Full Text
Time Description 9:07 a.m. Meeting was continued from September 12, 2006, and called to order at the Mariposa County Government Center. Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC HEARING to Consider Final Budget for FY 2006-07; and the meeting and public hearing will be continued to September 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29th, as necessary to conclude the hearing and for the adoption of the Final Budget BOARD ACTION: Mike Coffield, Interim Budget/Personnel/Risk Management Director, gave an overview of the recommended budget; reviewed policy issues where non-grant program revenues declined in Public Works Administration, Facility Maintenance and Planning budgets; reviewed Countywide reductions and requested increases; reviewed the PERS unfunded liability issue; and reviewed the outlook for FY 2007-08. The following persons were present to respond to questions and to track the budget changes: Chris Ebie/Auditor, Mary Hodson/Deputy County Administrative Officer; and Debbie Isaacs/Assistant Auditor. Supervisor Turpin asked if the source of the revenue could be identified for each of the budget units. Supervisor Pickard requested that a chart be kept of the changes that the Board agrees with making to the recommended budget during the hearing process. Mike Coffield advised that the departments may need to provide the details of program and general revenues if the Board has questions during the hearing process. Supervisor Bibby requested that the final budget adjustments and one-time expense requests be reviewed – this was done during the hearing process. Input from the public was provided by the following: Paul Chapman asked why the department heads are receiving higher salary increases than the employees who are being offered two percent; he feels the department heads should be offered the same and that would generate a savings in the budget. He also referred to the high salary increases for the Administrative Analyst level positions; he questioned why the need for an interim County Administrative Officer when there is a Deputy County Administrative Officer; and he stated he feels that the Tourism budget could be further cut. He also stated he feels that there should be more specifics on where the miscellaneous funds in the budgets are spent. Ruth Sellers stated she agrees with Paul Chapman; and she stated the function of government is to provide services and she does not feel that it is doing that. She feels things like road maintenance and deputies should come before giving hefty raises to department heads. And, she urged the Board’s careful consideration on where money is allocated during the final budget hearing process. The following budgets were reviewed. Staff advised of final budget adjustments, usually as a result of balancing with the actual year-end fund balances, during the review of the budgets and the Board concurred with the adjustments for each of the budgets as recommended. General Purpose Revenue – No changes were made. Board of Supervisors – No changes were made. MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA Monday, September 18, 2006 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 9-18-06 Administration – Supervisor Pickard requested that there be further discussion of the Business Development Coordinator position in the budget hearing and how that will evolve with respect to the possibility of reorganization with the new County Administrative Officer and the vacancy in the Tourism Coordinator position. Supervisor Bibby asked what the effective date is for the moving of the Administrative Technician position from half-time in Administration to full-time in Personnel; and she noted that the employee allocation schedule needs to be corrected to reflect this change. Mary Hodson advised that the position is doing almost full-time personnel work. Discussion was held relative to the budget. Supervisor Turpin requested information on the breakout of the benefit costs. Chris Ebie advised that he would bring back information. Supervisor Bibby clarified that the one-time funding request totaling $6,700 is based on the employment offer to the new County Administrative Officer, and the Board concurred with this one-time expense. Mike Coffield noted that tentative approval of each budget also includes the recommended additional one-time funding and approval of the Countywide reduction. Audits – Supervisor Bibby asked staff to check to see whether reimbursement is received from the Courts for the trial court audit. Assessment Appeals – No changes were made. Personnel – Supervisor Bibby again noted the transfer of the Administrative Technician position to this budget on a full-time basis and the need to correct the employee allocation schedule to reflect the transfer. The Board concurred with the $4,000 one-time expense for software. Tobacco Settlement – Discussion was held. Supervisor Pickard asked that further discussion be held relative to possibly securitizing the funds and relative to dedicating the funds for the fire stations that were identified last year. Auditor – Chris Ebie provided input on his request for $40,000 for a GASB 34 consultant and $4,500 for a replacement printer. The Board concurred with funding these requests as a one- time expense. Discussion was held with Chris Ebie relative to changing an Account Clerk III position to 70% permanent part-time to achieve the requested budget reduction. Supervisor Bibby asked that the Auditor provide an update to the Board at mid-year on impacts due to the staffing reduction. Treasurer/Tax Collector – No changes were made. County Clerk – Discussion was held with Marjorie Wass, County Clerk, relative to the proposal to increase marriage license fees and other fees to meet the Countywide budget reduction; and it was noted that requests for fee increases need to come back for a public hearing. Mike Coffield advised that to be consistent with recommendations for the Planning budget, the Board would need to pre-suppose the increased revenue until the fee adjustments are approved. The Board concurred with a reduction in revenue of $1,570 for the marriage license fees. Elections – Keith Williams, Assistant County Clerk, provided input relative to the request for increased revenues from a grant for the final payment for the voter management system (approximately $32,000); and the Board concurred with the change. Keith Williams also commented on the anticipated revenue from the State to reimburse counties for the 2005 special election costs. 