HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 10-26-10 NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010 — 9:00 A.M.
St. Croix County Government Center -1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: *Tim Sackett, Transport for Christ, Hudson, Wisconsin
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR REPORT
REVIEW OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
(Unless separation of an item is requested, all will be adopted in one motion.)
L Minutes of Previous Session— October 5, 2010
2. Date of Next Meeting— December 7, 2010 - 9:00 a.m.
3. Rezoning - *none
APPOINTMENTS:
PRESENTATION:
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
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1. Nursing Home Report
2. 2011 Proposed Budget —9:00 a.m.
a. Presentation
b. Public Hearing (3 minutes per speaker)
3. Resolution Approving County Aid Bridge Construction under Section 81.38 82.08 of the Statutes
A New PesitjE)ns te Begin in 2044
4. Resolution Adopting 2011 Budget and Approving Other Expenditures
5. *Resolution to Refill Chief Deputy Position
6. *Resolution to Refill Deputy Register in Probate Position
7. *Resolution Committing to Vacating the Health and Human Services Building
COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURN
(Items may be taken in different order)
* Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda ** Late Changes and Additions
10/20/2010 1:29:27 PM
Official-approved 1217110
MINUTES OF THE
ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Meeting — October 26, 2010
The invocation was given by Pastor Tim Sackett of Transport for Christ, Hudson Wisconsin and the Pledge
of Allegiance was recited. Meeting called to order by Chair Standafer at 9:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL: 18 Present; absent and excused: Supr. Sicard
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR REPORT: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported
on the status of recent Building Facilities meetings. Whiting stated negotiations are open with all unions.
Department Heads recently reviewed Google phone service as suggested by Supr. Stauffer which would
work to save on long distance costs.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Supr. Larson, 2 nd by Supr. Ruetz to adopt the consent agenda approving
the October 5, 2010 County Board minutes and setting the next meeting for December 7, 2010. Carried
unanimously.
Review of agenda by Chair Standafer. He indicated the Nursing Home report is to provide data and
information and is non - debatable. After the budget presentation the public hearing will be open. Chair
Standafer noted items 5 and 6 are existing positions and are funded in the budget. He asked if there was an
objection to the order of the agenda. No objections were made.
PRESENTATION: None.
APPOINTMENTS: None.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Nursing Home Report. Trenton Fast of Larson Allen, CPAS, Consultants and Advisors provided a review
of the strategic plan for the St. Croix County Nursing Home which included market demand, strategic capital
planning modeling, projections and review of key operating metrics. Fast indicated projections are based on
having no significant change in the Supplemental Payment Program revenue, one to two percent annual
increases in payment rates from all payors, and two to three percent overall increases in operating expenses. Fast
reviewed the projected financial statement (excluding tax levy) for the current facility consisting of 72 beds. Per
day comparisons with other Midwest government nursing homes reviewed using median numbers only.
Considerations of current facility noting the Nursing Home utilizes two floors where most have one floor. Fast
indicated they have identified a demand for assisted living. Strategies to move toward elimination of tax subsidy
reviewed. Review of projections related to a nursing home project of 72 beds at $10.8 million, 50 beds at $7.5
million, a nursing home of 72 beds and housing of 30 units and nursing home of 50 beds and housing of 30
units.
Discussion regarding market study needs for long term care, assisted living, and independent living. Fast
confirmed a study done in 2009 indicates there is a need for beds now. Supr. Hermsen asked the reason why the
County cannot ever get positive after 2012. Fast's opinion was due to rationing down reimbursement rates as
part of the reason along with staffing costs including benefits and costs to maintain the current structure.
2. 2011 Proposed Budget — 9:00 a.m.
a. Presentation. 2011 proposed budget presented by Administration Committee Chair Sharon Norton -
Bauman. The Administration Committee set an objective of a zero percent levy increase for the budget
October 26, 2010
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subject to levy limits. The overall levy contains a .34% increase due to library funding and debt levies. The
final proposed budget of $83,802,303 balanced with revenue and expense adjustments, and use of fund
balance. Supr. Norton - Bauman expressed the need to establish county priorities before the 2012 budget.
