overview

 

Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated the Animal Control Office is happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.  Mr. Neilsen stated Animal Control does have a request for a seasonal position for the z list. 

 

Ms. Pigg stated the EDC was happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget (CRB).  Nervy Oliver stated the Circuit Court was satisfied with the CRB.  Ms. Brewer stated the 55th District Court is satisfied with the CRB. 

 

Mr. Neilsen stated the Prosecutor’s Office is happy with the technical adjustments which were made to his budget as request by the Controller’s Office.  He then stated the Department of Human Services is also happy with the CRB. 

 

Mr. Ambrose reviewed the information contained in his September 28, 2005 memorandum to this Committee.  In the capital budget under data processing equipment, the replacement of two computers and an LCD projector was incorrectly included in the Equalization budget rather than the Cooperative Extension budget.  The amount of $3,645 should be transferred from the Equalization capital budget to the Cooperative Extension capital budget.  This adjustment will not have an effect on the total budget.

 

In the Controller’s Recommended Budget, the rate for the 911 System millage is identified as 0.8435 mills.  It was the intent to include the maximum allowable rate, which is actually 0.8436 mills.  This will have a minimal effect on the amount of funds levied; therefore, the budget does not need to be adjusted, although the millage rate should be changed.

 

A suggestion was made during the Law Enforcement Budget Hearing that the requested increase in staffing in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office may be funded from an increased revenue projection in OUIL charges.  Mr. Ambrose stated his office has evaluated the suggestion and is in agreement that an additional amount of at least $10,926 should be collected in 2006.  It is recommended that the OUIUL charges line item in the Prosecutor’s Office be increased by $10,926 and that the part-time Warrant Clerk be increased to three-quarter time at a cost of $10,926.  The Warrant Clerk position request can be removed from the list of items to be considered by this Committee tonight.

 

Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that the Judiciary Committee held a special meeting on September 27 to consider what recommendations to make to this Committee in light of the unanticipated $240,000 shortfall in the Friend of the Court’s 2006 revenue projections for hearing fees.  The Court has identified a number of items to offset $100,000 of the $240,000 shortfall.  These items are included in the September 28 memorandum.  The total reduction to the Friend of the Court will be $248,331.

 

Mr. Ambrose further stated the budget should be amended to remove the new Court Services Officer approved by the Judiciary Committee, at a total cost of $61,974, with offsetting revenue reductions to the cooperative reimbursement grant revenue and hearing fee revenue.  After hearing comments from the Friend of the Court, the Judiciary Committee voted to amend their recommendations originally sent to the Finance Committee and contained in the Report of the Liaison Committees.

 

The Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to amend their recommendation to this Committee to consider funding the remaining $140,000 shortfall in the Friend of the Court budget.

 

2.         Review and Action on Law Enforcement Committee Recommendations

 

Chairperson Dedden stated Animal Control is requesting a seasonal Animal Control Officer at a cost of $14,386.  Ms. McAloon-Lampman explained that the Office has insufficient staff to handle calls during the peak season.  An additional Officer would provide the community with increased protection.  In response to Comm. Schor, Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated she did not estimate any revenue increase for the requested position.  There is a potential for additional revenue which could fund the position.

 

Comm. Dougan asked for a brief update regarding the Dansville situation.  Chairperson Dedden stated that matter could be addressed during the next regular Law Enforcement meeting.

 

Comm. Thomas asked if there was a way to predict the positive effect the additional Officer would have on Animal Control, such as response time.  Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated the additional Officer would help to decrease response time significantly.  However, the Officer may be required to handle one case for an entire shift.  She then explained that more people are aware of the Animal Control services and are making use of those services. 

 

Mr. Wriggelsworth stated he understands there is a philosophical difference between the Commissioners regarding the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program.  He then stated the Board of Commissioners did direct the Sheriff’s Office to obtain this type of program.  Mr. Wriggelsworth strongly urged this Committee to continue the well-received program.

 

Comm. Schor asked if the D.A.R.E. program was revised.  Mr. Wriggelsworth stated some modifications have been made to the program.  Mr. Neilsen stated Mid South Substance Abuse Commission does not consider D.A.R.E. to be a priority at this time.  Mr. Myers stated he was disappointed that MSSAC did not take the approach to reduce funding for the program on an incremental basis. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE AND TO PLACE $56,915 ON THE Z LIST FOR A D.A.R.E. OFFICER, FOR CONSIDERATION.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Hertel

 

3.         Review and Action on Judiciary Committee Recommendations

 

Judge Lawless stated the Court received a directive from the State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO).  She explained the Court has reviewed the SCAO’s directive.  Judge Lawless stated the Friend of the Court budget will take a hit.  The County Attorney is reviewing the information from the SCAO.  Mr. Reisig has identified approximately $100,000 in staffing reductions, and wishes to request an additional $140,000 in General Fund support. 

 

Absent the additional $140,000, it would be necessary for the Court to propose the elimination of several positions within the Friend of the Court.  Such a loss would result in very harsh cutbacks.  The General Trial and Juvenile Divisions will also be affected by the SCAO’s order. All Court operations will be reviewed to determine any further cost savings.

 

Judge Lawless expressed her appreciation to Judge Economy for withdrawing his request for a Bailiff position in order to assist the FOC budget situation. 

