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Budget Hearings August 13, 14, 15, 2002
The Vanderburgh County Council met in session this 13th of August, 2002 in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was officially opened by President Lloyd Winnecke at 12:04 p.m. President Winnecke: Good afternoon
and welcome to the continuation of the 2003 Vanderburgh County budget hearings.
Let's begin with attendance roll call please.
President Winnecke: Would you please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? (Pledge of Allegiance was given) President Winnecke: I would like to welcome officeholders, department heads and other visitors we may have in the audience. I understand we may have some visitors here who are here to express support for Welfare to Work. I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to be here today. If you would like, I will give you the opportunity to speak to that issue. I know that there may be some folks who want to do that. I will give you that opportunity at the conclusion of our budget business. We do have a full agenda, but I do not want you to come here thinking that you don't have an opportunity to speak. I do want to make clear for those of you who are here to support that particular program, that this body can not do anything today, or this week, to extend funding for this year during these meetings. That can be done at our next regularly scheduled meeting. I understand that the Commissioners, who oversee that program, will make a request for appropriation at our next meeting. You will be more than welcome to speak at both of those meetings as well. If you would like to write the dates down, they are Wednesday, August 28th, that is for the hearing portion, and the vote would be for September 4th, both meetings at 3:30. If you come to those, they will give you the same opportunity to speak as you will be given this afternoon. Yesterday, Councilman Sutton and I met with Treasurer Z Tuley and Auditor Suzanne Crouch regarding the county's revenue projections for the coming year. The information provided by the Auditor and the Treasurer is concerning. I have asked that they share their information with the full Council today before we begin making our cuts. I have also invited the Assessors who have been really put behind the eight ball by the State. The State's slow action could really have a profound influence on the County's cash flow in the coming year. Again, I think the information that the Treasurer and the Auditor have is really important, and it is important enough for them to hear first hand, and I appreciate those of you who could be here today. Following the presentation from the Auditor and the Treasurer, I will give Councilmembers a brief time for questions to those two officeholders so that we can address those questions. Just going on with sort of how the rest of the meeting will go, I will not recognize officeholders or department heads who want to debate cuts during this week's session. With all due respect, the time to advocate a budget position was last week, and this week it is this Council's obligation to make cuts. I will say, off of the top of my head, before the meeting begins that I think the Council, and I would say that we have worked closely together and spent many, many hours over the last few weeks addressing these issues, I don't think that we have identified enough cuts yet to satisfy the State Budget Agency, but I am hopeful that the strong force and cooperation that has been going on the past few weeks will continue so that we can get to our numbers. Having said all of that, I would ask that the Treasurer and Auditor come forward and make their presentation. Suzanne Crouch: Suzanne Crouch, Vanderburgh County Auditor. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today and to apprise the Council of what lies ahead in 2003. I would like to take a moment to kind of explain what the Auditor's office does at this point in time in the budget process, prior to this and on going. What we, one part of the budget process, as you all know, is spending the money and the other part is trying to project and be sure what the revenues are. What the Auditor's office does, is that they work with officeholders that generate large amounts of revenue to ask them what they believe the revenue projections will be for the incoming year. One of the large sources of revenue for the General Fund is Interest Investment. In 2000, Interest Investment came in for the General Fund at $4,200,000. In 2001 it came in at $2,700,000, and 2002, according to the Treasurer's projection, it will come in at about $1,200,000. So, in May when we asked the Treasurer what she thought the interest income for 2003 would be for the General Fund, the Treasurer, based upon everything that was available to her, had projected that next year in 2003, we would have $2,000,000 available for interest income for the General Fund. After the end of June, when we looked at our revenues that had come in, we saw that our Interest Investment for the General Fund was $719,000. So, we conversed with the Treasurer and said, do you think that your $2,00,000 projection for 2003 is still on the money based upon what we have realized so far? The Treasurer, at that point in time, said, I think that we really ought to bring that projection down to $1,500,000. Last Friday the Treasurer called and said I think we need to talk, because based upon information she had, she thought that the revenue projection should come down even more, and I would like to turn it over to the Treasurer to have her explain what has driven her to that. Then also we would like to talk to you very briefly about the Reassessment and how that can affect the Interest Investment and our cash flow next year. Z Tuley: County Treasurer, Z Tuley. I, this is most difficult because this is not good news, and it is going to be a difficult time, and the money is very tight. Based on all of the rate cuts, everything that happened, even before 9/11, it started looking very grim. And of course, everyone knows that everyone is hurting, all the way across the board, with the economy in this shape. It looks like we are probably going to come in for the end of this year at $1,250,000, rather than $2,000,000. Back in June when I prepared to give Suzanne a projected figure for the interest for 2003, I felt that we had probably hit the bottom of the barrel, and that the interest rates would at least hold steady or climb slowly forward for the year 2003. On August the 8th I received a fax that said that they were looking at potential rate cuts, and $1,500,000 would have been only if everything held steady or gradually increased. Based on the fact that there are rumors amidst that in the next few months the Fed rates will be dropped again. There is no way, there is no way, and if they are cut more than once, I won't even make the million, and that is where we are at. The part that scares me is the fact that I have heard that Reassessment may or may not go through on time, and I am talking about the normal time with the tax deadline still being May 10th, etc., etc. I don't know where they are at with their work, all I can tell you is that if this is going to happen, and if there is going to be a delay, I have a huge concern, because I will have to postpone the tax deadline. I have to make investments now projecting investments to come due for April. The shorter time that I invest our money, the least we make, and even then we were looking at me taking sums of money and rolling it out for at least a full year. I have the right to go out two years, but in order to capitalize what we can do for 2003, that was my targeted goal. So at least one year brings you a nice premium, if you can call whatever we have a premium. However, if, I have to have interest rates coming in, or interest investments coming in in April, so that we can pay those bills, because we are not going to have the bills out, so no one is going to be paying their taxes. You are going to start depleting the funds that I use to make that interest, and if I don't have it come in ,in April, and I do go out a year, where did I leave the County? Where did I leave the...? So, I need some direction. I need some guidance. You guys have to tell me what you are going to decide to do, and it's tough and not very pleasant news. Suzanne Crouch: And as a note, this does not only affect only Vanderburgh County, this affects all taxing units. If we do not have property tax money coming in, then that will affect all taxing units. I believe last year, we brought in over $120,000,000, was that correct, Z? Over a $120,000,000 in property tax money? Somewhere in that neighborhood, that then was dispersed, not only to Vanderburgh County, but to the City of Evansville, the School Corporation, the Library, the Trustees, all of those units that receive tax money. So this has a significant effect not only for Vanderburgh County, but for all of the taxing units. The cost of not being able to do Reassessment in a timely fashion is going to far outweigh the cost of the Reassessment. So, we realize that the Township Assessors are at their mercy, and they are victims of the State, and we wanted to apprise the Council of the situation. It is going to take all of us working together to develop a plan to be able to meet that deadline, and it will be a challenge. President Winnecke: Any questions of either the Auditor or the Treasurer? Suzanne Crouch: Thank you. President Winnecke: Z, you asked, and I will just sort of wrap things up and get going, you asked for, you said you need direction. It is my intent that we need to get through these three days of budget cuts and see where we are, and see where we need to stand. Where we stand with further cuts. I think we will be in a better position to figure out what kind of direction to give you. I appreciate you, and the Auditor, coming forward. It is not fun delivering less than good news, but we appreciate hearing it now. Z Tuley: Thank you. President Winnecke: Thank you. Suzanne Crouch: Mr. President, also I laid on the Councilmembers desk, e-mails that I have received from other Auditor's in the state. Just so that you know that Vanderburgh County is not in a unique position. This is something that all counties are experiencing throughout the state. President Winnecke: Mr. Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: The only word that I can use and say right now is pray. Councilmember Hoy: Do I get time and a half? President Winnecke: We will go ahead and begin with the task at hand. I will say that we are going to try something this year. This is Councilman Tornatta's idea, and I think it is a really great idea. It may need some refining over the next couple of days, but in terms of size, Councilman Tornatta suggested that we put the projected cuts on the screen. I know that I can't really read them from here, but this is an attempt to let all the officeholders have a sort of visual idea as to what is going on. Again, I appreciate Councilman Tornatta's idea, and it has taken the cooperation of everyone to get cuts to there, and with that, I will turn it over to the Finance Chairman. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, thank you. President Winnecke: The Assessors, I am sorry, the Assessors are free to go. I just thought that you would want to hear that, and thanks for coming. Councilmember Raben: I would just like to state that is some very sobering news, and everyone needs to keep in mind how difficult it is going to be over the course of the next year, or even longer than that. Some of these cuts represent, that I am going to make, some cuts represent cuts deeper than we would like to make, but this is an overall effort that we get to the point that we need to get to, to stay below the maximum levy. I would like to say this, Mr. President, before I begin the cuts, this is like you said, a unified effort. This is a budget that I feel is prepared by consensus, everybody, everybody has had a great deal of input in this budget, and I think it is one that at the end of the session, Thursday afternoon, one we can all be very proud of. LEVEE DISTRIBUTION Councilmember Raben: So, first ,if you turn to page 195, on your Levee Distribution, I am going to handle it in the manner that we always have. I am going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance will be set in at our September 4th meeting. So, moving down to our 2000 accounts, I move that all accounts are approved as they are listed. The 3000 accounts as they are listed, and the 4000 accounts, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Bassemier: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Councilmember Raben: Weights and Measures, page 90. Mr. President, I will move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. All 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY TREASURER Councilmember Raben: County Treasurer, page 11. I move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th final budget hearing. 1990, Extra Help, be set in at zero. The 2000 accounts, line 2841,Copy Fees, $250; 3370, Computers, $500; 3410 ,Printing, $45,000 ; 3530, Contractual Services, $1,000; 4220, Office Machines, $4,000, and all other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions or discussion? Councilman Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes, okay, on the Computer Data Management, is that something that you set in at $500, or did you just take it all out? I mean, I don't think that $500 is going to accomplish anything in that line item. If you are going to set it so low, then why not zero it out? Councilmember Raben: We can do that, but if I am not mistaken, $500 may have been for some software. President Winnecke: I tell you what, if I may interrupt. We were talking, based on your conversations with the upgrades that the Sheriff's department had done, I believe that we thought that we would try that in some of the other offices too. Councilmember Raben: Right, but Troy was questioning whether or not we need to allow $500 in the line in lieu of zeroing it out. That was your question, was it not? Councilmember Tornatta: Right. Councilmember Raben: And you are exactly right. That is the intent that we take the computers coming out of the court system, and installing upgrades, and moving those to other departments, yes. President Winnecke: Other discussion or questions? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Can I ask, did that line item stay at $500, or are you changing it? President Winnecke: No, it stays. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7 -0) COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, next is County Commissioners, page 84. Councilmember Bassemier: Say it again. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, I am going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th final budget hearing. Starting with the 2000 accounts. I move that they be approved as they are listed. The 3000 accounts, starting with line 3020 ,Southwest Mental Health, $620,000. Moving down to 3040, Soil and Water, $10,000. Page 86, line 3100, Animal Control, $160,895. Line 3140, Telephone, $210,000. Line 3210, Emergency Management, $143,023. Line 3500, on page 87, Human Relations, $38,233. Line 3530, Contractual Services, $3,000. Councilmember Sutton: Jim, can you go back on Human Relations? Councilmember Raben: Yes, sir.
