HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance 09-26-07 NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY
FINANCE COMMITTEE
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday September 26 -28, 2007 — 8:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Room 1281, St. Croix County Government Center,
1101 Carmichael Road Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: September 6, 2007
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS:
1. 2008 Budget Review
2. Tax Deeded Property — Town of Hammond — deed back to previous owners per County Ordinance
#209(88)(1)(b) ** (Item to be take up first Wednesday morning)
NOTE: This is expected to be a three -day committee meeting last approximately to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Department budgets will be presented periodically over these three days. A working schedule for those
presentations is available from the County Clerk.
ADJOURN
(Items may be taken in different order)
* * Additions /Changes /Corrections
Items for County Board approval must be submitted to the County Clerk's office by Wednesday morning
preceding a County Board meeting.
12:23 PM 9/20/2007
r
OFFICIAL -approved 1118107
MINUTES OF THE ST. CROIX COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE
BUDGET REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 26,27 AND 28, 2007
Meeting called to order by Chair Krueger at 8:00 a.m. Present: Esther Wentz, Clarence Malick and Stan
Krueger. Tom Caflisch arrived at 8:30 a.m. Daryl Standafer arrived at 1:30 p.m. Staff present:
Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting, Finance Director Michelle Pietrick and County Clerk Cindy
Campbell.
Adoption of Agenda. Motion by Wentz, 2nd by Malick to adopt the agenda. Carried unanimously.
Adoption of Previous Minutes. Motion by Wentz, 2 by Malick to approve the September 6 th minutes
with Ramberg's changes to the Highway Department's report as follows: "King stated that a
Transportation Committee meeting had convened prior to meeting with the Finance Committee. He
expressed his hope that the Highway Department budget request could be incorporated in the overall
County budget within levy limits. It is also the Transportation Committee's desire that the budgeted miles
in maintenance paving and chipseal move toward our goals rather than the away from our goals, as we are
have been currently experiencing. Ramberg stated the Highway Department is mindful of the State's
proposed budget work. He also noted that the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), the Governor, the
Joint Finance Committee as well as both the Senate and Assembly budget positions have exempted the
county aid bridge levy from any levy limits under consideration. He went on to say that the Governor,
Joint Finance and the Senate's budget proposals all included a 4% levy limit provision while the
Assembly's version has language that the levy increase not exceed that portion of any increase in
equalized valuation due to new construction. Ramberg said that the Highway Department's levy increase
is $147,702 from the 2007 level of $3,913,455, an increase of 3.92 %. The requested county aid bridge
levy, not included in the above, and is $104,750, an increase of $37,625 from the 2007 levy of $67,125.
The total of the two together is a levy of $4,018,205, an increase of $185,327 or 4.8% from the 2007 level
of $3,832,878 total. Discussion followed regarding the annual vehicle registration fee. Ramberg noted
that the estimated amount this fee for 2007 is $696,940 and is included in the overall 2008 budget request.
The total Highway Department expenditures, was over $21 million for 2006. Standafer commented ... ".
Carried unanimously.
1. 2008 Budget Review
2. Tax Deeded Property — Town of Hammond — deed back to previous owners per County
Ordinance #209(88)(1(b). County Treasurer Cheryl Slind with Mr. Benitez, reported the county took the
Benitez property in the town of Hammond by tax deed. Per Slind, under personal circumstances Benitez
stated he did not receive official notice, but rather his wife did. Per county ordinance the Finance
Committee has the authority to grant the property back. Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to approve
deeding back of the property to Benitez after payment of all back taxes, interest and penalty and $1,000
administrative fee. Carried unanimously.
BUDGET REVIEW — MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2007
Finance Committee Preparation. Chair Krueger summarized the county's status after completion of
budget entries and the summary prepared by Finance Director Pietrick. Krueger stated there is currently a
$3,370,123 shortfall of the target. Review of expenditures including capital items. The proposed budget
includes new positions and capital improvements. Discussion regarding the fourth judgeship and support
staff for the fourth judge. Discussion regarding health insurance. Total General Property Tax is
t
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 2 of 10
$24,207,190. The operating levy is $22,013,628 levy with the new construction. New construction
percentage increase is 2.475 %.
