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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance 09-26 & 27-95ova -I: CROIX COUNTY NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING TO: Robert M. Boche, Chairman St. Croix County Board FROM: COMMITTEE TITLE: Finance DATE: September 26 & 279 1995 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: Government Center, Room-1281 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA DATE OF NEXT MEETING: ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: 1. Re'viewof 1996"Budgets 2. 1996 New Position Requests -September 2 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order) SUBMITTED BY: DATE: 9/11/95 COPIES TO: County Clerk News Media/Notice Board Committee Members FINANCE COMMITTEE Budget Review September 26, 1995 Meeting called to order by Chair Brown at 9:00 a.m. Members present: Don Brown, Bill Oemichen, John Bradley, Robert Boche, LuVerne Burke. Guests were welcomed. Staff present: Administrative Coordinator John Krizek, Finance Director Rich Loney, County Clerk Sue Nelson. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to adopt the agenda. Chair Brown invited everyone in attendance to participate in the budget process. The goal is to judiciously spend people's tax dollars efficiently. In the past the process was to target a mill rate. Brown stated St. Croix is a growing County and it is time to pay back the tax payers for their investments. The Committee will break at 10:15 for those who wish to attend the funeral of Sally Richie, an employee in the Sheriff's Department. The meeting will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. Administrative Coordinator John Krizek noted tremendous work by most Committees this year to reach a reasonable budget or even a zero increase such as Health and Human Services. The total revenues budgeted are $45,267,842 and expenses are $45,412,069 which is $144,277 expenses in excess of revenue. The figure of $11,107,585 tax levy is based on new growth only and was used as a target figure. The County grew $171 million in equalized value and of this amount 37.9% is from new growth. The proposed 1996 Contingency Fund is set at $350,000. Total expenses are down over the previous year. Committee agreed to vote only on anv chances made and not to vote to adopt everzr budcret. Committee reserves the right to revisit any buAget during the budget review process. Notation: Figures I ncluded in the minutes do not reflect liability insurance adjustment. See attached sheet for final totals. Child Support: Director Lynn Holmes stated training for the KIDS project was reduced from $5000 to just over $1000 and the contract with Trans Union was eliminated due to having better computer data from KIDS to locate people who owe child support. Salaries, postage and new equipment had line item increases. Holmes budgeted for a Lanier copy machine. The Library is interested in purchasing the present machine for $1000. Child Support budget was accepted as is. Chair Brown thanked Holmes for her concise budget report. Clerk of Court: Lori Meyer stated 60% of the budget is personnel and 400 operations and total budget for 1996 is down 2.4%. Jury trial and bailiff expenses were lowered because the number of trials has decreased. Contracting Guardians ad Litem has been working well and Meyer projected a $110,000 increase in revenues. Implementation of the KIDS program should reduce one LTE position. Using the CCAP financials, the amount of uncollected fines and fees should be known by the end of October. Meyer said we are near to reimbursing the expense of $7,000 to contract collections with TransGlobal. Only 200 cases have been turned over; 800 remain. In 30 to 60 days 200-300 more cases should be turned over and then 100 cases per month. Discussion on Staff Development. Chair Brown asked Committee if the firm with .5% adopted i plan was to be n the Budget guidelines. Factors to consider are location of conferences and mandatory training. Each budget over the 5o will be considered when addressed. The Clerk of Court budget was within the .5%. Both Clerk of Court and District Attorney has money budgeted for transcripts. Bradley indicated only one office should need to pay for transcripts and when the District Attorney's budget is addressed, the $3000 for transcripts could be moved to the Clerk of Court budget. No changes in the Clerk of Court budget. Chair Brown thanked Meyer for good budgeting. Highway: Highway Commissioner Dan Fedderly, Transportation Committee Chair Sinclear and Vice Chair King were present. Fedderly explained the basic concept of budget preparation was a zero levy increase and either look for more revenue or cut projects. Presently the increase of $32,969 in wages is absorbed into the budget, but Fedderly requested the County fund this in order not to decrease the level of services. A commitment has been made to reduce liability costs by not having incidents. The level of incidents pursued has decreased and a vigorous safety program is underway. The State Transportation budget will have a big effect on the Highway program especially if aids are cut. The County Surveyor's work plan is determined by the Planning and Development Committee and administration of the plan is conducted by the Highway Department. Chair Brown thanked Fedderly, Sinclear and King for clear and concise budgeting and budgeting a zero levy increase. Discussion on extension of Carmichael Road to County Trunk A. Fedderly noted this is NOT included in the 1996 