There are no wage increases other than step increases in the proposed budget. Supr. Norton- Bauman stated
the 2010 total equalized value decreased for the second year in a row. 2010 total equalized value is
$7,653,462,200, a decrease - $616,038,300 (down 7.45 %). The mill rate is up $.269 per $1,000 of valuation
of $3.647 for 2011. Supr. Norton - Bauman noted the increase in foreclosures with approximately 781 active
or pending as of October 2010. Review of tax delinquencies since 2004 noting $5 million to be paid out to
municipalities by August 15 These funds are in a reserve fund. Review of budget issues with no proposed
wage increases, Nursing Home levy request 12% higher than last year, increase in library levy to a full 100%
of operational costs, position reductions, no new positions, increased four social worker position hours in
Health and Human Services, and deferred capital items. Sales tax comparisons reviewed noting St. Croix
County is on track to meet 2010 budget. Personnel and health insurance reviewed. Whiting stated health
insurance is up considerably and explained the need to use fund balance to get premium calculations correct.
Library funding reviewed noting this is outside the levy limits. Status of the Economic Recovery Zone 2010
borrowed items reviewed. Projected debt service review noted that the County would be debt -free by 2018,
at current amortization, assuming no additional incurred debt.
Revenue changes reviewed. Showing an increase of $1,576,832 noting use of the General Fund Surplus in
the amount of $1,458,732 and Sales Tax Fund Surplus in the amount of $36,829 applied. Expenditures
reviewed showing a reduction of $2,212,931. Fund Balance reviewed by Finance Director Pietrick. Pietrick
stated the policy practice is the County retains 25% of undesignated funds as a rainy day cushion fund for all
County funds. Pietrick expressed concerns regarding Highway and Health Insurance low fund balances.
b. Public Hearing - Chair Standafer opened the public hearing at 10:45 a.m.
Janet Knutson of Star Prairie, Kim Dupre of Town of Emerald, Norm Matzek of Hudson, Rick Prokash of
Star Prairie and Dan Hanson of New Richmond all spoke in support of keeping the St. Croix County Nursing
Home, the quality of care residents receive, 2008 referendum results and support of Frank Robinson for his
work.
Tom Irwin of Hudson spoke on the nursing home expressing his concern of investing more money to lose
money and asked Board Members to decide if they want to indebt taxpayers of this County by building a
new nursing home or let private sectors continue in the nursing home business.
Supr. Stauffer read feedback from Marvin Burton of Roberts suggesting the County Board study privatizing
the Highway Department and Nursing Home and other jobs to see how much money could be saved and a
comment from Carleen Jensen of the Town of Hammond thanking the County for its excellent job on
plowing her road and to not raise her taxes.
Closed public hearing at 11:18
3. Resolution #31(2010) Approving County Aid Bridge Construction under Section 82.08 of the Statutes.
Motion by Supr. Rebholz, 2 nd by Supr Schrank to approve. Clarification made on incomplete sentences in the
resolution. Tim Ramberg confirmed under the first THEREFORE, "... grant the petitions for ..." and under
FURTHER "...taxable for such purposes Carried unanimously.
October 26, 2010
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4. Resolution #32(2010) Adopting 2011 Budget and Approving Other Expenditures. Motion by Supr.
Ruetz, 2 nd by Supr. Schrank to approve.
Motion by Supr. Sather, 2 nd by Supr. Hermsen to amend the budget by removing the expense for the half -time
deputy position in the Emergency Management Department along with the benefit costs and return that amount
to the General Fund. Pietrick confirmed the amount is $28,322. Discussion. Motion carried. Yes —10: No — 8.
Alfred Schrank - D 1 voted: N James Stauffer - D8 voted: Y Roger Rebholz - D 15 voted: N
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: N William Peavey - D9 voted: Y Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: Y
Roger Larson - D3 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D10 voted: N Daryl Standafer - D17 voted: N
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D 11 voted: Y Robert Shearer - D 18 voted: Y
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: Y Richard Marzolf - D12 voted: N Lindy Luckey - D19 voted: Y
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: N Steven Hermsen - D 13 voted: Y
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: Y S. Norton - Bauman-D14 voted: Y
Supr. Horne requested a clarification on the cumulative fund balance. Pietrick stated she provides a monthly
report to the Administration Committee containing a total countywide cash and investment balance. The
balance fluctuates from month to month based on tax collections and payments. Fund balances are not
equivalent to cash balances. Balances as of year end 12/31/09: total cash and investments countywide of
$35,799,000 and of that, $10.5 million was in the General Fund, $2.8 million in the Health and Human Services
Fund, $114,000 in the Debt Service Fund, $2.5 million in Other Governmental, $500,000 in Nursing Home and
$210,000 in Highway. The Internal Service Fund includes health insurance, worker compensation and liability
funds which had $5.8 million. Fiduciary Funds are tax dollars not owned by the County which had $13.1
million, most of which was in the tax agency fund paid out to municipalities in which the County collects taxes.