Public Protection: Present: Julie Speer and Chuck Mehls
Sheriff and Jail: Present: Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, Jail Captain Karen Humphrey, Chief Deputy John
Shilts, Patrol Captain Mike Winberg, and Sheriff's Department Accountant /Office Manager Mary
Martell. Krueger reminded Sheriff Hillstead of the overage in his proposed budget of over $500,000.
a. Sheriff: Sheriff Hillstead highlighted the Sheriff's Department 2008 proposed budget and
personnel changes and requests in the budget. Hillstead explained a proposed change in sergeant
positions. He stated the proposal is to eliminate one sergeant position, then add this position back as a
patrol position and change the remaining sergeant positions to a lieutenant title with no wage increase;
then create five sergeant positions within the union as lead workers with leadership authority. Hillstead
stated this would create 24/7 supervisory per WMMIC's suggestion. The proposal would be an additional
$2.00 per hour, an increase of $29,600 for all five positions in 2008. An entry level patrol with the five
positions comes in under what it would cost for the one sergeant position and allows more time on
personnel issues and administrative duties. Hillstead indicated his budget includes a request for two
additional office staff primarily responsible for transcribing patrol officer dictation which would allow
more time patrolling. Shilts explained 38% of the officer's time is on the road and they would like to
increase that percentage. Hillstead stated he is also asking for one additional patrol officer. Hillstead
noted an additional security officer is included if there is a fourth judge added. Hillstead stated the second
security position is part of the COPS grant which ran out this year. Discussion regarding overtime.
Hillstead stated the same amount of overtime hours were added to 2008 as 2007.
Discussion regarding budgeted fuel costs at $3.50 per gallon. Hillstead stated that could be dropped to
$3.00. Krueger asked Hillstead to review the budget and reduce the $567,000 overage. Review of capital
outlay items. Hillstead stated the storage building was not included, but a movable storage unit is. Off
site storage currently used is about $130 per month.
b. Jail: Sheriff Hillstead highlighted if committee approves the change in supervisory there
would be a reduction in salaries. There are currently three sergeants and it is proposed to eliminate one
position and create two lieutenant positions and five sergeant positions. Hillstead stated if personnel
changes are made there would be an approximate $60,000 reduction in wages. Hillstead noted the
decrease in medical and dental. Meal and average population discussed and programs in place drawing
down the jail population. Discussion regarding renting jail space.
Krueger requested Hillstead return with a list of prioritizations to reduce the request. Discussion
regarding jail assessment fund and what's not spent goes to debt service. The fund will start in 2008 with
$50,000 and its usage is limited to structure items only.
C. District Attorney /Victim Witness: Present: Eric Johnson, Lisa Multhauf and Cathy
Halverson
Victim Witness. Johnson stated there is a position funded by a Federal VOCA grant. Increase in the
budget is primarily salaries. The State reimbursement is approximately 60 %. Johnson stated Gustafson is
not here today because she is in Florida receiving a national award in the Victim Witness program.
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 3of10
District Attorney. Johnson stated the largest increase is in the Diversion Program. He stated this is not a
new position, but the federal funds no longer exist and the request is to keep the position. Johnson
provided Diversion Program caseload information. Diversion Program cost savings reviewed based on
court savings, jail savings and probation savings. Johnson noted revenues generated through the
Diversion Program. Review of staff development and conferences. Johnson indicated the state
reimburses $.12 per mile for travel. Johnson highlighted the Expert Witness Fee for $5,000 which in the
past had been in the Clerk of Court budget.
d. Child Support. Present: Katy Kapaun. Kapaun stated overall budget increases are salary
and fringes with the exception of the request to purchase eight new network printers. Kapaun explained
there is a substantial amount of printing in her office. Discussion regarding decrease in federal
reimbursement. Pietrick asked if printers could be rotated. Kapaun is willing to try.
e. Medical Examiner. Present: Casey Swetlik. Swetlik stated the single most significant
increase is the autopsy line item. The county contracts with Ramsey County for autopsy services and
those costs have increased. Swetlik stated there has been an increase in suspicious deaths which
increases autopsies for the year. Swetlik also noted an increase in scene calls and cremations.
