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Time Description 9:09 a.m. Meeting was continued from September 19, 2006, and called to order at the Mariposa County Government Center. Pledge of Allegiance Continued PUBLIC HEARING to Consider Final Budget for FY 2006-07; and the meeting and public hearing will be continued to September 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29th, as necessary to conclude the hearing and for the adoption of the Final Budget BOARD ACTION: The following persons were present to respond to questions and to track the budget changes: Mike Coffield/Interim Budget-Personnel-Risk Management Director, Chris Ebie/Auditor, Mary Hodson/Deputy County Administrative Officer; and Debbie Isaacs/Assistant Auditor. The following budgets were reviewed. Tourism – Leroy Radanovich, Interim Tourism Coordinator, provided input relative to the history of the transient occupancy tax (TOT) and the tourism function in the County. He reviewed the staff report and recommendations to reach the countywide reduction level and the additional $300,000 reduction that the Board directed be taken from this budget, including a reduction in the contract amount with the Chamber of Commerce to reflect reduced Visitors Centers service hours in the off season. He recommended that the Board consider establishing a separate budget for the arts and cultural line items: Fair Parade, Arts Council, Yosemite Renaissance, Northside History Center, Mineral Exhibit, and Rural Media Arts Center. He reviewed options for consideration for the future structure of the tourism function in the County, including the recommended option of privatizing the tourism function. He recommended that participation in the State Fair Counties exhibit be discontinued. He reviewed the status of the advertising contracts, the Visitors Guide, website updates, and the contracts for services. He advised that the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) opposed any reductions in the budget and the raising of the TOT. He provided the minutes from the TAC meeting of September 19, 2006; a letter from the Yosemite-Mariposa Bed & Breakfast Association; a comparison chart on the combined income and job impact in gateway regions by Park; statistics for contacts with the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Centers; and a graph reflecting a comparison of increases between the TOT, property taxes and sales tax. He suggested that there be an interim appraisal of the financial condition in the next two to three months to try to restore the budget reductions. Discussion was held. Supervisor Turpin noted the Board’s previous commitment to pay for the utilities for the North County History Center. Supervisor Pickard provided some background information on the overall County budget situation and the Board’s discussion of a possible TOT increase and special election to become a self-help County for the road funds as an option to raise funds. He noted that with the update on current revenues, it appears that the County may be able to stall any TOT increase. However, any funds that are put back into a budget need to come from somewhere else. He also provided information on the ten million dollar unfunded PERS liability debt that the County is facing. Supervisor Bibby noted that there are other tourist related projects in other budgets; and she asked for clarification of the film commission function and costs. Leroy Radanovich stated he is looking at the future depending on the Board’s MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA Thursday, September 21, 2006 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 9-21-06 direction in this matter. She asked whether there is agreement with the recommendations for partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on various efforts; and she asked about going through the personnel process for any changes that would be considered with the Senior Office Assistant position. Supervisor Bibby asked for information on the TOT rates in the surrounding counties. Input from the public was provided by the following: Kevin Shelton, Director of Sales and Marketing for Yosemite Management Group and a member of the TAC, stated he was speaking on behalf of the TAC. They agree with the recommendation for privatization. However, they vehemently reject the budget as presented with the cut of $300,000 from the marketing budget because of the long-term affects. They understand the current budget situation of the County; however, they feel this budget goes far in generating revenue for the County. He referred to the Ferguson Rockslide and its impacts and he urged the Board to increase the budget. Terry Graft Povino of Greeley Hill stated she agrees with the problems with cutting the budget. She recommended that the County look at services that could be outsourced to the private sector, such as cleaning, and gardening, as she feels this could be done at a less cost. She expressed concern with the salary and benefit costs for the County. She agrees that the