 

The Committee discussed this situation.  Comm. Thomas stated he was impressed that the Court developed a plan to absorb as much of the shortfall as possible.  He then stated his concern that similar situations in future years could really affect other County priorities.  Judge Lawless stated her hope that this situation will not be a trend for future years.  She also stated she appreciated Comm. Thomas’s concerns.

 

MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE AND TO PLACE, FOR CONSIDERATION, $140,000 ON THE Z LIST.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

4.         Review and Action on Human Services Committee Recommendations

 

Dr. Sienko explained that his Office has expanded the quality of death investigations.  To assist in this effort, he is requesting three part-time positions.  Two of the positions would be quarter-time maternal infant outreach workers and the third position would be a quarter-time public health nurse for investigative services. 

 

Dr. Sienko stated the additional positions would allow the Office to obtain more details regarding the deaths of infants.  He then expressed his hope that these positions will eventually result in costs savings. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE. 

 

Comm. Swope informed the Committee that Comm. Hertel had a medical emergency concerning his son.  He will be here in approximately 15 minutes so that he may vote on the final motion.

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

5.         Review and Action on County Services Committee Recommendations

 

Mr. Moore explained the Parks Board is requesting additional funding for a preliminary design for the Heart of Michigan Trail – Park Lake Road to the MSU Campus.  Mr. Probst detailed the efforts on behalf of various organizations to develop the Heart of Michigan Trail.  The new trail system would eventually extend the current County Park trail system. 

 

Mr. Moore addressed questions from the Committee at this time.  In response to Comm. Swope, Mr. Moore stated the River Trail should be connected to Hawk Island County Park in 2007. 

 

Comm. Thomas stated this Committee is faced with approximately $400,000 in requests when there is actually only $300,000 available.  He asked if the Parks Board could work with half of their funding request.  Mr. Moore explained if half the amount is not sufficient, he will be back before this Committee to request additional funding. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE COUNTY SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE AND TO PLACE $60,000 ON THE Z LIST FOR PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE HEART OF MICHIGAN TRAIL; AND TO PLACE $60,000 ON THE Z LIST FOR THE FINAL DESIGN FOR THE HEART OF MICHIGAN TRAIL.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

(Comm. Hertel arrived at 6:54 p.m.)

 

Comm. Hertel apologized to the Committee for being late to this meeting.  His son had an accident and is now fine. 

 

Chairperson Grebner stated the $140,000 amount for the Friend of the Court could be handled with the Contingency Fund because this amount must be funded.  Mr. Ambrose explained that the $140,000 request is a discretionary request from the Court.  Comm. Thomas stated he was satisfied with the current recommendation. 

 

6.         Action to Incorporate Strategic Planning Initiative Funds into Recommended Budget

 

The Committee recessed at 7:03 p.m. for the purpose of ranking the requests.

 

The Committee was called back to order at 7:19 p.m.

 

Chairperson Dedden acknowledged staff for their efforts on the 2006 budget.  The Board of Commissioners is very fortunate to have such a staff.  She expressed her hope that the Board will continue to work with department heads regarding their budgets.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO FUND THE FIRST SIX ITEMS ON THE FINAL RANKING:

 

            1)  Medical Examiner (HS-1)                $ 33,202

            2)  Sheriff (LE-1)                                     56,915

            3)  Friend of the Court              140,000

            4)  Medical Examiner (HS-3)                   22,241

            5)  Animal Control (LE-3)                       14,386

            6)  Parks (CS-1)                                     60,000

 

            7)  Medical Examiner (HS-2)                   33,202

            8)  Parks (CS-2)                                     60,000

 

AND TO TAKE $26,744 FROM THE 2006 CONTINGENCY FUND TO FUND THE BALANCE.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION BY REMOVING THE PARKS (CS-1) POSITION FROM THE LIST AND TO REPLACE IT WITH MEDICAL EXAMINER (HS-3).  MOTION DIED due to a lack of support.

 

Comm. Schor stated his belief that recreational opportunities should come second to health care for the community.  The goal of connecting the park trails is admiral.  However, it may be best to do this at a later date. 

 

Comm. Hertel stated park trails will provide better access for residents to exercise.  This type of exercise has health benefits.

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE FIRST MOTION IN THIS ITEM BY REPLACING MEDICAL EXAMINER (HS-3) WITH MEDICAL EXAMINER (HS-2) AND TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT FROM THE 2006 CONTINGENCY FUND TO FUND THE REMANING BALANCE. 

 

Comm. Hertel stated Dr. Sienko’s Office would run smoother with the additional positions.  However, it would be better for the residents if the County funded item number seven, a quarter-time public health nurse.

 

Comm. Thomas stated he agreed with Comm. Hertel’s comment. 

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

(Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were funded at a total cost of $337,705.  $37,705 of that amount will be taken from the 2006 Contingency Fund.)

 

7.         Adoption of Finance Recommended Budget

 

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO ADOPT THE FINANCE RECOMMENDED BUDGET.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Announcements:           None

 

Public Comment

Ms. Rodgers encouraged the County to look to other counties to lobby the State regarding the Friend of the Court matter.  She then suggested the County obtain assessments from the schools regarding the D.A.R.E. program.  Ms.  Rodgers then thanked the Committee for its consideration of the Parks Board request.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Debra Neff