Amended 12/7/05
FINANCE
November 16, 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, Bruce Bragg, Doug Stover, Anethia Brewer, Judge Aquilina, Barb Zumsteg, Christine Corrgan and Patrick Patterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dedden at 6:04 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the November 2, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 2 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
1b. Information – 55th District Revenue Projection for the 4th Quarter 2005 Report
4b. Substitute Cost Analysis
Resolution – Technical Amendments approved by the Human Services Committee.
6a. Resolution Authorizing Contracts with Lansing and East Lansing for 911 Center 2005/06 Operations and Amending the 911 Emergency Telephone Dispatch Services Fund Allocation – Resolution was tabled by the Law Enforcement Committee.
6c. Recommendations from the 911 Advisory Committee of the Board of Commissioners’ Referrals for 911 Radios – Resolution was tabled by the Law Enforcement Committee.
7a. Substitute Resolution Authorizing 2006 Agreements for Community Agencies
Additional Information
The Judiciary Committee requested the issue of using Juvenile Justice Millage Funds for the Lansing Teen Court be referred to the County Attorney.
The Human Services Committee did not appropriate a 2006 Community Agency allocation for the Capital Area United Way; however, the Human Services Committee will invite the CAUW to a later meeting to discuss funding possibilities in 2006.
The Human Services Committee directed staff to develop a contract with the Volunteers of America for $30,000 which will come from the 2005 Contingency Fund.
The County Services Committee recommended to the Finance Committee that Urban Options’ 2006 allocation be the same as their 2005 allocation ($7,100) and the Ingham Conservation District be funded at 50% of their 2005 funding level ($13,950 for 2006), and that the remaining funds ($13,950) be allocated to greater areas of need as determined by the Finance Committee.
7b. Resolution Setting Penalties for Parking Violations at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse/Grady Porter Building – Resolution tabled by the County Services Committee until their December 6,, 2005 meeting.
8. Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Easement to Meridian Township for a Water Main and Grant of Easement
9. Resolution Authorizing 2005 Agreements for Volunteers of America New Hope Day Shelter Program and Scope of Services
- There is an understanding that Volunteers of America will be invited back to the Human Services Committee meeting on December 5, 2005 to discuss the possibility of receiving the additional $20,000 of their $50,000 request.
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Patterson, Volunteers of America, expressed his appreciation to the County for supporting the New Hope Day Shelter Program. The Health Department and Mr. Bragg have been key players in this matter. Mr. Patterson further stated the County does a great job in meeting the needs of its residents.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2. Equalization – Resolution to Amend the 2005 Apportionment Report
5. IJIG’s Committee – Resolution Authorizing a ProTemps Contract Extension for the Integration Phase of the Integrated Justice Information System
6b. Controller’s Office/911 Advisory Committee – Resolution Authorize a Grant Match for the City of Lansing’s COPS Interoperable Voice and Data Grant
8. Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Easement to Meridian Township for a Water Main
9. Resolution Authorizing 2005 Agreement for Volunteers of America New Hope Day Shelter Program
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. 55th District Court
a. Resolution Requesting Contingency Funds to Assist in Meeting the 55th District Court’s Probation Case Management Demands During Maternity Leave
Comm. Schor asked why a nine-week maternity leave is needed when a maternity leave is normally six weeks. Judge Acquilina explained the additional time was requested in case there were difficulties during the pregnancy. If the additional time is not needed, it will not be used.
Comm. Hertel stated it is normal to need a longer maternity leave. He then stated his appreciation to the Court for its thoughtfulness in this matter.
Comm. Dougan asked for clarification regarding the costs figured into the temporary position. Mr. Ambrose explained that all necessary costs have been figured into the cost analysis. Temporary employees are paid the existing wage of the person on leave.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO ASSIST IN MEETING THE 55TH DISTRICT COURT’S PROBATION CASE MANAGEMENT DEMANDS DURING MATERNITY LEAVE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. 55th District Court Revenue Projection for the 4th Quarter Report
Ms. Brewer, 55th District Court, explained the 2005 budget did not account for the retirement of two district court judges. In order to accommodate new judgeships, the Court needed to allocate a number or resources for new stationary, judicial robes, memberships and office equipment, etc. The retirements also posed a delay in normal Court processing as the elected new judge was required to attend new judge’s school and other trainings at the beginning of the year. Also, only one courtroom was fully operational for several weeks.