Councilmember Sutton: Okay. Councilmember Tornatta: So, we are adding to that? Councilmember Raben: Yes, that is $38,233. Councilmember Sutton: Thank you. Councilmember Raben: Okay, next was Contractual, 3530 for $3,000. Moving down to page 88, line 3700, no that remains the same, excuse me, 3750, Purchasing, the correct figure is $130,852. Line 3850, Building Commission, the correct figure is $392,437. Line 3890, Central Dispatch, should read $396,580. Line 3931, Youth Services, $20,000. Page 89, line 4432, Pigeon Creek- President Winnecke: Mr. Raben, I would ask that you withhold that from this. Councilmember Raben: Okay, let's stop there. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Are there questions or discussion? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Okay, on the Southwestern Mental Health, do we not have a contract for that? That is one question. The second question is, Bond and Insurance, and I think we were asked for an upgrade of $200,000 in that line item, because it was not added at budget time, when they thought the insurance rates were going up. Councilmember Raben: First let me answer Southwest Mental Health. I believe that contract is adjusted according to the CPI, and this figure represents over a 7% increase, so that $620,000 should be significant. As far as Bond and Insurance, I don't believe that we have seen anything that would represent that increase, and I don't know, I certainly haven't, I don't know if anybody has. Has anybody? President Winnecke: What line item, Troy? Councilmember Raben: Let me address the Auditor. Have you seen anything that would represent? Suzanne Crouch: I just want to clarify, on the Southwestern Mental Health. That is based upon Assessed Valuation, and whatever line, whatever you set that in at, the Commissioners, once that Assessed Valuation is certified, the Commissioners will have to come back for additional funding. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, what about 3000? Councilmember Raben: Troy, if we find now and between September 4th that the line 3000 needs to be adjusted, we will make that adjustment at that time. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay. Councilmember Sutton: What was the figure? Councilmember Tornatta: It's, they are setting it in at $620,000. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. President Winnecke: Any other questions? Councilmember Tornatta: One more question, why was, I know that there was supposed to be in the neighborhood of a $250,000 change in Central Dispatch, and now it is $500,000? Councilmember Raben: Okay, you will see as we get back to 911, we are going to move that difference into 911. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Roll call vote, please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes.
(Motion carried 6 - 1/ Councilmember Tornatta opposed) Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 144. President Winnecke: We need to- Councilmember Raben: Oh, excuse me. We have those two lines, Councilmember Hoy: Page 89. Councilmember Raben: Page 89, line 4432, Pigeon Creek Greenway, I move that be set it at $10,000. I will take that one so that you have the opportunity to vote on the other. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Are there questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: No.
(Motion carried 5 - 2/ Councilmembers Tornatta and Winnecke opposed) Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, next is line 4433, Disaster Resistance, for $9,000, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote, please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes.
Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes.
(Motion carried 6 - 1/ Councilmember Sutton opposed) COUNTY COMMISSIONERS/CCD Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 144, this is the CCD Fund. Okay, first is line 1300-4126, and I move that it be approved as listed at $300,000. 1300-4127, Sound, at $5,000, and that be set in at zero, and the Building Authority make those repairs. Account 1300-4130, Park and Playground, I move that be set in at $895,000. 1300-4239, Motor Vehicles, $250,000, and all other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: I will second, to get it on the floor. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. President Winnecke: Mr. Sutton.? Councilmember Sutton: Jim, back on the Park and Playground, can we take a look at that in terms of what that $895,000 is intended to pay for? Councilmember Raben: I certainly can. Councilmember Sutton: Can you, what on the list do you see bubbling up to pay for that? Councilmember Raben: That takes care of the new parking lot for the new O'Day Building, that makes $660,000 worth of repairs to the pool, the new liner and pool repairs, and that takes care of installing new wiring and 50 amp service in the campground. and that also includes replacing the concrete in ADA restrooms in the pavilion, and that total is $895,000. Councilmember Sutton: I guess, the one area in particular, the proposed list that was given to all of us in terms of the costs on the improvements, in particular like that, the electrical, the cost that was shared with us was that it would be somewhere around $190,000. I guess, you were thinking, perhaps, of being able to accomplish that with $60,000? Councilmember Raben: Those are the figures that were furnished to me by the Park Manager and Assistant Manager based off of estimates that they had gathered. If I am not mistaken that $190,000 may also include sewage, installing sewers further back, but the estimates that were provided to me by those two gentlemen was the $60,000 figure. Councilmember Sutton: Well, I guess, it is