DATE: Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Members Present: A. Dippel, T. Bychinski, L. Burri, L. Haugen, T. Kriegl
Members Absent: L. Haugen
Others Present: K. Beghin, P. Holcomb, K. Schauf, J. Crowley, T. Stieve, C. Gruber, J. Archambo
Chairman Dippel called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and compliance with the open meeting law was verified. Motion by Burri, second by Bychinski to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Motion by Burri, second by Bychinski to approve the minutes from the prior meetings. Motion carried.
None
T. Stieve appeared to discuss history of insurance fund, and discuss how the fund should be managed. Would like to increase the minimum balance required in the fund from the current $240,000. Revenue in account is used so that levy dollars will not be needed. Levy funds were last used in 2000. Motion by Bychinski, second by Burri, to set the minimum on the insurance fund at $500,000 for 2003, with an annual percentage increase of 2% per year to adjust for inflation. Motion carried by a unanimous committee vote. Financial policy will be updated and presented to both Property and Insurance and Finance next month.
T. Stieve appeared regarding grant funds for equipment used to combat terrorism type activities. The total to be awarded could be up to $77,058. Discussed types of equipment to be purchased, and how funds will be spent. Department serves as fiscal and distribution agent to EMS, fire, hospital and other law enforcement agencies in the County. Motion by Kriegl, second by Burri, to approve the appropriation of grant funds into the budget. Motion carried by a unanimous committee vote.
J. Archambo appeared to discuss the changes at the Health Care Center. Ward Clerks are union positions who, when they do the scheduling, are party to confidential information. The request is to eliminate a ward clerk and create a full-time administrative assistant position that would handle scheduling and other confidential information, as well as ordering of supplies etc. This will not result in additional positions, and budgeted dollars are available. Next year the additional cost will be about $1,000. Benefits justify additional costs. Motion by Burri, second by Kriegl, to authorize elimination of one full-time ward clerk and create one full-time administrative assistant position. Motion carried by an unanimous committee vote.
K. Beghin spoke regarding needs of Tri-County Airport. They will be requesting $80,000 for the loan which is $26,667 per county. Interest rate will be a point and a half below prime for a fifteen year term. Motion by Bychinski, second by Kriegl to approve the loan to the Tri-County Airport. Motion carried on a unanimous committee vote.
K. Beghin described how the carryforward funds are utilized. Carryforward funds are for activities that are not completed within the calendar year for which funds were budgeted. Total carryforward funds are $2,539,335. Outlay purchases and some projects were put on hold early in 2002 which forced the delayed purchase of goods and services into 2003. Motion by Kriegl, second by Bychinski, to approve the resolution authorizing the carryforward of funds for 2003. Motion carried by an unanimous committee vote.
This is a report that is required to go to the County Board on an annual basis. No supervisors exceeded the 90 meeting per year limit.
J. Crowley updated the Committee on activities within the department. Pool rate is at 1.29%. Motion by Kriegl, second by Burri, to approve the payment of the Treasurer's invoices in the amount of $7,348.24. Motion carried on a unanimous committee vote.
K. Beghin updated the Committee on activities within the department. Audits will begin in Highway this week, and other departments next week. Motion by Bychinski, second by Kriegl, to approve the payment of Accounting's invoices in the amount of $549.61. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Bychinski, second by Burri, to approve the payment of the County invoices in the amount of $2,311,258.39. Motion carried by a unanimous committee vote.
Next meeting is April 15, 2003, at 5:50 p.m. for the approval of bills. Next regular Finance Committee meeting on May 13, 2003, at 8:30 a.m. Motion by Burri, second by Bychinski to adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted: Tom Lee Bychinski, Finance Committee Secretary