Emergency Management and Emergency Communications. Present: Chuck Mehls, Casey Swetlik
and Jack Colvard.
Emergency Management. Colvard indicated all items were kept the same as the 2007 request except for
exercises relating to NIMS requirements. No capital improvements.
Emergency Communications. Swetlik highlighted the staff proposal is a large item along with the radio
base capital item. Staff expansion request includes one full time and two .7 positions. Swetlik explained
this allows staffing the Communications Center with four people rather than three, from 10 a.m. to 2:00
a.m. and three people from 2:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is another attempt to offset the budget impact which
would reduce overtime costs. Overtime budget will need to increase if the fourth day /evening position is
not approved. Mehls commented on the number of calls received and the increase in staffing in the
Sheriff's Department, but no increases in Emergency Communications. Review of capital items and staff
development. Swetlik stated next year the national conference is in Kansas City and noted the advantages
in attending. Krueger expressed concerns regarding out of state travel. Swetlik explained he is working
on an agreement regarding Cellular 911 which sunsets in November 2008 and potential costs in 2009.
Krueger noted concerns with the $189,856 overage in the proposed 2008 budget. Discussion regarding
$142,000 in capital outlay for equipment replacement and proposed Communications Center expansion.
Review. Review of Highway Department revenues and levy increase.
Noon lunch break - reconvened at 1:03 p.m.
Planning and Zoning. Present: Wally Habhegger, Dave Fodroczi and Kevin Grabau. Fodroczi
summarized the proposed 2008 Planning and Zoning budget and noted they have not yet filled a vacant
position in 2007. Fodroczi stated revenues are driven by permits. Adjustments have been made in staff
and operations to keep expenditures down. Discussion regarding Lake Mallalieu Dam maintenance
contribution. Fodroczi noted the reduction in revenue is $213,000. Projections for 2007 revenues are
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 4 of 10
under by $300,000. Discussion regarding transferring Zoning staff person to Planning staff. Fodroczi
proposed changing this to a Planner position pending receipt of state and federal funding and placed a
small amount in the septic budget on contract for services when needed. Discussion regarding open
positions which are included in the budget — zoning specialist and office manager. Fodroczi stated his
department will take over the City of Hudson real property listing duties. There is a staff time increase in
the Real Property Lister beginning January 2008. Discussion regarding capital items including office
remodeling pushed out to 2009, new vehicle purchase in the amount of $25,000 and consulting services
with the Stillwater bridge project. Fodroczi stated the liability insurance for zoning and septic have a
substantial portion allocated to those budgets. Krueger asked if staff development is in -state training.
Fodroczi stated there may be one software user conference that may be out of state.
Land Records. Fodroczi stated this is fee driven on segregated fees.
Register of Deeds. Present: Kay Walsh and Wallace Habhegger. Walsh stated her budget shows lower
revenues based on past years. 2007 revenues will be lower than what was budgeted with a 28% decrease.
Discussion regarding foreclosure actions and increase in Sheriff's Deeds. Warranty Deeds are down 22 %.
Walsh stated she could possibly eliminate panic button installation in her budget which would be a $600
decrease.
Review. Pietrick distributed a report by object code. Discussion regarding staff development and what is
required. Discussion regarding applying fund balance, $500,000 for Enterprise software and the need for
accounting software for consistency and visibility. Discussion regarding receivables in HHS and county
operations. Pietrick noted the need of a commitment from other departments to participate in a needs
assessment for the Enterprise software.
Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Present: Executive Director Bill Rubin, President of EDC
Trudy Poppenhagen and Roger Rebholz. Rubin explained EDC's budget request for 2008 is $160,000.
St. Croix County's portion is $54,423 or a $2,000 increase. Rubin noted the EDC space is donated by the
county as well as phone service and appreciates the county's past support. Poppenhagen highlighted the
technology zone comprising of six counties and preparation of a business directory with Polk, Pierce and
St. Croix counties. EDC directors and board members are working together to put together an
organization for marketing, education for business and other goals. Standafer thanked what EDC has
done for the county.