maybe just an area, because of what we have been made aware of, the potential danger. I just don't want us to end up shorting ourselves on that particular area. I know that we just kind of took a look at this, but I don't know if that is something that we may want to look at plugging a little bit more in, but I know that we are trying to get to a figure here, a bottom line figure, and we are trying to make as many adjustments as we can, but that might be one where we might want to revisit. Maybe plug it in, and come back and take a look at this, and see how, if that is something that can actually be done for that $60,000 figure that we are looking at. Councilmember Raben: Well, I think those estimates were firm estimates, and I might defer to Councilman Wortman that does that for a living. I guess, if you could shed some light on that. Would $60,000 be a fair estimate on that project? Councilmember Wortman: Right. I think you have to take in mind that safety is a factor out there, and they are going to upgrade that. Now, as far as these 50 amp jobs, we've got to be careful there, I think, on that, but that would upgrade and accommodate the average trailer, or what have you, that comes in there, the campers. Councilmember Raben: Right, but in reference to the $60,000 estimate. Councilmember Wortman: That should be adequate. Councilmember Tornatta: Now, you said the average trailer. I mean, what if we have above average people coming into this place? What do you do there? Councilmember Wortman: Well, if they come above average, we will do what we have to do. They just want to be able to, we can only accommodate certain kind of people, you know, and we can't accommodate everybody here with this budget, see. Councilmember Tornatta: Well, that is why we have the park, to accommodate everybody. Councilmember Wortman: I don't know. Councilmember Raben: Well, I- Councilmember Hoy: Well, I, I'm sorry, go ahead. Councilmember Raben: No, go ahead. Councilmember Hoy: No, I've already mentioned my preference for tent camping, but, you know, that's camping to me. But, you know we are talking about these huge $150,000 to $200,000 rigs, and some of those folks are saying, I forget what the stay time is, but I think they can stay thirty days- Unidentified: 60. Councilmember Hoy: 60 days, and then they can be gone a day or two, and come back and take another 60 days. I just think that there is a limit as to what we can fund on that size vehicle, and, you know, this is, if we can make this electrical safe, then that is what we should do. They may have to park someplace else, and pay a higher rate. We also, when they park there, I understand it that when they pay that daily fee, they also get a swimming pass. Which, when I rented a chalet for a family reunion, I didn't get any swimming passes at all, and I paid $90 for the chalet, but that is all I got, and for whatever we are charging and giving swimming passes, we may want to question the rent level, and giving off passes. I am just going on some information that I have. Because that reduces that income if you give a pool pass out. Councilmember Sutton: Is it possible to separate this out of your motion? This line item 1300-4130. Councilmember Raben: It's very possible. President Winnecke: Which one, I'm sorry, Royce? Councilmember Sutton: 1300-4130, Park and Playground. Councilmember Raben: Okay, allow me to make a comment, and then I will come back to you on that. You know, I still, I hold steadfast that the $60,000 estimate should be ample for doing, upgrading the electricity in that campground, but since the discussion came up in terms of the rates that we are charging. Councilman Hoy is right on target, I mean, when you are accommodating $100,000, $200,000, half million dollar motor homes, and charging $11 dollars a day for that. If you look at what you are paying, what it costs you for electric at your residence, plus water and sewage, you know, these RV's are pulling two and three air conditioners, more tonnage than you are pulling in a home, they are running battery chargers, because they do have 12 volt as well. You are running battery chargers, washers and dryers, microwave ovens, television sets, supplying water and sewer. I mean that $11 a day is extremely low to accommodate those type of campers. As far as the term of stay, that had been addressed several years back, with other Commissioners. I don't know why we got back to the long stays again, but a comment was made to me by a Commissioner that he didn't want to disturb the people staying the summers, and that jockeys were living out there through the course of the summer. I don't think that is what we are after. We are not there to make cheap rent space for jockeys working in another state. You know we are here to accommodate the needs of Vanderburgh County residents, and that is all that I have to say. President Winnecke: Councilman Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: I agree that one way of looking at this is to get a better price structure on how we stay there, but to say that somebody can't stay there, and that we don't have the accommodations for somebody to stay there. I don't think it is that much when you are going in and fixing a problem. I don't think it is that much to upgrade to a standard that we can accommodate more individuals. I think that is what we want to look at, and if we need to charge more, then I think that is something that we need to look at, but that is not what we are, essentially, talking about here. We are talking about making sure that we get this, if we are doing the electrical, that we get it up to a code that is going to accept, and we don't have to turn away people. As far