DATE:October 10, 2008
Finance Committee Members present: Steve Bach, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham Marty Krueger, William F. Wenzel
Personnel Committee Members present: Scott Alexander, Tim Meister, Charles Montgomery, Peter Tollaksen
Personnel Committee Member excused: Henry Netzinger
Others present: Judy Ashford, Brent Bailey, Kerry Beghin, Judi Briggs, Pat Carignan, Carolyne Davis, Tom Dorner, Jenny Erickson, Jessica Fry, Kevin Fults, Michael Hafemann, Lynn Horkan, Michelle Koehler, Chip Meister, Vicki Meister, Bev Mielke, Sue Nagelkerk, Bill Orth, Terri Radke, Don Stevens, Mark Steward, Mark Schauf, Kathy Schauf, Trish Vandre, Phil Wedekind, Kevin Wilkins, media
Finance Committee Chairman Bychinski called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Montgomery to nominate Bychinski as chairperson of joint committee meeting, second by Fordham, Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried. Motion by Montgomery, second by Tollaksen to adopt the agenda. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried.
Resolution to create one Aging and Disability Specialist outside of the 2008 budget process
Vandre reviewed the resolution with the Committees. Funding is from the state through the regional organization, and the position would be created contingent on this funding. Motion by Bach, second by Fordham to create the position outside the 2008 budget process. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried.
Discussion of 2009 budget process and staffing levels
Schauf reviewed the need to make cuts to the requested budgets based on the levy limit requirements. She spoke about being responsive to economic conditions with the future in mind and not being reactive. Personnel is a key investment. Through this investment the county needs to be strategic in still providing services and programs the board prioritizes. Some departments have already made some adjustments.
Bychinski spoke to the need to cut dollars to get to the levy limit. He asked for comments from other members. The local and world economy were discussed. Unknown county flood costs were mentioned The county is in good shape to deal with flood expenses. Schauf reiterated her message of organizational capacity, ability to continue providing necessary services while keeping the framework to rebound in future years. The increased need for various services due to the economic downturn was also discussed.
Possible resolutions and review of new position requests
Human Services: Orth spoke about the positions for Human Services due to the implementation of family care. There is no levy funding ; the positions are paid for by family care management reimbursement.
RN Case Managers (4 FTE): Necessary to expand service population by taking 10-15 people off waiting list. Fordham spoke to support that family care is projected to save dollars; people who need services will get the appropriate services and a more coordinated system. Tollaksen questioned county contribution, Orth explained the initial investment will decrease over 5 years. Motion by Fordham, second by Wenzel to approve the resolution creating four RN Case mangers. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried.
Social Worker II, Long Term Support (1 FTE): Funded outside of levy, adult protective services (APS) for vulnerable adults. Position will be responsible to investigate and provide services until person is safe. Currently two staff work with the APS population. However referrals have increased, state has increased funding to cover 75% of this position. The other part of this position will be paid for through a funding source to serve children with disabilities. Fordham spoke to these being essential services to our most vulnerable population. Motion by Fordham, second by Alexander to approve the resolution for the Long Term Support Social Worker. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried.
Social Worker, Jail Diversion (1 FTE): Krueger said this requested position resulted from an interest on behalf of the Board. The program design was a collaboration among county departments and other outside entities. Orth said it has potential to make a difference and have cost savings long term. Motion by Tollaksen, second by Montgomery to deny requested Jail Diversion position. Discussion concerning core and essential services followed, could be implemented in a future year. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried. All members applauded the efforts and idea, but felt budget constraints were too tight at this time.
Sheriff's Department:
Patrol Deputy (1.0 FTE): C. Meister stated for the Sheriff Dept. they continuously attempt to be proactive rather than reactive. Last added patrolman in 2003. County population has increased along with calls, investigations, etc. As a result response time has increased. Motion by Tollaksen, second by Montgomery to deny requested Patrol Deputy position. Discussion concerning costs and the need to revisit this position in the next budget year were discussed. Finance: all approved. Personnel: all approved. Motion carried.
Clerk of Courts: V. Meister addressed the considerations on the budget adjustment list concerning her department. She offered to cut back relief worker expense by $7,000. She said passport revenue exceeds the time and expense of the staff. The current level of staff is needed to support the courts. She has reviewed the budgeted revenues and projects them to be attainable.
County Clerk: Mielke reviewed the county decision to do the SVRS work for municipalities. Currently have 33 signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) with established fees through 2009. If department position is eliminated the responsibilities would revert to the municipalities who are less prepared to meet the requirements related to ongoing training and technology use. Mielke will look to increase the MOU fees when renewing them.
Other personnel related recommendations were discussed:
-Humane Society: Flex account for employees for employee retention purposes.
-Personnel: Koehler noted the project position is based on implementing the operational study. She does not anticipated moving forward with hiring.
-Register of Deeds: Bailey agreed with reduction of a position to part time. Concerning sharing this position with Treasurer Dept., he talked about the challenge of balancing the one position between the two departments.
-Treasurer: Carignan spoke to the need of retaining the full time position to keep up with operations. She reviewed the time sensitive tasks performed. She spoke about the change in leadership and the need for the existing level of staff for a good transition.
-UW Extension: Erickson reviewed the functions and responsibility of office. Only have two FTE county employees. She noted the recent merger with arts and culture.
-Sheriff: Possible impending retirement was discussed. Schauf expressed preference of Sheriff to have designated dollars communicated to him and he would decide where to make changes in the department budget. He would like to maintain the position and restructure.
-Baraboo Range: Schauf confirmed the County cannot send dollars back for the program. The method of ending the program was discussed due to the eventuality of an end of funding to purchase property. Administrative costs and ongoing monitoring requirements are being investigated. Steward spoke of plan to address staffing issues through attrition. Preference would be to not fill intern positions in 2009.
The cost of living increase for non-represented and the status of the union negotiations were discussed.
Motion by Krueger, second by Tollaksen to adjourn the joint meeting of Finance and Personnel Committees. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven Bach Scott Alexander
Finance Committee Secretary Personnel Committee Secretary