Minutes 01-22-2021 Virtual Retreat (continued to 01-23-2021)

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31 Commissioner Bedford read from some of the cost containment measures listed on the previous day, and asked for confirmation that these are efforts taking place now and that the Board does not need to vote on them. Bonnie Hammersley said yes. She said some fund balance may be needed as well. She said the pay as you go suspension is related to the long-range facility plan, specifically in Hillsborough. She said paying for FEMA costs up front has brought down the fund balance. She said seasonal and temporary employees are not being hired, but rather staff is reassigning full time employees to address COVID. She said Department of Health, social services, and Housing are addressing the needs for the most vulnerable residents. She said no policy changes have been needed to make these changes, as all are within her existing authority. Commissioner Hamilton was glad the Board did not need to reshuffle its priorities, and wants to focus on how the Board can best use its time. Bonnie Hammersley affirmed that staff brings information and wants to let the Commissioners know where things are. She said staff takes into consideration what is said at the retreat. She said this is the opportunity to keep the Board informed, and policy changes will come in the recommended budget. Commissioner Fowlerasked if the Manager looked at debt restructuring to save money. Bonnie Hammersley said yes that is constantly ongoing. Commissioner Fowler asked if County departments restructure budgets based on priorities, or if they continue on with budgets as is. Bonnie Hammersley explained the budget calendar and process, which includes priority settings and guidelines. Commissioner Bedford asked if FY22 budget assumes no CARES and federal funds. She said staff was able to pivot in the current year when funds became available. Bonnie Hammersley said the budget is a plan and things always change. She said she will never include money that has not been approved by an elected board, but staff does make budget amendments on a monthly basis. She said between the recommended budget process and the budget adoption, there is room for amendments. Chair Price said looking at the next 3 months, it seems like the staff knows what it is doing and the Board does not need to focus on those details. Bonnie Hammersley said she would like to know if there are areas that should be brought up that staff should be looking at differently. Chair Price said if the Board has ideas it should pass them along, but the Board does not need to reprioritize. Bonnie Hammersley said yes, and staff will find the resources. She said there is no new money. Travis Myren said in the short term, it is helpful for the Commissioners to be conduits to the constituents, and tell staff if there is anything it should be addressing. Commissioner Bedford cited the example of spending on the election to make sure it was successful. She said seniors are having trouble getting information on, or access to, the COVID vaccine, and similarly the County should be spending whatever is needed on the vaccination program. Travis Myren said there would be an adjustment to the process, and Health Director Quintana Stewart is working on resetting expectations, and relaying information on how much vaccine the County is getting. Commissioner Bedford confirmed residents are confused. Bonnie Hammersley said the State is helping the County by sending 30 staff to help create a phone bank for vaccine information. She said this is a national challenge. Commissioner Dorosin has confidence in staff for cost cutting measures, but it would be helpful to get information on the implications of the interventions, such as the hiring freeze: how many positions are frozen, and what are the dollar amount implications, etc.