Pietrick explained the General Fund and other funds have reservations and designations. After funds are
reserved or designated anything left is unreserved undesignated and potentially available for spending. The
General Fund had a $6.2 million reserved to cover delinquent taxes and investments. Pietrick explained St.
Croix County is an invested equity owner in WMMIC. Inventories cannot be spent and the County has
designated one -half million to cover grants where we are legally obligated to spend and cover two calendar
years. This leaves 25% of at least the rest to go into unreserved undesignated in the General Fund. The
County's policy and practice is to retain 25% of the General Fund expenses based on the audit report for the
rainy day cushion for all funds in the County which equates to $7.4 million. At the end of 2009 the General
Fund should have had $14.1 million in reserves and rainy day. The County had $10.5 million in cash. HHS,
ADRC and Aging funds are reserved and/or restricted. The County reserved the amount of fund balance for
HHS budget used in the 2010 budget. Other Governmental Funds had $1.5 million in capital project funds part
of which is designated and the fiduciary funds are now called county dollars and the internal service funds are
restricted under the policies in place. There is a separate policy with regard to health insurance fund. The
Administration Committee made a decision the liability fund is to retain its minimum of $1.5 million.
Supr. Malick expressed concerns about the number of deferred capital expenses.
Motion by Supr. Hermsen, 2 nd by Supr. Shearer to amend the budget to remove the levy from the Nursing Home
budget in the amount of $664,000 and distribute the fund to the following line items: $250,000 to
Transportation (Highway); $250,000 to Public Safety (Sheriffs Department), $100,000 to Health and Human
Services (HHS), $13,000 to the Fair Board, $20,000 to Planning and Zoning and the remaining $31,000 to the
Contingency Fund. Discussion and review of increasing private pay rates based on the averages found in the
Larson Allen study. Amendment resulted in a tie vote, therefore fails. Yes — 9; No — 9.
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October 26, 2010
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Alfred Schrank - D 1 voted: N James Stauffer - D8 voted: Y Roger Rebholz - D 15 voted: Y
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: N William Peavey - D9 voted: N Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: Y
Roger Larson - D3 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D 10 voted: N Daryl Standafer - D 17 voted: Y
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D 11 voted: Y Robert Shearer - D 18 voted: Y
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: N Richard Marzolf - D 12 voted: N Lindy Luckey - D 19 voted: Y
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: N Steven Hermsen - D 13 voted: Y
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: N S. Norton - Bauman-D14 voted: Y
Motion by Supr. Norton - Bauman, 2 nd by Supr. Peavey to the amend the budget to reduce the levy from the
Nursing Home budget $320,813 which would be the increase received if they charged the private pay rates
according to the information received and to reallocate the funds as follows: $100,000 to Transportation
(Highway), $100,000 to the Sheriff s Department; $100,000 to HHS exclusive of the Nursing Home and
$20,813 to the Contingency Fund. Carried: Yes —13: No — 5.
Alfred Schrank - D 1 voted: N James Stauffer - D8 voted: Y Roger Rebholz - D 15 voted: Y
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: Y William Peavey - D9 voted: Y Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: Y
Roger Larson - D3 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D 10 voted: Y Daryl Standafer - D 17 voted: Y
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D 11 voted: Y Robert Shearer - D 18 voted: Y
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: N Richard Marzolf - D 12 voted: N Lindy Luckey - D 19 voted: Y
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: N Steven Hermsen - D 13 voted: Y
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: Y S. Norton-Bauman-D14 voted: Y
Motion by Supr. Stauffer to amend the budget to remove $300,000 for the Enterprise Software System and show
the reduction in the levy. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2 nd by Supr. Horne to amend the budget to use a portion of the $100,000 restored to the
HHS budget to reinstate the Financial Department position cut from HHS budget in the amount of $82,000.