Ms. Brewer stated the Court approximates a total of four months where judicial services were not 100% operational. The months of June and July showed a decrease in revenue in the amounts of $61,706 (June) and $47,615 (July). This total of $109,321 would have matched the collection in 2004. It does not represent additional collection of revenue.
The second major factor contributing to the decrease in revenue is a decrease in court filings. As of October 31, traffic filings were 2,764 less than this time last year. Civil case filings are 513 less than this time last year. The criminal department is the only division with an increase in filings. Ms. Brewer stated the standard traffic citation is $95 to $105. A decrease in over 2,000 tickets definitely affects revenue generation.
Ms. Brewer then explained there is little initiative toward warrant enforcement and collection of outstanding fines and costs. The Court, however, has had major success with processing forfeited bonds. This task will be placed at the forefront during the 2006 fiscal year. Through a federal work-study program, law school interns will assist with warrant enforcement and collections for the court. Also, allocating personnel resources in this area will generate a significant amount of revenue in the near future.
The Court has implemented a number of new sentencing arrangements to assist with jail overcrowding. Some defendants are given time to pay their fines and costs. The extension files in the Court have grown to two shelves in the Clerks’ office. In the past, these files only used a quarter of the space in a file drawer. It is predicted that March and April 2006 will be very high collection months since most extension files will be due during that time.
Ms. Brewer stated the Court has considered a number of options for the collection of fines and costs based on the projected shortfall for 2005. The solutions include the continuation of payment plans/wage assignments; amnesty programs and warrant enforcement. She then explained the Court was requesting some time to see how the proposed solutions work. The Court will come back before this Committee during the first of the New Year to update the Committee on this matter.
Chairperson Dedden expressed this Committee’s appreciation to the Court for bringing this concern before it in a timely manner. The Committee held a brief discussion regarding warrant collections.
3. Human Services Committee – Resolution Authorizing a 2005 Agreement for the Capital Area Community Services (CACS) Utility Assistance Program
MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A 2005 AGREEMENT FOR THE CAPITAL AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES (CACS) UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Comm. Schor asked about additional funding sources for the Capital Area Community Services (CACS) Utility Assistance Program. Ms. Zumsteg explained CACS is expecting funds from a variety of resources. Comm. Hertel stated the County is aware of the increased heating costs and the burdens this places on some area residents. The CACS is asking for less money than in their 2005 funding request. Twenty thousand dollars is a reasonable request to assist low-income residents with their heating costs.
Comm. Schor asked about funding for future years. Ms. Zumsteg stated the CACS is working with the MPSC to help meet the additional needs. The MPSC has indicated it will provide more funding for 2006. Ms. Zumsteg further stated the CACS applies for any available funds. The MPSC will also match the funds raised in the Walk for Warmth. It is not expected that CACS will request contingency funds from the County in the future.
Comm. Schor asked if the funds will be used to assist Ingham County families. Ms. Zumsteg stated the funds will be used for County families in need. The CACS has not approached Eaton or Clinton Counties regarding this program. Chairperson Dedden stated the Resolution does indicate the funds are to be used specifically for Ingham County residents.
Comm. Hertel explained this is a unique situation which is due to a loss of funding from the DHS over the past 60 days.
Comm. Dougan asked for information regarding the maximum stipend that is paid per household. He also asked if the CACS cross-references with other resources. Ms. Zumsteg stated the CACS works with other agencies to ensure the funds are not being used for non-County residents.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize a Lease Agreement for Pediatric Dental Clinic at 2815 S. Pennsylvania
MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLINIC AT 2815 S. PENNSLVANIA.
Comm. Dougan requested clarification regarding the financial implication of this item. Mr. Bragg explained the increased cost for the annual lease will be $27,511. It is very expensive to relocate dental clinics. Mr. Bragg then stated this rental rate is average when compared to other buildings leased by the Health Department.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Substitute Resolution to Implement Job Description, Classification and Salary Grade Changes Resulting from the Patient Visit Redesign Project in Several Health Centers
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION TO IMPLEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION, CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY GRADE CHANGAES RESULTING FROM THE PATIENT VISIT REDESIGN PROJECT IN SEVERAL HEALTH CENTERS.
Mr. Bragg explained the Substitute Resolution only clarifies the job title. There are no financial implications associated with this Resolution. Comm. Swope asked if the Health Department is creating a new position. Mr. Bragg stated a current position is being reclassified.
Chairperson Grebner expressed his appreciation for staff preparing the Cost Analysis in his preferred manner.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7a. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2006 Agreements for Community Agencies
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2006 AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES.