Revenues and Issues Review. Discussion regarding applying $1.2 million from fund balance, removing
$500,000 for Enterprise software, $450,000 for chiller, $200,000 for storage building, $142,000
Emergency Communications equipment, applying Sheriff Department reduction, review of staff
development costs and new position list.
Building Services. Building Services Director Art Tobin and Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman
were present. Tobin stated he received a call from Randy of Roof Options which coordinates for Gillman
and Pasture a law firm representing a class action settlement for a foam product which was used on the
maintenance storage building in New Richmond. Tobin stated the roof was installed in August 1988 and
leaks developed in June 2002. An inspection was done in April 2003. Tobin reported there are metal
damages to the decking on the roof. Tobin stated cleaning estimate is $12,000 and $14,400 for
replacement. This building contains the boilers. Timmerman explained the class action pays for repair
but not for a new roof. Per Timmerman, October 2008 is the deadline to accept or reject the settlement.
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 5 of 10
Tobin noted problems with the roof system and leaks in the Government Center. Tobin reported on
chiller status. Chiller replacement is $650,000 to $1,000,000; $450,000 was placed in the capital budget
prior to his starting.
Building Services capital outlay reviewed with questions regarding the storage building in the Building
Services budget. Total capital outlay in Building Services budget is $763,000. Discussion regarding
contracting mowing at the county facilities.
Review continued. Discussion regarding bonding. Pietrick stated the 2003 debt pays off in 2013; the
2004 funded strip search has a 2009 defeasance; and issued state trust fund loans have payments out to
2011.
Recessed at 4:00 p.m.
BUDGET REVIEW CONTINUED - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Meeting called to order by Chair Krueger at 8:08 a.m. Present: Esther Wentz, Daryl Standafer, Stan
Krueger, Tom Caflisch and Clarence Malick. Staff present: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting,
Finance Director Michelle Pietrick and County Clerk Cindy Campbell.
Finance Committee Preparation. Discussion regarding roof repairs or replacement.
Sheriff s Department. Sheriff Hillstead presented reductions in the Sheriff Department in the amount of
$567,830 and Jail in the amount of $2,590 for the 2008 proposed budgets. Hillstead's proposed
reductions: security officer position, patrol position, law enforcement clerk positions (2), increased part-
time law enforcement clerk position to fulltime, reduced overtime, telephone, gas, new vehicles (reduced
2 unmarked cars), electronic file system, moveable evidence storage shelves, mobile radios, in -car
cameras, radars, thermo imager /night vision, lieutenant /sergeant change -over, overtime, CERT equipment
(Redman suit) and camera replacements. When asked to prioritize the reductions, Hillstead indicated the
additional patrol position would be first to place back in his budget, second is one additional law
enforcement clerk and third is movable evidence storage. Hillstead reported 10 hour shifts will begin in
February 2008 in his department which will reduce overtime.
Land & Water Conservation (LWC). Present: Ron Raymond and Bob Heise. Heise indicated there is
a zero percent increase across the board except for the land conservation account. He noted a truck in the
budget which was removed last year and two computers. Land Conservation expenses are the Land and
Water Plan which needs to be updated in 2008 and the hiring of a consultant is in the budget. This update
needs to be done every five years. Discussion regarding operation and maintenance expense increase.
Heise confirmed no conferences are out of state other than going to the twin cities. Krueger stated the
request is $60,000 over the allowed 2.475 %. Discussion regarding applying surplus from timber sales in
the amount of $67,656 to the budget.
Parks. Present: Ron Raymond and Bob Heise. Raymond explained increases in park improvement
include upgrading electrical at the parks and mower replacement. Discussion regarding grants and
matching funds and park revenues.
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 6of10
Ag- Extension. Present: Ron Raymond and Kim Reaman. Reaman explained extensions mission is to
help people help themselves and improve their lives. Reaman noted operation increase is $4,000 which
includes an increase in mileage, one new computer and instructional aids. Revenue increases reviewed.
Reaman highlighted grants. Discussion regarding 60/40 split for salaries and expenditures for travel.
Fairgrounds. Present: Ron Raymond, Leon Berenschot and Dick Sullwold. Berenschot noted
improvements to the fairgrounds and stated the St. Croix County Fair is the only social event the entire
county can enjoy. There are no increase requests from the county. Income increases and expenses
reviewed. Wentz praised the Fair Board for the fairground improvements. Discussion regarding 4 -H and
open class premiums.
