DATE: July 8, 2008
Members present: Tommy Lee Bychinski, Marty Krueger, Joan Fordham, Steve Bach, William F. Wenzel
Others present: Kerry Beghin, Lynn Horkan, Pat Carignan, Liz Geoghegan, Kathy Schauf, Jessica Fry, Michael Hafemann, Tom Kriegl, Joel Gaalswyk, Media
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 8:15 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Bach, second by Wenzel to adopt the agenda. Motion carried. Corrections to minutes were noted. Motion by Fordham, second by Bach to adopt the minutes of the meeting as noted dated June 6, June 13, June 17, 2008. Motion carried.
Public Comment: Tom Kriegl commented on the jail revenue and expenses.
Communications: None
Consider approval for travel in excess of 300 miles for Health Care Center training
Beghin noted this training has already taken place; the new director was unaware of the prior authorization requirement. The training was for a RN to attend a specialized training in Indianapolis, the only place the training was available. Motion by Fordham to approve travel in excess of 300 miles for Health Care Center training, second by Bach. Motion carried.
Consider update to Financial Policy 4-94, Purchasing Policy, allowing UW Extension, Arts & Culture Committee to approve UW Extension agent contracts.
Change needed to delegate the authority to the oversight committee. Agreed to postpone the update so that the language can be clarified to insure County Board still has final fiscal authority.
Update on flood finances.
Distributed numbers are very preliminary. The Highway Department amounts are far from final. To date approximately $500,000 spent on materials and temporary patches to roads. Discussion concerning the Wisconsin River cleanup of Lake Delton debris.
Update on 2009 Budget process.
Departments will get their budget guidance and instructions soon, with budgets due to Accounting the first week of August. July 18, 2008 is the joint Personnel and Finance Committee meeting for new and reclassified positions.
Presentation of jail unit A report.
Dane County population fluctuates daily. Current jail population is 148 inmates: State-94, Dane County-52, extended probation and parole-2. Fry reported the revenues for the first 6 months is down $320,000 compared to budget, but expenses are also down $343,000 as compared to budget. There have been savings from not hiring three jail staff authorized, in budgeted medical expenses, and in meal expenses. The State has been very good to work with in handling medical issues. Hafemann noted transportation costs have been minimal and they combine transports whenever possible.
Presentation of County financial report.
No flood expenses included in reports, since only through May. The committee has heard reports previously from departments who anticipate being over budget, all others seem to be where they need to be. Schauf has contacted departments who are high energy users to get a handle on energy costs. Sales tax implications were discussed. Due to County prudence in maintaining fund balance reserves, there is availability to help with expenses.
Treasurer's Department Update:
Carignan updated the Committee on recent Treasurer's Department activity. The flooding has resulted in many questions around the payment of property taxes. Taxes being collected now are based on January 1, 2007 valuations. Carignan communicated the County's responsibility to distribute over $26 million in August to the overlying taxing jurisdictions, regardless of payments received. Carignan heard from Spring Green representatives they plan to submit a resolution to delay payment of taxes. Committee members expressed concern because all of Sauk County has been affected and special consideration cannot be given to one area. Committee members commented on the Treasurer's excellent job on maintaining liquidity while maintaining good investment returns. Motion by Krueger, second by Wenzel to approve payment of the invoices from the Treasurer's department in the amount of $386.52. Motion carried.
Accounting Department Update:
Beghin pointed out the highlights of the Accounting Department's recent activity. Dale Jaedike has worked hard on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Emergency Assistance Program as a conduit for homeowners and municipalities to get access to low interest loans. Development of a format for muli-year budgeting, responding to the Health Care Center bid overage, and investment strategies have taken time. Fordham suggested emphasizing budget guidelines to be shared at the oversight committee and department level. Motion by Wenzel, second by Bach to approve payment of the invoices from the Accounting Department in the amount of $481.67. Motion carried. Motion by Fordham, second by Bach to approve payment of the County invoices in the amount of $3,095,966.47. Motion carried.
The next regular Finance meeting will be held on August 12, 2008 at 8:30 am.
Motion by Wenzel, second by Krueger to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven Bach
Finance Committee Secretary