Tourism Bureau is important to increasing revenues for the County, and she feels that we need to encourage the growth of businesses in the County and reduce costs. Paul Chapman stated he agrees with the recommendation to privatize. However, he feels the budget could be cut and he referred to comments from former Auditor Ken Hawkins that this function generates a low amount of TOT. He stated there needs to be a reason for people to want to come here, and he feels we have a great history. He stated he feels that we need roads and Sheriff support, but that the other things could be cut in this budget. He feels that it is a gift of public funds to support a non-profit organization. Susan Bramson, North County History Center, expressed concern with the recommendation to cut the funding for their facility. She also stated she was surprised to learn that Amtrak is not using a bus route through Highway 132. She asked the Board to consider what can be done to promote the County and the North County for its history. Brad Anderholm, Chief Operating Officer for Delaware North Company for Yosemite, commented on the impact of the rockslide – a reduction in their revenues and an overall decline in visitation to the Park. He stated he feels that we need to market the community and that Highway 140 is open. He commented on their marketing efforts. He stated he does not feel that the County should reduce its marketing expenditures; and he feels we should continue to work on our website. Jerry Fischer, Yosemite Management Group, noted the Board’s support of tourism and uncertainty with the status of revenues. He stated there is significant room space that could be filled that could be potential growth in revenues for the County. He stated he feels that the Board needs to project the income from the investment in this budget. He also stated he feels that the Tourism Coordinator should be available at the office and not work from home. Donna Brownell, Director of Mariposa County Arts Council and a member of the TAC, stated she was speaking on behalf of the Arts Council. She requested the Board’s support of funding for the Arts Council, and she referred to the programs and events that they sponsor – Evenings on the Green, Storytelling Festival, and Mariposa Orchestra. She commented on marketing efforts and how fortunate the County is to have professional marketing staff from the other businesses to be able to help advise the County in this area and she urged the Board to consider their recommendations. Candy O’Donel-Browne, former member of the business industry and a member of the Arts Council, stated she was speaking on behalf of the Arts Council. She stated that in order to reap the reward of an investment, you need to make the investment. She feels an increase in tourism will increase revenues and help with the budget situation. She referred to a statement that she heard – “Mariposa does have some cultural potholes” and she stated the Arts Council is working hard to fill those. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 9-21-06 Les Marsden, member of the arts community, stated he feels that the arts nurture our humanity and are our economic engine. He referred to a study he previously presented relative to the investment in arts and its returns. He commented on the contacts the County has received because of events like the Orchestra and the Storytelling Festival and he commended the volunteer efforts of their Board members for organizing these events. He stated he agrees with Jerry Fischer. He suggested that an arts festival event be held in the shoulder seasons. He stated he is asking for an understanding of what the arts do for the community and the economy and for humanity. Kent Povino, ranch owner in Greeley Hill, thanked Leroy Radanovich and Lyle Turpin for speaking with the community on the budget. He recommended that the Tourism budget be fully funded. He stated he feels that this is a beautiful County and it is a heritage to protect. He feels the Board should look more aggressively at encouraging visitors to come here and experience the ranching and gold rush, and he feels that more should be devoted to encouraging agri-tourism activities and in working with Delaware North. Laura Phillips, Executive Director of the 6th Street Cinema, expressed concern with the proposed budget cuts, especially with the Northside History Center, the Yosemite Renaissance, and the Rural Media Arts Center. She noted that the Rural Media Arts Center was a line item in the budget previously and it disappeared and this has not been explained to them. Laura Kanarowski, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated she feels that if cuts are made in the arts and cultural items that it will devalue our attraction for tourism. She stated she feels that we need a diversity of things to attract visitation. She noted that we have a high number of artists in our area. She commented that other areas are aggressively advertising Yosemite and we have focused on Mariposa County in the last couple of years