Veterans Services. Whiting stated Lorin Sather will not be here today for the Veteran's budget review.
Expenditure decreases in Veteran's Service Officer and Veteran's Relief. No questions.
Review. Discussion regarding accounting system software and needs assessment. Malick proposed
$250,000 applied in 2008 and the remainder in 2009.
Discussion regarding Highway's proposed budget. Motion by Caflisch, 2 °a by Malick to remove
$147,702 from the Highway Department budget. Discussion regarding holding to the 2.45% increase.
Review of four year expenditure and revenue summary. Standafer would support a levy contribution in
the 2008 budget of 2.475% over 2007 levy. Pietrick stated that would amount to a $54,500 reduction.
Caflisch and Malick withdrew their motion.
Lunch break at 11:35 a.m. Reconvened at 12:55 p.m.
Department on Aging. Present: Kjersti Duncan and Pat Shilts. Duncan reviewed the budget and stated
she basically followed the instructions in terms of a zero percent increase across the four budgets she
manages. She noted the requirement on the DOT grant to have a 20% match from the county. The
county's appropriation is $25,295. Duncan highlighted cost savings from volunteer hours. Discussion
regarding decrease in revenues and Pietrick stated the 2007 amounts may not be updated because some
amounts do not agree. Duncan will revise and return to the committee.
ADRC. Kjersti Duncan, Fred Johnson, Ron Lockwood and Jennifer Pempek were present. Johnson
explained in August 2007 the County Board authorized the application for ADRC which is the county's
part of Long Term Reform. Pietrick set up a separate budget and a preliminary request was put together
totaling $632,000. The objective is to do away with wait lists and help people postpone the need for long
term care. Johnson stated in the 2008 request for HHS there are several unknowns around Long Term
Care Reform and budgets were prepared as if there were no changes. Staff reduction in HHS discussed
with the transition of some staff to ADRC with the possibility of 4 — 6 less staff in long term support.
Lockwood explained the possible transition. Whiting stated this is good information but it is premature to
put in the budget. Johnson confirmed this would be pulled from the 2008 budget and if the funding
comes through it would be a budget amendment. Duncan stated realistically they are looking at
implementing ADRC at the beginning of 2008.
Health and Human Services. Present: Fred Johnson, Jennifer Pempek, Ron Lockwood, Ron Kiesler and
Bill VanOfferen.
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 7of10
a. Health and Human Services Budget Johnson highlighted the Health and Human Services
(HHS) proposed budget. Malick asked if everything is within the 2.475% levy increase excluding new
positions and upgrades. Pempek stated she applied $951,514 in fund balance to get the budget to the
balance. Johnson stated the percentage increase is 2.475% from 2007.
Discussion regarding the Public Health Nurse position. $43,000 needs to be added to the HHS budget for
this position making the levy increase total to $120,757.87. Johnson stated ADRC funding is used to
provide allowable public health intervention. Discussion regarding $951,514 carryover applied and
capital requests. Whiting expressed concerns regarding using carryover and the affect on the 2009 levy
request. Johnson stated any capital request over $5,000 is in capital items. The total capital request is
$86,400 for HHS administration. Discussion regarding software upgrades. St. Croix Industries has large
capital outlay which includes a van and new entrance door. Discussion regarding computer equipment
replacement based on IT recommendation for routine replacement.
Wentz asked Johnson to speak about positions. Johnson stated all new positions are figured into the HHS
budget. The Financial Assistant position is a new position to help with accounts receivable. Upgrades
include an economic support supervisor, medical records supervisor, and accounts payable supervisor.
The AODA new position has been a contracted position and is now being proposed to be a county
employee to be grant funded. Kiesler suggested this be sunsetted if grant funds should cease.
Coordinated Program Services position reviewed. Kiesler indicated there is no net affect on levy for this
position. Discussion regarding the social worker position in Coordinated Family Services. Johnson
reviewed each proposed new position noting those which were not approved by HHS.