Supr. Wentz indicated the elimination of this position was not brought to the HHS Board. Pietrick explained
through joint discussions and reorganization it was determined the assignments of this position could be
reallocated and the position could be eliminated. Supr. Norton -Bauman stated she is reluctant to add staff cuts
back into the budget and supports Pietrick's decision and will hold her accountable for this decision. Motion
failed: Yes — 5; No —13.
Alfred Schrank - D 1 voted: Y James Stauffer - D8 voted: N Roger Rebholz - D 15 voted: N
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: N William Peavey - D9 voted: N Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: N
Roger Larson - D3 voted: Y Joe Hurtgen - D 10 voted: N Daryl Standafer - D 17 voted: N
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D11 voted: N Robert Shearer - D18 voted: N
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: Y Richard Marzolf - D 12 voted: Y Lindy Luckey - D 19 voted: N
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: Y Steven Hermsen - D 13 voted: N
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: N S. Norton-Bauman-D14 voted: N
Motion by Supr. Stauffer, 2 nd by Supr. Hermsen to amend the budget by selling the lands at the New Richmond
campus currently not used for building and add those funds into the General Fund with the understanding it
takes time and the amount and time are unknown. Inquiry by Supr. Marzolf if the motion was germane. Chair
ruled in the affirmative, and asked if there was objection to the ruling. Supr. Marzolf objected. Chair asked
board members by show of hands if they supported the ruling of the Chair. Show of hands overturned the ruling
of the Chair. Motion was not considered.
October 26, 2010
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Motion to approve the budget as amended with two amendments passed. Yes — 13, No — 5.
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: Y S. Norton - Bauman -D14 voted: Y
Alfred Schrank - D1 voted: N James Stauffer - D8 voted: N Roger Rebholz - D15 voted: Y
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: Y William Peavey - D9 voted: Y Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: Y
Roger Larson - D3 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D 10 voted: Y Daryl Standafer - D 17 voted: Y
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D 11 voted: Y Robert Shearer - D 18 voted: Y
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: N Richard Marzolf - D 12 voted: Y Lindy Luckey - D 19 voted: Y
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: N Steven Hermsen - D13 voted: Y
5. Resolution #33(2010) to Refill Chief Deputy Position. Motion by Supr. Norton - Bauman, 2nd by Supr.
Wentz to approve. Supr. Malick requested future requests include a supporting memorandum from the
department making the request. Carried unanimously
6. Resolution #34(2010) to Refill Deputy Register in Probate Position. Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2 nd by
Supr. Sather to approve. Supr. Malick urged all Parent Committees to have an analysis made for future requests.
Motion by Supr. Stauffer, 2 by Supr. Hermsen to amend the budget by making this a half -time position. Supr.
Malick requested to abstain because of his law practice and working with this department and the Judges.
Amendment failed: Yes — 5; No —12; 1 abstention.
Alfred Schrank - D 1 voted: N James Stauffer - D8 voted: Y Roger Rebholz - D 15 voted: N
Brian Hurtgen - D2 voted: N William Peavey - D9 voted: N Clarence Malick - D 16 voted: A
Roger Larson - D3 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D 10 voted: N Daryl Standafer - D 17 voted: N
Ryan Sicard - D4 was absent Lorin Sather - D 11 voted: Y Robert Shearer - D 18 voted: Y
Frederick Horne - D5 voted: N Richard Marzolf - D 12 voted: N Lindy Luckey - D 19 voted: N
Esther Wentz - D6 voted: N Steven Hermsen - D 13 voted: Y
Eugene Ruetz - D7 voted: N S. Norton - Bauman -D14 voted: Y
Original motion carried unanimously.
7. Resolution #35(2010) Committing to Vacating the Health and Human Services Building. Motion by
Supr. Rebholz, 2 by Supr. Ruetz to approve. It was confirmed this resolution does not imply demolition of the
building. Carried unanimously.
Committee and Department Reports: Supr. Norton- Bauman thanked the members of the Administration
Committee and staff for their work on the budget.
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: None.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Daryl Standafer, Chair, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Cindy Campbell, County Clerk