budget simply because no funds are available. Loney advised the planned bridge construction costs would be paid by a levy to the 21 Towns in St. Croix County. District Attorney: D.A. Eric Johnson, Victim Witness Coordinator Ann Gustafson and Off0 ce Manager Deb Staberg were present . Johnson explained new items in the budget were: PTO payment of $2738 for six employees, $746 for secretaries' conference which was previously paid by the State Dept. of Justice. To save money, Westlaw has been eliminated and Michie Law is requested. This could also be shared with Corporation Counsel. In regard to $3,000 budgeted for transcripts, Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman recommended the county adopt a new policy. If the District Attorney is the requester of the transcript, the County pays the cost of original and one copy. In the past the District Attorney would get a preliminary hearing transcript if one was ordered by the Public Defender. Since 1993 the County no longer pays for the Public Defender's transcripts; it is now paid by the State and therefore fewer transcripts are being ordered. If the District Attorney does not request the transcript, a copy can be obtained from the Clerk of Court office at no charge. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Oemichen to eliminate $3,000 for transcripts in the District Attorney budget. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce $.500 from copy expense Line item. Carried. Johnson noted the Dept. of Justice has eliminated all conference travel expense for Assistant D.A's. The State argues the District Attorney and Assistants serve the county and the county benefits. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Boche to reduce employee travel by $500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to cut $380 from Law Books for Appelate Opinions and U.S. Supreme Court Cases. Carried. Victim Witness: Ann Gustafson explained overtime budget line item of 135 hours. Sometimes court cases run after 5:00 p.m. and overtime cannot be avoided. She does not have time to take compensatory time. Chair Brown recommended adjusting her work day hours to accommodate late court cases and prevent some overtime. Gustafson agreed to attempt to prevent overtime hours. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Burke to cut $1,092 from Victim Witness overtime budget leaving a total of $2000. Carried. Bradley voted no; believing more should be cut. Discussion on request for new laser printer, staff development exceeding recommended .5o and Victim Witness Fee surcharge. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to add revenue of $3,000 for ordinance violation surcharge. Carried. Economic Development: Present were Director Dave Piggot, Ken Heiser, Mona Flanum, Daryl Standafer. Piggot noted the $46,286 request for County support was the same as last year. The goal is 3 to reduce the County's share to 1/3. There will be a $35,OOO to $40,000 balance on December 31 but Piggot indicated this amount is needed to start the new year. Nine new businesses have located in the County and seven have expanded. Ken Heiser, First National Bank of Hudson, said prior to forming an Economic Development Department, people were interested in coming to the county but there was no contact person. This program cannot be run with volunteer or part time people. Chair Brown thought private contributors should pay more because they get more return for their money when development occurs. Peter Dahm, City of River Falls Economic Development Director, responded that firms get hit in every county and town in which they do business. Pierce County is the major contributor in that county. Daryl Standafer, Landmark Bank, related the County is the only entity guaranteed a benefit of any industrial development. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Brown to not exceed $34, 464 for St . Croix County's share for Economic Development. Oemichen was opposed to the cut as it sends a message the county is opposed to Economic Development. The surplus or carry-over is not all county money. Boche recommended maintaining present level for two or three years. Piggot commented he is not a fund raiser and would rather be looking for new prospects rather than raising funds. Heiser pleaded for one more year at present level of funding. Roll call vote: Bradley yes; Brown yes; Burke yes; Oemichen no; Boche no. Motion carried to reduce funding to Economic Development. Fair Board: Member Kay Zwald noted they received $33,000 last year and are requesting $34,665 with a plan to widen one of the driveways i dnto the grounds. The Fair Board is working with UW River Falls Professor Larry Swain to develop a long range plan. Of the 500 people surveyed at this year's Fair, most were pleased with the Fair activities. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to reduce the request by $1,665 to $33,000. Carried. Boche voted no. Brown thanked Zwald for coming in to discuss the Fair budget. Computer Services WAN Budget: Director Bruce Callen and Computer Advisory Chair Ron Raymond appeared. Callen noted the Computer Advisory Committee recommended Option I at a cost of $89,000 to begin implementing the Wide Area Network which would connect Health and Human Services, Highway and the Ag. Center. Burke asked what happens if there are lots of cuts in personnel in Health and Human Services in the next few years. Raymond said equipment would be taken from New Richmond and used where ever needed. Discussion on connecting in phases to other departments. Callen said $62,000 would provide the Client Information system, and network to New Richmond and network within the Government Center. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to reduce the WAN budget by $27,000 to a total of $62,000. Carried. Computer Services Operating Budctet: Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to cut $7,280 for Word Perfect Upgrade and $6,285 for Maintenance Mgmt.and Inventory Software program for a total of $13,565, Carried. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Burke to reduce network cards to one-half or $375. Carried. Budget for Training Site in New Richmond: No changes. Chair thanked Callen for his help and cooperation with Computer Services budgets. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Bradley to recess until 9:00 a.m., September 27th. Meeting recessed at 5:30. September 27 session: Meeting reconvened by Chair Brown at 9:00 a.m. Members present: Don Brown, Bill Oemichen, Robert Boche, LuVerne Burke, John Bradley. Loney distributed the schedule for the day and smaller budgets will be used to fill in unscheduled time periods. Chair said budget review will finish following the regular Finance meeting on October 9. Library: Director Maureen Farrell and Library Board Chair Len Nyland were present. Farrell indicated the budget requests relate to the Library Study recommendations which focused on the discrepancy in the tax rate between municipal and rural users. The three basic recommendations were to retain the present Library structure of the 10 municipal libraries and the St. Croix County Library, the $100,000 request for automation over the regular budget and in 1997 begin a 10 year phase -in of increased tax rate for rural residents. Discussion on Library Director conference in Pittsburgh, postage, courier service and jail library. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to remove $300 from the postage budget. Carried. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to reduce jail Library to $1120, the 1995 level. Carried. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Bradley to remove $108,300 from Library automation request. Callen explained the requested microwave costs are separate from library automation. The Library has old computer equipment and if the five personal computers fail, they could be replaced with terminals rather than expensive P.C's if the microwave equipment is installed. Roll call vote: all yes. Carried. Krizek stated he respects the work of the Study Committee but the major question is how to achieve equity in library funding and this has not been answered by the Library Study Committee. Using a diagram, Krizek pointed out the municipal taxpayer pays for wages, fringes, plant equipment and maintenance. Town taxpayers' money goes to the County Library which in turn provides only services (no cash) to Municipal Libraries. Farrell replied the requested automation is part of the equity to municipalities so they don't have to pay for automation. 5 Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Brown to remove $1320 in staff development for Pittsburgh conference and a friendly amendment by Oemichen to add in $173 for Director workshop for a $1147 net reduction in staff development. Carried. Oemichen recommended Leaving the increased courier service at a cost of $3000. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to keep courier level at 1995 level of $9,048. Roll call: Brown yes; Bradley yes; Boche no; Burke no, Oemichen no. Motion failed. Chair thanked Farrell and Nyland. Land Conservation: County Conservationist Chuck Christenson and Committee Chair Tom Dorsey were present. Although the levy request is lower by $18,657 this year, the levy is actually up $9,000 due to dam projects not being included in the 1996 budget. Staff development is over the guideline but Christenson said the Dept. of Ago will reduce grants if training is eliminated. Discussion on $1825 budgeted for County Surveyor to start dam structure inspection which was required by Dambreak on a high risk dam. Committee questioned why this dam is hazardous as there is no public access nor homes located near it. Christenson will contact proper personnel and request they make a site visit. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Burke to remove $1825 for Surveyor to I nspect a dam in the Glen Hills Watershed. Carried. The Lake Cluster project does have $1,000 cost to the county. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Oemichen to remove $250 from other supplies and expenses and $750 from new equipment to balance the expenses and revenues. Carried. New equipment and Software line items will be addressed later. Upcoming projects include the Kinnickinnic Priority Watershed project if approved by the County Board. DNR rates watersheds by basin plans and determines needs - may be to correct a water quality problem to protect good quality water. Land Conservation Committee and the County made the application for this Kinnickinnic project. Chair thanked Christenson and Dorsey for attending. County Board and Committees and Commissions Budgets: No changes. Legal Publication: No changes. Medical Examiner: Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Boche to remove $300 from Staff Development. Carried. Administrative Coordinator: No changes. County Clerk: Motion by Brown, 2nd by Boche to remove $185 for postage scale rate change chip and $175 for WI Counties Convention. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to remove $60 for miscellaneous repair of postage meter. Carried. Chair thanked Clerk Nelson for easy to read budget. Two repair calls for FAX C� machine at $200 was removed also. (This needs to be verified.) Elections: No changes. Sheriff: Sheriff Paul Burch, 1st Deputy Max Ihrke and Patrol Captain Roland Thompson appeared. Ihrke indicated $1500 can be removed from Staff Development and $5,000 for new vehicles since the budget was prepared. (Actual bids for cars came in lower than anticipated.) Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to reduce Staff Development by $1500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce new vehicles by $5,000. Carried. Discussion on wholesale purchase of gas. Ihrke contacts jobbers for bids and from Brown's recommendation, he will contact more jobbers and also make direct contact with the refinery. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to further reduce Staff Development by $1,020 and take additional money if necessary from Polk/St. Croix Drug Fund. Carried. Overtime has been cut 20 hours per investigator. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce Law Books by $300 and use drug funds. Carried. Chair thanked Sheriff personnel for their fine budget presentation. Jail: Motion by Burke, 2nd by Boche to remove $5,000 for Sundry Repair. Any repairs needed will be paid from Contingency Fund. Carried. The Jail budget is up 15o to 16o but this is based on an increase of 70 to 90 average daily population. A contract with the State of Wisconsin provides up to 50 inmates per day. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce Medical and Dental services by $3788 to match Public Health Nursing costs. Carried. Waste Management: Present were County Planning Director Dave Fodroczi, Solid Waste Coordinator George Hayducsko, Planning and Development Comm. Chair Tom Dorsey and Waste Management Comm. Chair Einar Horne. Horne noted legal fees have increased due to the filing of the ARR bankruptcy. If any of the Solid Waste Coordinator's salary is transferred to recycling we could lose all Recycling money. Discussion on Hayducsko's duties in relationship to the incinerator which involve his time with working with Corporation Counsel and the County's consultants for the bankruptcy case. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to remove $445 for the WI Environmental Law and Regulation report. Planning: Fodroczi said the increase in the Professional Services lI ne item is due to rewriting the County Zoning Ordinance. 7 Discussion on County Planner's job description and placing some of this salary in Land Records. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to move 150 of Director's salary and fringes to the Land Records account. Roll call vote: all yes. Employee travel and copy expense will increase due to the planning and Ordinance project but this will be 809i5 reimbursed. Land Records: No changes. Real Property: Fodroczi noted the Assistant in this office is budgeted for a 40 hour work week due to increased real estate transactions. No changes. Regional Planning: No changes Zoning: Administrator Tom Nelson and Tom Dorsey were present. Nelson budgeted for temporary help because Administrative Secretary Marilyn Zais is expecting twins in January. There is $15,000 for a replacement vehicle because the present one needs repairs. Brown suggested checking into a lease purchase agreement. Dorsey said this has worked well for Land Conservation. Nelson is to get lease cost and repair estimates and report October 9th. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Oemichen to remove $15,000 for replacement vehicle and revisit this matter later. Carried. Chair thanked Nelson and Dorsey. Register of Deeds: Kay Walsh noted the postage line is reduced because River Valley Abstract personnel deliver many documents. No changes. Personnel: No changes. Publication and Printing for Recruitment: No changes Finance Department: No changes Circuit Court: Judge Lundell explained the increase for Family Court Commissioner Ed Vlack and his part time secretary. The workload has increased and Vlack will no longer be paying the secretary from his personal office funds. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to remove $4,346 for temporary help. Carried; Boche voted no. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to reduce Other Professional Services for Law Clerk and Court Commissioners by $7500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to remove $3700 for one personal computer. Brown thanked Judge Lundell for his cooperation. Department on Aaina: Director Sandy Gehrmann and Assistant Director Barb Blaisdell appeared. Gehrmann outlined the 1996 0 budget and the changes made. complicated budget with several Chair Brown indicated this is a sources of revenues and funding. Motion by Burke, 2nd by Bradley to offer a block grant of $91,490 to the Dept. on Aging. This reduces the 1996 by $9,697. This would allow the Directors and Council on Aging to do their own economics and determine where the $23,000 in undesignated funds could be applied. This offer is good until October 9. Carried. Gehrmann will call a special meeting of the Council on Aging and invite Krizek and Loney to explain the block grant. Corporation Counsel: No changes. Assessment and Tax Roll: No changes. Audit Expenses: Audit billing decreased by $1,000. No changes. Special Account and Lake Mallalieu Account: No changes. Board of Adjustment: Budgeted $5,000 for a Para Legal Assistant for writing and distribution of decisions. No changes. Refunded Taxes: County's share of refunded taxes on the devaluation of St. Croix Meadows is $28,000. Judgement and Losses and Unemployment Compensation: No changes. At this point, revenues are in excess of expenditures by $101,887. Meeting recessed at 5:30 p.m. and will reconvene following regular busiess of the Finance Committee on October 9. LuVern Burke, Secretary 0 FINANCE COMMITTEE Budget Review September 26, 1995 Meeting called to order by Chair Brown at 9:00 a.m. Members present: Don Brown, Bill Oemichen, John Bradley, Robert Boche, LuVerne Burke. Guests were welcomed. Staff present: Administrative Coordinator John Krizek, Finance Director Rich Loney, County Clerk Sue Nelson. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to adopt the agenda. Chair Brown invited everyone in attendance to participate in the budget process. The goal is to judiciously spend people's tax dollars efficiently. In the past the process was to target a mill rate. Brown stated St. Croix is a growing County and it is time to pay back the tax payers for their investments. The Committee will break at 10:15 for those who wish to attend the funeral of Sally Richie, an employee in'the Sheriff's Department. The meeting will reconvene at 1*30 p.m. Administrative Coordinator John Krizek noted tremendous work by most Committees this year to reach a reasonable budget or even a zero increase such as Health and Human Services. The total revenues budgeted are $45,267,842 and expenses are $45,412,069 which is $144,277 expenses in excess of revenue. The figure of $11,107,585 tax levy is based on new growth only and was used as a target figure. The County grew $177 million in equalized value and of this amount 37.9. is from new growth. The proposed 1996 Contingency Fund is set at $350,000, Total expenses are down over the previous year. Committee agreed to vote only on any changes made and not to vote to adopt every budget Committee reserves the right to revisit any budget during the budget review process. Notation: Figures included in the minutes do not reflect liability insurance adjustment. See attached sheet for final totals. Child Support: Director Lynn Holmes stated training for the KIDS project was reduced from $5000 to just over $1000 and the contract with Trans Union was eliminated due to having better computer data from KIDS to locate people who owe child support. Salaries, postage and new equipment had line item increases. Holmes budgeted for a Lanier copy machine. The Library is interested in purchasing the present machine for $1000. Child Support budget was accepted as is. Chair Brown thanked Holmes for her concise budget report. Clerk of Court: Lori Meyer stated 600 of the budget is personnel and 40% operations and total budget for 1996 is down 2.40. Jury trial and bailiff expenses were lowered because the number of trials has decreased. Contracting Guardians ad Litem has been working well and Meyer projected a $110,000 increase in revenues. 1 Implementation of the KIDS program should reduce one LTE position. Using the CCAP financials, the amount of uncollected fines and fees should be known by the end of October. Meyer said we are near to reimbursing the expense of $7,000 to contract collections with TransGlobal. Only 200 cases have been turned over; 800 remain. In 30 to 60 days 200-300 more cases should be turned over and then 100 cases per month. Discussion on Staff Development. Chair Brown asked Committee if the plan was to be firm with .5o adopted in the Budget guidelines. Factors to consider are location of conferences and mandatory training. Each budget over the .5% will be considered when addressed. The Clerk of Court budget was within the .50. Both Clerk of Court and District Attorney has money budgeted for transcripts. Bradley indicated only one office should need to pay for transcripts and when the District Attorney's budget is addressed, the $3000 for transcripts could be moved to the Clerk of Court budget. No changes in the Clerk of Court budget. Chair Brown thanked Meyer for good budgeting. Highway: Highway Commissioner Dan Fedderly, Transportation Committee Chair Sinclear and Vice Chair King were present. Fedderly explained the basic concept of budget preparation was a zero levy increase and either look for more revenue or cut projects. Presently the increase of $32,969 in wages is absorbed into the budget, but Fedderly requested the County fund this in order not to decrease the level of services. A commitment has been made to reduce liability costs by not having incidents. The level of incidents pursued has decreased and a vigorous safety program is underway. The State Transportation budget will have a big effect on the Highway program especially if aids are cut. The County Surveyor's work plan is determined by the Planning and Development Committee and administration of the plan is conducted by the Highway Department. Chair Brown thanked Fedderly, Sinclear and King for clear and concise budgeting and budgeting a zero levy increase. Discussion on extension of Carmichael Road to County Trunk A. Fedderly noted this is NOT included in the 1996 budget simply because no funds are available. Loney advised the planned bridge construction costs would be paid by a levy to the 21 Towns in St. Croix County. District Attorney: D.A. Eric Johnson, Victim Witness Coordinator Ann Gustafson and Office Manager Deb Staberg were present. Johnson 2 explained new items in the budget were: PTO payment of $2738 for six