Finance and Personnel Committee


DATE: Friday, August 8, 2003

Members Present: T. Bychinski, L. Burri, L. Haugen, T. Kriegl, C. Montgomery, J. Stoeckmann, T. Meister, S. Alexander, A. Lombard, A. Dippel

Members Absent: None

Others Present: K. Beghin, M. Koehler, J. Briggs, P. Holcomb, G. Wiegand, Richard Meister, Randy Stammen, Kevin Fults, Joe Welsch, Jeff Spencer, Press

Chairman Meister called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and compliance with the open meeting law was verified. Motion by Montgomery, second by Bychinski to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.

Consideration and Possible Revision to Current Practice Used When Reimbursing Employees (from June and July 2003 meetings).

Previously K. Beghin presented information regarding IRS regulations on taxable items, and reimbursements which have no existing authorization. Additional information was provided regarding what other counties do, and information on current expenses in these areas for Sauk County. The following are the three areas of concern:
Sheriff's uniform allowance, WPPA/Hwy uniform allowance, and non-represented sheriff department employees receiving the uniform allowance.

Discussion followed on the Sheriff's uniform allowance and what the County Board authorized as compensation. A September 1963 resolution was given to members highlighting the fact that the County Board had previously authorized uniform allowance. G. Wiegand, though, believes the current resolution setting the compensation supersedes any previous resolution. Also, some committee members did not want to change current practice during the middle of a term. L. Burri felt the County should not be paying for civilian clothing.

K. Beghin reported that the WPPA and Highway understand the changes in uniform allowance based on the IRS regulations.

Committee members discussed uniform allowance received by non-represented employees. Discussion followed on authorizing the payment for uniforms and what would be considered taxable/nontaxable.

Motion by Bychinski, second by Montgomery, to approve a $450 per year uniform/clothing allowance for non-represented Sheriff's Department staff and the Sheriff. These payments will be made in accordance with IRS regulations related to whether an item can be worn on the street or not, or whether receipts are provided or not. Motion carried 8-2, A. Lombard and L. Burri opposed.

Motion by Montgomery, second by Burri, to adjourn. Motion carried.