Joint Finance Committee Meeting Minutes


DATE: May 10, 2005

The regular meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 8:30 a.m. by Chairman Dippel.

Members present: William Wenzel, Tom Kriegl, Al Dippel, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham

Others present: Kerry Beghin, Kathy Schauf, Pat Carignan, Michelle Koehler, Donna Mueller, Terri Radke, Lisa Buttonow

The agenda was approved on a motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham, and a unanimous vote of the Committee. The minutes from the previous meetings were approved with additions on a motion by Fordham, second by Bychinski, and a unanimous vote of the Committee.

Public Comment:

None

Business Items:

Consider resolution Authorizing Transfer of Funds from the Contingency Fund to Overdrawn Appropriations from the 2004 Budget.

K. Beghin updated the committee on departmental overruns in the 2004 budget. Coroner overran as 2004 fee creation was included in the 2004 budget but not subsequently approved. Clerk of Court overran due to a variety of revenue shortfalls and increased expenditures. Motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham, to approve the resolution Authorizing Transfer of Funds From the Contingency Fund to Overdrawn Appropriations from the 2004 Budget.
Motion carried.

Consider resolution to Authorize the 2006 Annual Adjustment for Non-Represented Employees' Salaries Effective January 1, 2006.

M. Koehler presented various alternatives for an increase to non-represented pay rates for 2006. The Finance Committee came to a consensus on a 3.00 percent increase. Factors affecting the decision include inflationary measures and comparisons with other counties. There will be a joint meeting with the Personnel Committee prior to the County Board session to approve the resolution and finalize the recommendation.

Consider update to Financial Policy 4-94, Purchasing Policy.

K. Schauf explained purchasing policy and revisions to increase opportunities in e-procurement and cooperative purchasing. Motion by Fordham, second by Wenzel to accept and adopt the policy changes.
Motion carried.

Review of County Financial Policies - Kriegl.

T. Kriegl discussed system processes and the ability to detect problem areas within the confines of current budgetary systems. Discussion revolved around Financial Policy 15-95, Appropriations, and mechanisms that alert the Oversight and Finance Committees regarding possible problem areas. A report will be made to the County Board regarding write-off of accounts receivable. A revised policy incorporating the language proposed by T. Kriegl will be prepared for approval at the next meeting.

Preliminary discussion of 2006 budget process.

Discussion of budget guidance that will lead the budget process. Projected expenses and revenues were discussed and considered in regard to guidance offered. The timeline was reviewed and dates chosen for Finance meetings associated with the budget.

Treasurer's Report:

P. Carignan presented information on departmental activities. Motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham, to approve the payment of vouchers in the amount of $192.75.
Motion carried.

Accounting Report:

K. Beghin presented an update on the department's activities. Audit and fixed assets were discussed. Quarterly report on 3rd Avenue rental properties was distributed. Motion by Fordham, second by Bychinski, to approve the payment of vouchers in the amount of $76,011.84.
Motion carried.

Motion by Wenzel, second by Bychinski, to approve the payment of the county vouchers in the amount of $3,048,988.92.
Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned on a motion by Wenzel, seconded by Bychinski, with a unanimous committee vote. Next meeting date is May 17, 2005 at 4:50 p.m. for the approval of vouchers. Next regularly scheduled committee meeting is June 07, 2005 at 1:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Fordham, Secretary