employees, $746 for secretaries' conference which was previously paid by the State Dept. of Justice. To save money, Westlaw has been eliminated and Michie Law is requested. This could also be shared with Corporation Counsel. In regard to $3,000 budgeted for transcripts, Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman recommended the county adopt a new policy. If the District Attorney is the requester of the transcript, the County pays the cost of original and one copy. In the past the District Attorney would get a preliminary hearing transcript if one was ordered by the Public Defender. Since 1993 the County no longer pays for the Public Defender's transcripts; it is now paid by the State and therefore fewer transcripts are being ordered. If the District Attorney does not request the transcript, a copy can be obtained from the Clerk of Court office at no charge. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Oemichen to eliminate $3,000 for transcripts in the District Attorney budget. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce $500 from copy expense Line item. Carried. Johnson noted the Dept. of Justice has eliminated all conference travel expense for Assistant D.A's. The State argues the District Attorney and Assistants serve the county and the county benefits. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Boche to reduce employee travel by $500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to cut $380 from Law Books for Appelate Opinions and U.S. Supreme Court Cases. Carried. Victim Witness: Ann Gustafson explained overtime budget line item of 135 hours. Sometimes court cases run after 5:00 p.m. and overtime cannot be avoided. She does not have time to take compensatory time. Chair Brown recommended adjusting her work day hours to accommodate late court cases and prevent some overtime. Gustafson agreed to attempt to prevent overtime hours. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Burke to cut $1,092 from Victim Witness overtime budget leaving a total of $2000. Carried. Bradley voted no; believing more should be cut. Discussion on request for new laser printer, staff development exceeding recommended .5o and Victim Witness Fee surcharge. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to add revenue of $3,000 for ordinance violation surcharge. Carried. Economic Development: Present were Director Dave Piggot, Ken Heiser, Mona Flanum, Daryl Standafer. Piggot noted the $46,286 request for County support was the same as last year. The goal is 3 to reduce the County's share to 1/3. There will be a $35,000 to $40,000 balance on December 31 but Piggot indicated this amount is needed to start the new year. Nine new businesses have located in the County and seven have expanded. Ken Heiser, First National Bank of Hudson, said prior to forming an Economic Development Department, people were interested in coming to the county but there was no contact person. This program cannot be run with volunteer or part time people. Chair Brown thought private contributors should pay more because they get more return for their money when development occurs. Peter Dahm, City of River Falls Economic Development Director, responded that firms get hit in every county and town in which they do business. Pierce County is the major contributor in that county. Daryl Standafer, Landmark Bank, related the County is the only entity guaranteed a benefit of any industrial development. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Brown to not exceed $34, 464 for St . Croix County's share for Economic Development. Oemichen was opposed to the cut as it sends a message the county is opposed to Economic Development. The surplus or carry-over is not all county money. Boche recommended maintaining present level for two or three years. Piggot commented he is not a fund raiser and would rather be looking for new prospects rather than raising funds. Heiser pleaded for one more year at present level of funding. Roll call vote: Bradley yes; Brown yes; Burke yes, Oemichen no; Boche no. Motion carried to reduce funding to Economic Development. Fair Board: Member Kay Zwald noted they received $33,000 last year and are requesting $34,665 with a plan to widen one of the driveways into the grounds. The Fair Board is working with UW River Falls Professor Larry Swain to develop a long range plan. Of the 500 people surveyed at this year's Fair, most were pleased with the Fair activities. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to reduce the request by $1,665 to $33,000. Carried. Boche voted no. Brown thanked Zwald for coming in to discuss the Fair budget. Computer Services WAN Budget: Director Bruce Callen and Computer Advisory Chair Ron Raymond appeared. Callen noted the Computer Advisory Committee recommended Option I at a cost of $89,000 to begin implementing the Wide Area Network which would connect Health and Human Services, Highway and the Ag. Center. Burke asked what happens if there are lots of cuts in personnel in Health and Human Services in the next few years. Raymond said equipment would be taken from New Richmond and used where ever needed. Discussion on connecting in phases to other departments. Callen said $62,000 would provide the Client Information system, and network to New Richmond and network within the Government Center. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to reduce the WAN budget by $27,000 to a total of $62,000. Carried. Computer Services Operating Budget: Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to cut $7,280 for Word Perfect Upgrade and $6,285 for Maintenance Mgmt.and Inventory Software program for a total of $13,565. Carried. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Burke to reduce network cards to one-half or $375. Carried. Budget for Training Site in New Richmond: No changes. Chair thanked Callen for his help and cooperation with Computer Services budgets. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Bradley to recess until 9:00 a.m., September 27th. Meeting recessed at 5:30. September 27 session: Meeting reconvened by Chair Brown at 9:00 a . Members present: Don Brown, Bill Oemichen, Robert Boche; LuVerne Burke, John Bradley. Loney distributed the schedule for the day and smaller budgets will be used to fill in unscheduled time periods. Chair said budget review will finish following the regular Finance meeting on October 9. Library: Director Maureen Farrell and Library Board Chair Len Nyland were present. Farrell indicated the budget requests relate to the Library Study recommendations which focused on the discrepancy in the tax rate between municipal and rural users. The three basic recommendations were to retain the present Library structure of the 10 municipal libraries and the St. Croix County Library, the $100,000 request for automation over the regular budget and in 1997 begin a 10 year phase -in of increased tax rate for rural residents. Discussion on Library Director conference in Pittsburgh, postage, courier service and jail library. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to remove $300 from the postage budget. Carried. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to reduce jail library to $1120, the 1995 level. Carried. Motion by Boche, 2nd by Bradley to remove $108,300 from Library automation request. Callen explained the requested microwave costs are separate from library automation. The Library has old computer equipment and if the five personal computers fail, they could be replaced with terminals rather than expensive P.C's if the microwave equipment is installed. Roll call vote. all yes. Carried. Krizek stated he respects the work of the Study Committee but the major question is how to achieve equity in library funding and this has not been answered by the Library Study Committee. Using a diagram, Krizek pointed out the municipal taxpayer pays for wages, fringes, plant equipment and maintenance. Town taxpayers' money goes to the County Library which in turn provides only services (no cash) to Municipal Libraries. Farrell replied the requested automation is part of the equity to municipalities so they don't have to pay for automation. 5 Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Brown to remove $1320 in staff development for Pittsburgh conference and a friendly amendment by Oemichen to add in $173 for Director workshop for a $1147 net reduction in staff development. Carried. Oemichen recommended leaving the increased courier service at a cost of $3000. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to keep courier level at 1995 level of $9,048. Roll call: Brown yes; Bradley yes; Boche no; Burke no, Oemichen no. Motion failed. Chair thanked Farrell and Nyland. Land Conservation: County Conservationist Chuck Christenson and Committee Chair Tom Dorsey were present. Although the levy request is lower by $18,567 this year, the levy for non dam projects is actually up $9,000 due to dam projects not being included in the 1996 budget. Staff development is over the guideline but Christenson said the Dept. of Ag. will reduce grants if training is eliminated. Discussion on $1825 budgeted for County Surveyor to start dam structure inspection which was required by Dambreak on a high risk dam. Committee questioned why this dam is hazardous as there is no public access nor homes located near it. Christenson will contact proper personnel and request they make a site visit. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Burke to remove $1825 for Surveyor to I nspect a dam in the Glen Hills Watershed. Carried. The Lake Cluster project does have $1,000 cost to the county. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Oemichen to remove $250 from other supplies and expenses and $750 from new equipment to balance the expenses and revenues. Carried. New equipment and Software line items will be addressed later. Upcoming projects include the Kinnickinnic Priority Watershed project if approved by the County Board. DNR rates watersheds by basin plans and determines needs - may be to correct a water quality problem to protect good quality water. Land Conservation Committee and the County made the application for this Kinnickinnic project. Chair thanked Christenson and Dorsey for attending. County Board and Committees and Commissions Budgets: No changes. Legal Publication: No changes. Medical Examiner: Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Boche to remove $300 from Staff Development. Carried. Administrative Coordinator: No changes. County Clerk: Motion by Brown, 2nd by Boche to remove $185 for postage scale rate change chip and $175 for WI Counties Convention. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to remove $60 for miscellaneous repair of postage meter. Carried. Chair thanked Clerk Nelson for easy to read budget. Two repair calls for FAX machine at $200 was removed also. (This needs to be verified.) Elections: No changes. Sheriff: Sheriff Paul Burch, lst Deputy Max Ihrke and Patrol Captain Roland Thompson appeared. Ihrke indicated $1500 can be removed from Staff Development and $5,000 for new vehicles since the budget was prepared. (Actual bids for cars came in lower than anticipated.) Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to reduce Staff Development by $1500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce new vehicles by $5,000. Carried. Discussion on wholesale purchase of gas. Ihrke contacts jobbers for bids and from Brown's recommendation, he will contact more jobbers and also make direct contact with the refinery. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to further reduce Staff Development by $1,020 and take additional money if necessary from Polk/St. Croix Drug Fund. Carried. Overtime has been cut 20 hours per investigator. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce Law Books by $300 and use drug funds. Carried. Chair thanked Sheriff personnel for their fine budget presentation. Jail: Motion by Burke, 2nd by Boche to remove $5,000 for Sundry Repair. Any repairs needed will be paid from Contingency Fund. Carried. The Jail budget is up 15% to 16o but this is based on an increase of 70 to 90 average daily population. A contract with the State of Wisconsin provides up to 50 inmates per day. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to reduce Medical and Dental services by $3788 to match Public Health Nursing costs. Carried. Waste Management: Present were County Planning Director Dave Fodroczi, Solid Waste Coordinator George Hayducsko, Planning and Development Comm. Chair Tom Dorsey and Waste Management Comm. Chair Einar Horne. Horne noted legal fees have increased due to the filing of the ARR bankruptcy. If any of the Solid Waste Coordinator's salary is transferred to recycling we could lose all Recycling money. Discussion on Hayducsko's duties in relationship to the incinerator which involve his time with working with Corporation Counsel and the County's consultants for the bankruptcy case. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Bradley to remove $445 for the WI Environmental Law and Regulation report. Planning: Fodroczi said the increase in the Professional Services line item is due to rewriting the County Zoning Ordinance. Discussion on County Planner's job description and placing some of this salary in Land Records. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to move 150 of Director's salary and fringes to the Land Records account. Roll call vote: all yes. Employee travel and copy expense will increase due to the planning and Ordinance project but this will be 80o reimbursed. Land Records: No changes. Real Property: Fodroczi noted the Assistant in this office is budgeted for a 40 hour work week due to increased real estate transactions. No changes. Regional Planning: No changes Zoning: Administrator Tom Nelson and Tom Dorsey were present. Nelson budgeted for temporary help because Administrative Secretary Marilyn Zais is expecting twins in January. There is $15,000 for a replacement vehicle because the present one needs repairs. Brown suggested checking into a lease purchase agreement. Dorsey said this has worked well for Land Conservation. Nelson is to get lease cost and repair estimates and report October 9th. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Oemichen to remove $15,000 for replacement vehicle and revisit this matter later. Carried. Chair thanked Nelson and Dorsey. Register of Deeds: Kay Walsh noted the postage line is reduced because River Valley Abstract personnel deliver many documents. No changes. Personnel: No changes. Publication and Printing for Recruitment: No changes Finance Department: No changes Circuit Court: Judge Lundell explained the increase for Family Court Commissioner Ed Vlack and his part time secretary. The workload has increased and Vlack will no longer be paying the secretary from his personal office funds. Motion by Brown, 2nd by Bradley to remove $4,346 for temporary help. Carried; Boche voted no. Motion by Bradley, 2nd by Burke to reduce Other Professional Services for Law Clerk and Court Commissioners by $7500. Carried. Motion by Oemichen, 2nd by Boche to remove $3700 for one personal computer. Brown thanked Judge Lundell for his cooperation. Department on Aging: Director Sandy Gehrmann and Assistant Director Barb Blaisdell appeared. Gehrmann outlined the 1996 budget and the changes made. Chair Brown indicated this is a complicated budget with several sources of revenues and funding. Motion by Burke, 2nd by Bradley to offer a block grant of $91,490 to the Dept. on Aging. This reduces the 1996 by $9,697, This would allow the Directors and Council on Aging to do their own economics and determine where the $23,000 in undesignated funds could be applied. This offer is good until October 9. Carried. Gehrmann will call a special meeting of the Council on Aging and invite Krizek and Loney to explain the block grant. Corporation Counsel: No changes. Assessment and Tax Roll: No changes. Audit Expenses: Audit billing decreased by $1,000. No changes. Special Account and Lake Mallalieu Account: No changes. Board of Ad-iustment: Budgeted $5,000 for a Para Legal Assistant for writing and distribution of decisions. No changes. Refunded Taxes: County's share of refunded taxes on the devaluation of St. Croix Meadows is $28,000. Judgement and Losses and Unemployment Compensation: No changes. At this point, revenues are in excess of expenditures by $101,887. Meeting recessed at 5:30 p.m. and will reconvene following regular busiess of the Finance Committee on October 9. LuVerne BY ke, Secretary 0