10:28 a.m. Recess ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 9-18-06 10:42 a.m. Yosemite West Bond Administration – No changes were made. Cash Difference/Tax Collector - No changes were made. Lake Don Pedro Bond Administration – No changes were made. Tax Collectors Cost – No changes were made. Vital Health Clerk – No changes were made. County Counsel – Discussion was held with Thomas P. Guarino, County Counsel, relative to staffing and workload changes and his original request to add a part-time clerical position; and he requested that this be deferred to the mid-year budget process for further review. Supervisor Bibby asked that County Counsel review possible ordinance changes to allow for recouping investigative and processing costs for violations – she feels that this would also encourage people to comply with the regulations. The Board concurred with further considering the request for extra help in the mid-year budget process. Technical Services – Discussion was held with Rick Peresan, Technical Services Director, relative to requests for a central file server and network attached storage. Discussion was held relative to the budget. Rick Peresan advised of an invoice he received from AT&T in the amount of $5,800 that he is disputing. The Board concurred with decreasing professional services for the website by $10,000 and with funding the network storage backup equipment in the amount of $12,500. Mike Coffield asked for clarification on whether the adjustment to the professional services line item is on-going or one-time; and it was agreed that professional services is one-time funding. Building – Supervisor Bibby initiated discussion relative to consideration of including Planning and Environmental Health in the building permit fees for the work that they do. Mike Coffield noted that a review of the development fees is needed on a comprehensive basis. Chris Ebie provided input relative to the Building Department being set up as an enterprise fund; and he noted that Solid Waste and the Airport are required to be enterprise funds, but he didn’t know if it is a requirement for the Building Department. Discussion was held. Supervisor Pickard noted that space needs will also need to be reviewed with the developmental services departments. Eileen Collins, Building/Development Services Technician, provided input relative to the use of space for the document imaging program and for records storage. It was agreed that the decision on the reconfiguration of the map room would be held until the affected department heads can meet. Agricultural Commissioner – Discussion was held with Cathi Boze, Agricultural Commissioner, relative to request to replace a vehicle and relative to the weed eradication program funding. Cooperative Extension – Discussion was held with Karen Robb, Farm Advisor, relative to request for an additional vehicle. Cathi Boze stated she would be willing to take the used pickup from the Cooperative Extension, and they could purchase a new vehicle that would have the passenger capacity that is requested. Discussion was held relative to the status of vehicle replacement funds for the Agricultural Commissioner and being able to apply those funds to the purchase of a vehicle for the Cooperative Extension and tracking the cost claiming process. The Board only temporarily approved the Cooperative Extension vehicle, and on Friday decided no to fund the vehicle. The Board concurred with funding for the purchase of a new vehicle; and Supervisor Pickard suggested that the departments meet and come back with a recommendation of how this would work. Karen Robb advised of two new positions being provided by the ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 9-18-06 Cooperative Extension: a livestock specialist to be shared with Merced County and a forestry specialist to be shared with Tuolumne County. Discussion was held relative to the County costs that would be involved for these positions. Library – Discussion was held with Jacque Meriam, Librarian, relative to the recommendation to close the main branch on Saturdays to meet the Countywide budget reduction. Discussion was held relative to the proposal for fee increases – Librarian to check with County Counsel to determine the appropriate process for increasing the fees. Veteran’s Services – Discussion was held with Mary Williams, Community Services Director, relative to the request for a replacement computer. The Board concurred with reducing professional services by $1,500 to fund the computer. Senior Services – Discussion was held with Mary Williams, Community Services Director, relative to increasing revenues to reflect a $200 donation for the wood delivery program; and the Board concurred with this adjustment. Supervisor Pickard initiated discussion relative to reviewing the rents and costs of the facility for the senior services programs. Mary Williams advised that she has asked for a meeting with the Golden Agers, County Counsel, Supervisor Pickard, Administration and the Hospital Administrator to discuss these issues. Senior Nutrition – Supervisor Pickard initiated discussion relative to analyzing the costs associated with the match to leverage state and federal funds for the programs. Thomas P. Guarino, County Counsel, advised that he will work with the Community Services Director and the Area 12 Agency on Aging staff and governing Board to maximize the administrative overhead costs. No changes were made. Transit – Supervisor Pickard commended Mary Williams for the amount of fares that are received for the program. No changes were made. Fish and Game – No changes were made. (Note – a request was received and approved later in the budget hearing) Forest Reserve HR2389 – No changes were made. Paul Chapman asked that the expenditures from the professional services line item be more specific. Mary Hodson provided input on the projects that have been funded. Discussion was held relative to the status of the available fund balance. 