Comm. Hertel stated he was proud that the returning Human Service Committee’s Community Agencies agreed to a five percent cut in their funding allocation with the exception of one agency. The cut was agreed to so that funds would be available to appropriate to some agencies which are new to this process. Comm. Hertel explained the funding request from the Volunteers of America was dealt with in a separate contract.
Comm. Thomas asked for the total funding request in the Human Services Committee. Comm. Hertel stated the total request was $329,512 and the available funds were $112,946. Chairperson Dedden stated approximately half of the total request in that Committee came from the three new requests.
Comm. Schor stated the two returning Community Agencies in the County Services Committee requested $36,600 from $35,000 in available funds. He then explained three Commissioners in that Committee felt the Ingham Conservation District does not address meeting basic needs of the residents of the County; therefore, they recommended the Agency receive half of the 2005 allocation of $27,900. Three other Commissioners believed the money appropriated to the County Services Committee for Community Agencies should be used as intended.
County Services forwarded this item to this Committee because it could not come up with a solution that would meet the approval of a majority of the Committee. The County Services Committee recommended to this Committee that Urban Options’ 2006 allocation be the same as their 2005 allocation ($7,100) and the Ingham Conservation District be funded at 50% of their 2005 funding level ($13,950 for 2006), and that the remaining funds ($13,950) be allocated to greater areas of need as determined by this Committee.
Ms. Corrigan, Ingham Conservation District (District), stated the District was created by a County referendum. The District works with urban and rural areas; however, they mainly serve agricultural areas. She then stated the PDR will provide matching funds.
The total current budget of the District is $274,000. Ms. Corrigan explained the purpose of obtaining local financial support is to leverage grants from State and Federal programs. Local funds are used to help amend salaries of program-oriented employees. A fifty percent decrease in County support would result in the District cutting a full-time position to a half-time position. Currently, the District has four full-time employees.
Comm. Hertel stated he understands the District does important work within the County; however, the Human Services Committee discussed funding requests that were much less than the Districts’ request. He then asked what funding decrease the District would be willing to accept. Ms. Corrigan stated the District would be willing to take the same five percent cut as was done in the Human Services Committee.
Comm. Hertel suggested a compromise with the District would make it easier for the County to fund other programs. Ms. Corrigan stated taking a considerable cut in County funding would be difficult for the District. Ms. Corrigan expressed her disappointment that she is expected to defend her funding request. Comm. Hertel stated the Community Agency process is not perfect. Defending your request should not be a burden when the County is willing to fund local agencies. Chairperson Dedden explained the County is looking to provide a greater emphasis on agencies which seek to meet basic needs.
Mr. Ambrose stated the current Community Agency process is the best the County can do at this time. It is up to each liaison Committee to determine what constitutes “meeting basic needs.” Over the past few years, the Board of Commissioners has followed up that determination by only increasing the funding for Human Service Committee’s Community Agencies. Mr. Ambrose further stated he understands the changing rules are uncomfortable to the Agencies. The County Services Committee was not sold on the idea of maintaining its funding for the District when there is a greater need elsewhere.
Comm. Swope stated he thought the District was funded through the County as a local governmental entity. He did not realize it was funded through the Community Agency process. Mr. Ambrose stated the funding of the District by the County has decreased over the past few years. Comm. Swope stated the Board allocated Community Agency funds on a per Committee basis. Those funds should be used as intended. If the Board wants to make changes to this process, they should make them during the next budget process.
Comm. Swope further stated it is impossible to compare the District’s services with those of the Agencies under the purview of the Human Services Committee. The County does not have enough money to fund all human services agencies.
Comm. Thomas stated a number of Commissioners have begun to question whether the District meets the County’s core services. Last year, he was convinced to support the District for one more year. The suggested decrease in the District’s allocation for 2006 should not be a surprise to the District because this issue was discussed last year.
Comm. Thomas stated he would feel bad if the District has to reduce staff; however, staffing the District is not the responsibility of the County. Currently, residents are struggling to eat, to heat their homes, and to pay for electricity. The funds remaining from the District’s funding decrease would be used to help people with these needs. Comm. Thomas stated he supports the recommendation of the County Services Committee to reduce the District’s funding by 50%.
