DATE: April 21, 2009
Members present: Tommy Lee Bychinski, Joan Fordham, Steve Bach, Marty Krueger, William F. Wenzel
Others present: Kathy Schauf, Kerry Beghin, Liz Geoghegan, members of the public
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bychinski at 4:00 PM. Certification of open meeting compliance was given. Motion by Bach, second by Fordham to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.
Review and approval of invoices
Motion by Fordham, second by Bach to approve payment of the County invoices in the amount of $412,008.83. Motion carried.
Overview of midterm process that Board will be going through
The Committee discussed meeting ground rules, public comment and ranking of strategic issues. The Committee discussed differentiating between administrative and programmatic strategic issues, as well as reviewing along functional areas.
Consideration of outside agency requests
The Committee discussed the priorities of the Board related to funding of outside agencies. Delegation of review of outside agencies' requests to the most appropriate oversight committees helps to determine the merit of that request related to other services provided by the County. This role should be emphasized to the oversight committees, and outside agencies should be required to fully complete the budget forms.
Finalization of priorities and policies
A new budget policy strongly encouraging the County to not defer maintenance so that other programs can be provided was discussed. Motion by Fordham, second by Bach to add this policy. Motion carried.
Ranking process for strategic issues
Accounting and Treasurer strategic issues were discussed. Issues included: the education, training and expertise of staff both within these two departments and amongst the other departments in relation to budget constraints; development of tools to enhance the County's fiscal preparedness, such as multi-year budgets; more complete usage of technology; and coordinated use of mapping, parcel and property tax data.
Motion by Wenzel, second by Bach to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven Bach
Finance Committee Secretary