12:43 p.m. Lunch 1:37 p.m. Health/Air Pollution – Dr. Mosher, Health Officer, provided input on the tremendous increase for demand of environmental health services and request for staffing reorganization – eliminate the Office Assistant II position and allocate an additional Senior Office Assistant position; add one additional Registered Environmental Health Specialist and create a career ladder/flex series; expand the allocation of the Hazardous Materials Specialist to include an Environmental Health Specialist; and on the request for a replacement vehicle. Discussion was held relative to the requests and funding. The department will bring back a separate item for the proposed fee increases. Emergency Medical Services, Tobacco Cessation, Realignment Health, Perinatal Program, Public Health Emergency Program, Moyer Program, Local Enforcement Agency, First Five Visiting Public Health Nurse, and West Nile Virus – No changes were made. Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug, Social Services, Social Service Programs, Human Services Administration, Family Preservation, Housing Development, Housing Authority ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 9-18-06 Choice Voucher, Community Programs – CAA, TANF Incentives, Proposition 36 – Substance Abuse, Designated Buddy, Individual Ed Plan, Youth Council, Incentive Social Services, Assistance Advice, Children’s Trust, Drug & Alcohol Program, Welfare Trust, Alcohol Program, Medi-Cal County Bounty, Realignment – Mental Health, Realignment – Social Services, Mental Health Services Act, and In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority – Discussion was held with Cheryle Rutherford-Kelly, Human Services Director, relative to the budgets; and she noted the difficulty in being able to fill the MSW – Social Worker positions. Discussion was held relative to the status of realignment funds, and whether there would be impacts in the budgets with the increase of the minimum wage. Input from the public was provided by the following: Paul Chapman expressed concern with the amount of the Mental Health budget and with the number of employees compared to the County’s population. Cheryle Rutherford-Kelly noted that the new positions are grant funded to provide services based on the passage of Proposition 63. 1:57 p.m. Recess 2:02 p.m. Planning – Discussion was held with Kris Schenk, Planning Director, relative to request for funding for extra help positions for Yosemite West Special Plan; LAFCo/Wawona Special Plan/Catheys Valley Community Plan; Sign Ordinance research and documentation; Zoning Code enforcement; Williamson Act Contract specialist; and Sign Ordinance compliance technician. Mike Coffield noted that $28,000 more is needed for the General Plan for professional services and publication expenses. Following discussion, Mike Coffield noted that the first four requests for extra help positions were previously approved by the Board during mid year and have not yet been completed and should have been included in the recommended budget. Supervisor Pickard asked whether consideration should be given to assigning the Williamson Act Contract compliance with another department such as the Assessor. The Board concurred with funding $28,000 additional for the General Plan for professional services ($20,000) and for publication ($8,000); $15,000 for a financial consultant to prepare revised/new planning fees; $35,400 for base-line extra help positions (the first four requests listed above); and $19,000 for Williamson Act Contract specialist/extra help. Further discussion was held after the following budgets. Mariposa Aggregate – Supervisor Turpin asked about the status of this budget; and Kris Schenk, Planning Director, responded. Vallecito Specific Plan EIR – Supervisor Bibby asked about the status of this project. Kris Schenk, Planning Director, advised that there has been no activity and the applicant does not want the account closed. He also noted that they have not had the time to go through the notification process pursuant to the procedures for projects which remain inactive for a period of time. The Board concurred that Planning should send the letter pursuant to the procedures for projects which have no activity for a period of time to advise the applicant that the project will be closed. SDA Camp EIR – Supervisor Bibby asked about the status of this project. Supervisor Pickard asked staff to review returning the unused fees to the applicant since this project is near completion. Kris Schenk, Planning Director, provided input relative to the status of the project. Microform – Supervisor Bibby asked about the status of this budget, and asked staff to review whether the fund can be changed to be used for the document imaging project. Kris Schenk, Planning Director, advised that they are researching this matter. Planning – Further discussion was held relative to this budget; the status of the document imaging project; and the extra help request for the Sign Ordinance compliance technician. Shari ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 9-18-06 Allen, Planning-Office Technician, provided input on the status of their communication expenses, and she advised that they have been using a credit from an overcharge. She also responded to questions relative to the request for funding for software for HTE and GIS upgrades. The Board concurred with funding $15,100 for extra help for the Sign Ordinance compliance technician. Silvertip Resort EIR, and Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) – No changes were made. Supervisor Fritz requested clarification of the requirements for legal notices and publications; and Thomas P. Guarino, County Counsel, responded relative to the various laws and County requirements. Supervisor Fritz asked the Auditor to provide information on the paper and copier expense for the County. Supervisor Turpin asked about addressing the break-down of the benefit information. Chris Ebie, Auditor, presented a sheet reflecting general information on the benefit costs for employees. The Board concurred with moving the tentative budget hearing schedule for Wednesday to Tuesday afternoon, and with not meeting on Wednesday. 3:37 p.m. The public hearing on the Final Budget was continued to Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 1:30 p.m.; and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board