Comm. Schor stated erosion and land use issues are different than meeting residents’ basic needs. The Ingham County Drain Office addresses erosion and land use issues.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY USING THE REMAINING $13,950 IN COMMUNITY AGENCY FUNDING FROM THE COUNTY SERVICES COMMITTEE TO INCREASE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT’S ALLOCATION AS APPROVED BY COUNTY SERVICES BY $6,450; TO INCREASE THE GREATER LANSING ARAB AMERICAN SOCIAL SERVICES ALLOCATION BY $2,500; TO INCREASE THE MSU KINSHIP CARE RESOURCE CENTER’S ALLOCATION BY $2,000; AND TO INCREASE THE SOUTH LANSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION’S ALLOCATION BY $3,000.
Chairperson Grebner stated the Ingham Conservation District is a historic relic that was developed by the Board of Supervisors. He tried to have the District work with the Ingham County Drain Office approximately eight years ago. The Drain Office provides reports and statistics to this Committee. Chairperson Grebner stated at that time the District did not want to work with the Drain Office. The District then became a part of the Community Agency process.
Agriculture was central to this area in the past. Times have changed. Chairperson Grebner stated he agreed with the proposed amendment. The District should fit in with the County as a normal part of County business.
Chairperson Dedden stated it is appropriate for this Committee to look at the big picture. Adjustments should be made to the Community Agency process when warranted. She then stated she does not support the proposed amendment. Using the additional $13,950 to restore the five percent cut to the Human Services Committee’s Community Agencies would be very beneficial to those Agencies.
Comm. Hertel stated he would support restoring approximately half of the District’s allocation. He then explained the MSU Kinship Care Resource Center experienced a great reduction in funding from Michigan State University. The Human Services Committee recommended allocating the Center $701. Giving the Center $2,000 would only be 25% of their original request.
Comm. Hertel explained the South Lansing Community Development Association helps people connect with County healthcare services. They lost 60% of their staff due to budget cuts. The Human Services Committee recommended allocating them $3,000. Comm. Hertel stated the Greater Lansing Arab American Social Services agency does good work to help meet the specific needs of that community.
Comm. Hertel stated he believes a 25% cut to the District’s allocation is a fair compromise. The additional funds could be allocated to agencies which address basic needs. Comm. Dougan stated he would like to restore more funding to the District. This could be accomplished by cutting the Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committees’ Community Agency recommended allocations by five percent.
Comm. Thomas stated this Committee should keep in mind that all returning Community Agencies were treated fairly. Comm. Swope expressed his concern regarding the proposed allocation of the $13,950. The Human Services Committee made rationale recommendations.
Comm. Thomas stated a 25% cut to the District’s allocation would be $6,000. The District should be aware that it does need to defend its request. Next year, the District may only receive 25% of their request. Comm. Thomas encouraged the District to plan on funding changes next year.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comms. Swope and Dedden voting NO.
Comm. Dougan suggested reducing the Community Agency allocation recommendations from the Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committees by five percent.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO AMEND THE MOTION BY REDUCING THE RECOMMENDED FUNDING ALLOCATIONS FOR THE LANSING TEEN COURT, LEGAL SERVICES OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN, SIXTY PLUS, INC., LANSING AREA SAFETY COUNCIL AND NEW WAY IN, INC. BY FIVE PERCENT, AND TO ALLOCATE THE REMAINING AMOUNT TO THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT.
Chairperson Grebner stated it seems dangerous to reduce allocation recommendations for Agencies which are not present. Community Agencies have been told they do not need to attend the Finance Committee because the liaison Chairpersons’ word is usually good. Approving the amendment could set a bad precedent.
Comm. Hertel agreed with the concern regarding cutting recommended allocations without notifying the Agencies of possible changes. He stated he informed some agencies they do not need to come to this meeting because cuts are not usually made at this level.
Chairperson Dedden stated if she were a Community Agency representative, she would show up at all meetings dealing with her agency’s budget. Comm. Schor stated five percent cuts were not mentioned at the Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committees’ Budget Hearings.
Comm. Schor withdrew his support of the motion to amend. Comm. Dougan withdrew his motion.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN TO ALLOCATE AN EXTRA FIVE PERCENT FROM THE 2006 CONTINGENCY FUND TO THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
Chairperson Grebner stated this Committee has the authority to change recommendations; however, it should only do so if the agencies are notified first. Comm. Thomas stated it is appropriate for Finance to determine what to do with the funds forwarded from the County Services Committee. This is our job.
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements
Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that a resolution is being drafted to begin the process of replacing his position. That resolution will be on the next Board agenda.
Chairperson Grebner explained the purpose of starting this process right away is to not delay it during the Board’s down time during the holidays.
Mr. Ambrose stated a resolution recommending a search firm should be submitted to this Committee’s next meeting. The resolution will authorize $15,000 to $20,000.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding this process.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff