Minutes 06-13-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Clarence Grier referred to the mark up/mark down page, as well as the manager's recommended budget. He noted that there is an additional $1.4 million to use at the Board's discretion. Commissioner Rich clarified the process for adding funding to non-funded items. Chair Jacobs and Clarence Grier suggested starting with the County Departments before moving to outside agencies. County Departments: Commissioner Gordon referred to the Public Affairs allocation of$38,582 for a half year, new position, on page 234. She said the Board should not fund that position this year without a strategic communications plan. She noted that the budget last year was $180,000 and this should remain the same. This leaves an additional $93,470 in the budget to be put in a communications reserve, subject to the Board of Commissioner's approval. Commissioner Gordon said $11,000 for capital needs would be deleted. She said she started with $312, 052, deleted $38,583, and then subtracted $180,000 (last year's budget number). This left the $93,470 as a reserve. Chair Jacobs asked her to look through the $11,000 to discuss later. Commissioner Gordon said Public Affairs should not be a separate department, but should stay in the manager's office for now Chair Jacobs said this can be discussed as part of the strategic plan process. Commissioner Dorosin asked for clarification on the purpose of a reserve fund versus deleting this amount and rolling it back into the budget. Commissioner Gordon said she feels this is a more conservative approach, but she is open to the Board's opinion. Commissioner Dorosin suggested this be rolled back into the general fund. Commissioner McKee said he agrees with Commissioner Dorosin. Commissioner Gordon also agreed to delete this amount. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Human Resources proposed budget includes the recommendation regarding the additional retirement contribution. Clarence Grier said yes, this is under the non-departmental section. Chair Jacobs clarified that this is the additional $1,200 to match. He said the Board never received the full breakdown of the range of benefits that was requested. Clarence Grier apologized and said he thought this question had been fully answered. He said the number is 3 percent and the average salary is $40,000. Commissioner Pelissier suggested $150,000 should be budgeted for child care subsidies. Chair Jacobs said he does not object to the concept; but he feels it should be less specific and should be more of a social safety net, given the proposed budget cuts in the legislature. Commissioner Pelissier said she really wants this to be designated specifically to child support due to the relationship to jobs. Commissioner Dorosin said he would support a broader category for the social safety net, with more money included. Commissioner Pelissier said she would go to a broader designation, but at a higher amount. Commissioner Rich suggested this number be increased to $200,000, with the specificity removed to allow the money to be moved around. Chair Jacobs said he would like to have money set aside as a statement of intent. He said this would show that they Board cares about these issues. Commissioner Pelissier suggested the amount be increased to $250,000 for a social safety net. Commissioner Dorosin suggested it be called a justice fund. Commissioner Gordon said she looked at Animal Services addition of an Administrative Assistant 1 and compared this to the Board of County Commissioners