Krueger asked Johnson if he had priorities regarding new hires. Johnson stated it is easier if there are
program dollars to support the position. Johnson stated the economic support position is a priority with
fifty percent program support and fifty percent levy. Johnson indicated all positions are important and
added staffing has not significantly adjusted in HHS with the population increase. Johnson reported each
HHS department is reviewing priorities and he is trying to organize HHS to the best of his ability to
leverage federal dollars as much as possible. A financial assessment will be provided when available
regarding Long Term Care Reform.
Johnson stated questions were raised regarding leasing and moving HHS departments when Ayres made
its proposals. A subcommittee was formed to bring back suggestions to HHS for consideration.
b. Nursing Pempek reviewed the Nursing Home 2008 Budget summary. Total
revenue projected is $5,463,185; projected expenses total $5,463,185. Review of capital items.
VanOfferen stated one absolute need is the walk -in cooler freezer fire sprinklers in the amount of $3,500.
Other needed capital items include air mattresses and laptops for medical carts. Johnson stated the water
softener brine tank replacement, ceiling tile and temperature control compressor are needed per Building
Services. Johnson added the elevator is in need of repair. VanOfferen noted the need for additional
building repairs. Caflisch summarized the items which need to remain in the 2008 capital outlay total
$15,200 ($2,400 medical cart laptops, $7,000 for air mattresses, $3,500 walk -in cooler and $2,300 for
temperature control compressor). Wentz expressed the need for water softener replacement. Discussion
regarding replacing when needed. $76,735 total capital outlay is deferred for one year. Pietrick noted
changes to the summary sheet which included a correction to salary and fringe. County Levy for
Operations total is $259,905; reduction to capital outlay total is $15,200; adjustment to total revenue is
$4,857,894; total expenses are $5,391,125 resulting in applying $533,231 of fund balance.
• Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 8of10
Johnson expressed concerns regarding the elevator at the nursing home and the county not reinvesting in
the facility. Pempek commented on the depreciation because there is no money being put into the nursing
home building and as a result state rates are dropping.
Revenues and Issues Review. The committee reviewed budget issues and discussed reductions.
Discussion regarding eliminating position requests and equipment relating to fourth judge position.
Discussion regarding contracting with Springsted. Whiting indicated the proposed Springsted contract is
$94,000. Springsted is willing to spread out and allow payments over three years. Whiting noted a new
position request for the administration suite for clerical support. Total request for the support position is
$52,000.
BUDGET REVIEW CONTINUED - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Meeting called to order by Chair Krueger at 8:33 a.m. Present: Esther Wentz, Daryl Standafer, Stan
Krueger, Tom Caflisch and Clarence Malick. Staff present: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting,
Finance Director Michelle Pietrick and County Clerk Cindy Campbell.
Issues Review and Committee Follow -Up Work.
Krueger stated there is a $3.9 million expense increase proposed in the 2008 budget and the use of
surplus. Discussion regarding positions and priorities. Krueger expressed concerns regarding HHS future
budgets and using surplus. Malick suggested including a budget review at the County Board strategic
planning session. Whiting suggested setting a fiscal direction for the county. Discussion regarding the
Financial Assistant position in HHS. Malick suggested a delayed start date of July 1" for the Financial
Assistant with the HHS Board determining if it is still needed at that time. Standafer suggesting looking
at fees for services and user support. Discussion regarding where the county will be if the Board decides
to take out the nursing home operation. Discussion regarding getting rid of services we are not required
to do.
Pietrick stated the total Unreserved Undesignated General Fund fund balance is $9,300,000 as of yearend
2006. Twenty -five percent of the total General Fund is the minimum level required for bond rating
purposes. Excess fund balance is $2.5 million with fifty percent being $1.2 million. Pietrick noted the
$1.2 million excess could be used for fourth judge expenses. Discussion regarding increasing contingency
fund to $400,000. Pietrick stated the committee could designate fund balance for the fourth judge.
Discussion regarding adjusting the contingency fund to $300,000 and reserving $100,000 for the fourth
judge expenses.