and she feels that is hurting the County. She commented on efforts to update the website for the Chamber of Commerce and the increased usage that has resulted. She urged the Board to promote the Tourism Department and organizations. Roger Biery stated he does not have any artistic talent and he makes his living separate from the tourism industry, but he knows that tourism is vitally important to our economy and he agrees with investing in and growing the arts. He agrees with the recommendation for privatization. Diana Wilcoxen, bed and breakfast owner in town, stated she agrees that the arts are important for tourism, in addition to Yosemite. She noted that the Rural Media Arts Center provides a year-around opportunity for residents and visitors, and they do a tremendous amount of good will in the schools and they are buying and renovating a historic building in town. Sheryl Ann Schimmelfennig, owner of the historic Hotel Jeffrey in Coulterville, stated she agrees with the comments made today. She feels the cultural arts are an important part of what the County has to offer and we need to market that, and the County’s beauty. She challenged the Board to not cut the Tourism and arts funding, but to spend the money wisely. She noted that they are noticing that they are becoming a place for a quick get-away because people can not afford the long trips, and she feels that this could be a marketing draw for the County for tourism throughout the year. She also stated she agrees with marketing abroad. 11:05 a.m. Recess 11:34 a.m. Chairman Stetson called for additional public input on this budget and none was provided. Further discussion was held by the Board relative to developing a private non-profit for the future operation of the Tourism function. Supervisor Pickard suggested that Leroy Radanovich work with the TAC on this matter; that the Budget Director/County Administrative Officer look at whatever amendments need to be evaluated in the budget for the development of a private non-profit Visitors’ Bureau; with a proposal to be brought back to the Board as quickly as possible; and with a suggestion of identifying about $100,000 for a promotional line item as seed money for the private non-profit organization. Supervisor Turpin commented on funding to continue the current operation and the privatization of the function; he noted that this will be for ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 9-21-06 the whole County; and he feels there should be an evaluation of the program. Leroy Radanovich thanked Delaware North and Yosemite Management Group staff for their assistance and for sharing their knowledge in this process. It was clarified that the privatization item will come back to the Board for formal action. Supervisor Bibby stated she feels that there needs to be a commitment from everyone involved to make the privatization work; and she feels the return on the investment needs to be tracked. The Board concurred with reducing the Tourism Coordinator salary and benefits to reflect the amount being paid to the Interim Tourism Coordinator on contract. Discussion was held relative to combining the web updates efforts with the Chamber of Commerce. Leroy Radanovich requested that he be allowed the option of utilizing County funds to produce a superior Visitors Guide. Supervisor Bibby asked about the status of using a storage facility. Supervisor Pickard again suggested that approximately $150,000 be added for the Promotional line item for further direction of the Board and establishment of the private non-profit organization. Mary Hodson suggested that the funds be left in General Contingency until the private non-profit organization comes back to the Board. Leroy Radanovich stated he feels it would be good to have funds available in case an opportunity comes up unexpectedly. Discussion was held relative to the arts and cultural budget items and funding levels and consideration of creating a separate budget. Supervisor Pickard suggested that a separate budget not be created until after the General Plan Update is adopted and decisions are made with that document. Supervisor Fritz suggested that consideration be given to reducing these line items by the two percent Countywide reduction. Leroy Radanovich advised that they are asking these organizations to assist the County with two-to-three day events in exchange for the County’s support. Discussion was held relative to the Fair Parade expenditures and the Yosemite Renaissance program and funding request; and discussion was held. The following actions were taken. (M)Bibby, (S)Pickard, recommendation of $900 was approved for the Fair Parade, with direction that whatever funds are not expended go to promotions/Ayes: Unanimous. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, recommendation of $48,000 was approved for the Arts Council/Ayes: Unanimous. Motion by Pickard to approve $7,500 for Yosemite Renaissance died for lack of a second. (M)Fritz, (S)Stetson, who passed the gavel to Vice-Chair Bibby, $10,000 was funded for the Yosemite Renaissance/Ayes: Stetson, Turpin, Fritz, Pickard; Noes: Bibby. (M)Turpin, (S)Bibby, recommendation of $5,150 was approved for the Northside History Center/Ayes: Unanimous. (M)Bibby, (S)Pickard, recommendation of $47,930 was approved for the Mineral Exhibit pursuant to the current contract/Ayes: Unanimous. Motion by Fritz to approve $20,000 for the Rural Media Arts Center died for lack of second. (M)Fritz, (S)Stetson, who passed the gavel to Vice-Chair Bibby, to approve $10,000 for the Rural Medial Arts Center, failed by the following vote – Ayes: Fritz, Stetson; Noes: Turpin, Bibby, and Pickard. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, $5,000 was funded for the Rural Medial Arts Center/Ayes: Unanimous. Mary Hodson advised that the adjustments result in a $223,955 reduction from the baseline budget for Tourism. When the privatization proposal is ready, the Board can consider additional funding for promotions. 12:50 p.m. Lunch 2:06 p.m. Assessor/Recorder – Discussion was held with Becky Crafts, Assistant Assessor/Recorder, relative to the reorganization request to meet the Countywide budget reduction, and relative to the need to address their fee schedule. Supervisor Pickard stated he felt the fee structure should be considered for all departments and that there should be a further evaluation of the funding allocated in the Planning budget for a fee study to see what it would take to do a countywide study. He also suggested that with the extra savings generated in this budget that consideration be given to funding the computer and software requests, and the Board ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 9-21-06 concurred. He asked about consideration of involving this department in the enforcement and audit of Williamson Act contracted land management. Mike Coffield noted the generosity of the department in making cuts to this budget. Recorders Modernization; Recorders Cash Difference; Micro Conversion; and Vital/Health Recorder – No changes were made. SRVP Grant and Sund-Pelosso – No changes were made. District Attorney/Prosecution – Mike Coffield noted the generosity of the department in making cuts to this budget. The Board concurred with adding $999 for a computer. Drug Enforcement Grant; Victim Witness; Family Violence Response Team Grant; District Attorney Asset Forfeiture; Department of Justice; and Sund-Pelosso Advance – Mary Hodson noted that two new budget units were added under the District Attorney for grants. No changes were made. Grand Jury – No changes were made. Law Library – Mary Hodson noted the increase in the General Fund contribution to this budget. Indigent Defense – No changes were made. Child Support Services and Child Support Advance – No changes were made. Fire – Discussion was held with Blaine Shultz, Fire Chief, relative to the request for $5,000 to purchase materials and supplies to restock the fire safety trailer, and the Board concurred with funding this request. Discussion was held relative to the status of the equipment and patrol vehicles, and the request to purchase three more patrol vehicles so that the fire engines are not used for medical calls. Blaine Shultz advised of information he just received from CDF relative to the cost estimates being projected for dispatch services, and he suggested that $5,000 could be moved from that contract to fund the requests. Mike Coffield noted the net savings of $22,000 from grant funds to the General Fund. Discussion was held relative to the status of the water tender replacements. Supervisor Pickard suggested that the Board identify the Tobacco Settlement Fund for the three fire station projects and for the fleet, with consideration of securitizing these funds. Supervisor Turpin asked about the status of being able to purchase the vehicles with grant funds. Supervisor Bibby asked for information on the statistics for volunteers and training and the number of calls. Further discussion was held relative to purchasing patrol vehicles, and Blaine Shultz recommended that they be placed at the Airport, Don Pedro and Lushmeadows; and he noted that they have a grant for the vehicle for Mormon Bar. Supervisor Pickard noted that the Fish Camp community has raised about $130,000 toward their new fire station, with a total estimated project cost of $300,000. (M)Pickard, (S)Turpin, direction was given to transfer $200,000 from the Tobacco Settlement Fund for the purchase of three patrol vehicles for placement as recommended/Ayes: Stetson, Turpin, Fritz, Pickard; Noes: Bibby. Supervisor Turpin suggested that a request be made to the volunteers to conserve energy to reduce the utility costs at the fire stations. Blaine Shultz advised that they are trying to separate the utility costs for the Catheys Fire Station from the rest of the Catheys Valley Park operations. ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 9-21-06 4:52 p.m. The public hearing on the Final Budget and the meeting was continued to Friday, September 22, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board