Kristen Ziliak was asked to provide an analysis of the Liability Fund. Ziliak stated the annual aggregate
is $1.5 million as the maximum exposure with a maximum per claim of $250,000. End of 2006 fund
balance was slightly over $1,000,000. Ziliak explained the auditors reduce the WMMIC reserve $733,000
so the books show $260,000. This does not include what is brought in 2007. Discussion regarding what
the liability fund reserve should be. Ziliak stated she is comfortable with $1,000,000.
Ziliak also reviewed the Worker Compensation Fund which is currently $300,000 per claim but in 2008 it
will increase to $400,000 per claim. The fund balance at end of 2006 was $383,000. Krueger asked what
the reserves are on open claims. Ziliak stated WMMIC sets them. She will report back with that amount.
Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 9of10
Ziliak briefly reviewed property insurance, crime insurance, flood insurance, medical malpractice policy
for the nursing home and performance bonds on elected officials. Ziliak explained the property insurance
deductible is $500.00 and the county is paying $90,000 in premiums for property insurance.
Discussion regarding vehicle registration fee. Malick entertained the county set up reserve for the wheel
tax at the estimated $700,000 and draw it down in 2008.
Motion by Malick, 2 by Caflisch to establish the Liability Fund balance at $1.25 million by January
2010, and a fund balance of the Worker Compensation Fund in the amount of $400,000 to be established
immediately and establish a Wheel Tax Fund for the exact amount forecasted of $696,940 to be done
immediately. This is done to establish those that are not designated and to get them properly funded.
Carried unanimously.
New Positions review. Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman was asked to join the meeting. Questions
to Timmerman regarding contracting legal work. Timmerman stated an Assistant Corporation Counsel
would allow a decrease in outside counsel. The additional position would focus on zoning violations and
child support which would allow Timmerman to devote more time to the personnel side of the county
business. It would have a substantial affect on the amount of money paid to outside counsel for personnel
work. It was noted Attorney Weld was paid $55,000 in 2006 through part of 2007. Timmerman stated
response time would be faster rather then through the public sector. Wentz would like to see the Assistant
Corporation Counsel position remain in the budget.
Discussion regarding seasonal park workers and Clerk of Court part-time help and rather determine
appropriate staffing, reduce department budgets and let the departments figure out how to deal with the
reduction.
Discussion regarding HHS budget over by $1,027,000. Motion by Malick, 2 by Caflisch to remove the
bussette from HHS 2008 capital budget in the amount of $55,000 and allocate the amount $50,000 to
general contingency fund raising it to $300,000 and $5,000 to surplus. Standafer asked the entire amount
be placed in surplus. Discussion. Malick and Caflisch withdrew the motion.
Motion by Krueger, 2' by Malick to delete the $55,000 for the bussette from HHS and put it out to 2009.
Carried unanimously.
Motion by Krueger, 2 by Standafer to have a designated general fund of $100,000 for the fourth judge
for 2008, and $50,000 in the designated fund in the event matching funds are necessary for the park grant
from state. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Caflisch, 2nd by Malick to fund the Financial Assistant for HHS beginning July 1, 2008.
Carried unanimously.
Discussion regarding temporary positions. Motion by Wentz, 2nd by Caflisch to delete the temporary
office aid in the Clerk of Court office. Motion failed 2 — 3 (voting yes were Wentz and Krueger).
• Finance Committee Budget Review
September 26 — 28, 2007
Page 10 of 10
Review of upgrade position adjustments. It was noted the HHS upgrades were approved; Department on
Aging and DA upgrades have not yet been approved. Motion by Malick, 2nd by Wentz to delete from
HHS budget the upgrade amounts for two positions totaling $15,003. Carried unanimously.
Review of Family Court Commissioner budget. Motion by Caflisch, 2 by Krueger to remove $10,000
from the Family Court Commissioner Circuit Court budget. It was noted there was no justification for the
increase. Carried - Wentz voted no.
Review of Ag/Extension budget. Motion by Caflisch to reduce the Ag/Extension budget by 2.475 %.
Motion failed due to lack of second.
Whiting asked the salary increase be estimated at 2 %.
Motion by Standafer, 2 by Malick to recommend to the County Board the preliminary budget with
incorporated changes made. Carried unanimously.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 11' to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Adjourned at 11:58 a.m.on September 28, 2007
Esther Wentz, Secretary
Cindy Campbell, Recording Secretary