as, you both make great points on how much we charge, they shouldn't be charged that rate, if we deem it, that's too low. Councilmember Raben: I couldn't agree with you more, and this figure does address those electrical needs. Councilmember Tornatta: That is what I was asking. Councilman Wortman was kind of eluding to the fact that we might just be getting a certain level, and if they come in over that, well, we don't know, but that is not a good way to handle it. We want to cover ourselves and get it done right ,and then make it for everybody that wants to come in there. President Winnecke: Mr. Sutton, did you still want us to exclude this? Councilmember Sutton: Yes, I would like to see us, you know, the other ones, I don't really, I am comfortable with those, but I would like to see us maybe exclude that out of the motion, since we have had so much discussion about it. I don't know how others feel, but I would like to see us maybe exclude that from the motion, and take it separately, and vote on that, if that is possible. Councilmember Hoy: I think that I have the President's signal to go ahead. If we weren't in such a budget crunch here I would favor the higher figure too. However, I have been refused camping at certain campgrounds because I have tents. They won't take tent campers. I mean there are restrictions even in some commercial campgrounds, and this is something that we also, it has to do with the sewers. We could add those later, but I do think that the policy needs to be reviewed, as well. In terms of, you know, if people choose to live in an expensive motor home, this is America, and that is their privilege, but it is not my responsibility, as a Vanderburgh County Councilman, to provide extremely inexpensive land and rent, you know, for them to live that way. That is a choice that they make. I have made my choice, so I have to live with my choice as well. I own a home, pay taxes here, and will not complain about those taxes. I get a lot out of those. President Winnecke: Okay, you want to exclude? Councilmember Raben: That's fine. Mr. President, I will amend my motion to exclude 1300-4130. Councilmember Tornatta: And 1300-4230? President Winnecke: Which one, Troy? Councilmember Tornatta: 1300-4230. Councilmember Raben: Was that what you were requesting, Mr. Sutton? Was that part of your original request? Councilmember Sutton: Well, that wasn't part of my original request, but ,I guess, Mr. Tornatta piggybacked on that. Councilmember Raben: My point in that is, that if your intent was to exclude that line was so that you could vote yes on the budget? But, I mean, if you intended to vote in favor of 4230, that's not going to give you the opportunity to do what your intent was. Councilmember Sutton: I understand. I am fine with the request as I have stated. Councilmember Raben: As you stated, okay. Then the motion stands. The motion is to exclude. I tell you what we will do, we will take them separately. Let me amend my first motion, and the motion is 1300-4126 as listed, 1300-4127, zero; and I make that in the form of a motion. President Winnecke: Could you repeat it, just so? Councilmember Raben: Just the first two items, 1300-4126 for $300,000. President Winnecke: Okay. Councilmember Raben: And then 1300-4127, zero, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Tornatta: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Roll call vote, please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: No. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke?: Yes.
(Motion carried 6 - 1/Councilmember Wortman opposed) Teri Lukeman: Can I change the tape now? President Winnecke: Okay, we will change the tape. TAPE CHANGE Councilmember Raben: Okay Mr. President. Line 1340, excuse me, 1300-4130, Park and Playground, $895,000, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?
Councilmember Sutton: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 5-2/Councilmembers Tornatta, Sutton opposed.) Councilmember Raben: Okay, 1300-4230, Motor Vehicles, $250,000, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 6-1/Councilman Tornatta opposed.) CUMULATIVE COURTHOUSE Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 145, Cumulative Courthouse. I'm going to move that this budget be set in at zero, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. I'm sorry, Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: If we don't set this in, then, I don't want to make any assumptions, so, I would assume that we're going to ask the Commissioners to set aside some of the Bridge Fund? Is that- President Winnecke: I think the request has been made. I think it's probably been turned down as many times as we've requested it. I think the ramification of this vote is that we look for other funding options to restore and maintain that building. The Commissioners presented to us at last weeks meeting that they would like to see a complete renovation of the facility. A $10,000,000 bond issue, I believe, was the figure. So that's the ramification. Councilmember Tornatta: Councilman Hoy? I'm going to make a recommendation that a line item be put inside the Riverboat Fund. Councilmember Hoy: I'm sorry? I didn't hear you. Councilmember Tornatta: I'm going to make a recommendation in the Riverboat Fund for some money set for Capital Improvements which could be used for the Courthouse. This would be set in at zero initially, and then if we found extra Riverboat funds, then those would be captured by that account. Councilmember Raben: Okay, I've already stated, I've overstated this. Actually, I've said it so many times, that the appropriate measures in which to accomplish what we need to do with the Courthouse is what Councilman Hoy just stated. That we need to reduce our Bridge Levee, insert a Cum Courthouse Fund. You know, we keep, it's like we're talking in deaf ears. We keep hearing how that's not going to happen. If that's truly not going to happen, I would strongly urge the County Commissioner to reduce that bridge rate, because we're collecting taxes in excess of what we need, and that is ethically wrong. So, if they are not going to change the fund and create the new Cum Courthouse Fund, then that levee needs to be reduced, and quit taking money that we do not need from peoples pocket books. That fund right now has $5.1 million dollars in it. The budget request for Cum Bridge is less this year than it was last year. There's no doubt in my mind that that fund is way over funded, and they need to make those adjustments. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I'm uncomfortable with, we have so much uncertainty going on, and all of us know that. So, that's what I'm uncomfortable with the whole budget. It's been that kind of year. My major concern there is the first item. That's the ADA Modifications. I just hope that we're, whatever we're able to do with the Old Courthouse, and I still would like to sell the private sector in helping with those windows. I guess, I take that personally, I've taken a lot of hits from preservationists, because I've been a preservationist, but I didn't preserve a certain building next door to my house, and I'm a little tired of that, because I vote a lot of preservation money. I would also like to see folks who support preservation come up for some bucks for those windows. I mean, if they really believe in this, the private sector ought to come in and help us out. On ADA, a different thing. Thank you. President Winnecke: Roll call vote
please.
Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: You know, I think we really need to look at how we, what we want to do with this building. I know we've talked about how we want to possibly move some government offices in there and some private offices and all, but, you know, that's a pretty special building in that the uses are limited with that. It had a really good committee put together, and really looking at some of the needs on that building. That's what we have here, trying to address some of those needs, and, you know, just, at this particular point in time, I guess, given kind of the health of the county, even though I recognize we got a building that we really want to keep and that many people treasure in this community, I guess, we're just going to have to figure out a way, and I don't know what that may be yet, how we can make sure that building is stabilized and provides a really good benefit and use to the communities. There's been a lot of good ideas shared and advanced on it, so I'd like to support it, but, I guess, really, in light of where we are right now, it's just, really, difficult for any of us to really support, at this particular time on it, so, I vote no. A very long no, I guess. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Oh, I'm sorry. President Winnecke: The motion was to set it in at zero. Councilmember Raben: The motion was to set it in at, yeah. President Winnecke: So- Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: He's voted yes or no? Councilmember Sutton: I'm agreeing with the motion, so yes. Councilmember Hoy: Oh, okay. President Winnecke: I thought that's where you were going I just wanted to make sure. Councilmember Bassemier: I vote yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Your sermon had me confused sir. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. Councilmember Hoy: I'm going to...I do...I want to express appreciation for the list of tenants that were provided for us. That's not been mentioned and that's good to see. I understand that we're going to have some more tenants. I've done a lot of things on faith, I'll vote yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) DRAINAGE BOARD Councilmember Raben: Okay next is Drainage Board. I'll move that all accounts...no let's...account 2600, I'll move that it be approved as listed, and the salaries, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be adjusted at September the 4th. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Any questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) RIVERBOAT Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 132, Riverboat. Line 3110, $500,000. Line 3111, Welfare to work, $500,000. 3112, Infrastructure, $500,000 and I'll make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Tornatta: Can we make also the motion 3113, what did we call that? Councilmember Raben: We want to create a new line. Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah. Councilmember Raben: With that motion- Councilmember Hoy: Capital Projects. Councilmember Tornatta: Capital Projects or Capital Improvements. Councilmember Raben: With that motion I would like to insert that we create a new line and call it Capital Improvements, Other Capital Improvements, let's call it that. Other Capital Improvements. Councilmember Hoy: And for how much? Councilmember Raben: Set it in at zero. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Looking at what was asked for. Do we know, does someone know the amounts that are in any of those funds? I know where Welfare to Work is, presently, but in the Economic Development- Councilmember Raben: I have those figures. These are figures as of 7/31. Infrastructure has a unappropriated balance of $978,476. Economic Development has a balance of $275,070. Councilmember Sutton: I think there were some different figures that may have been shared on those balances. Your's were as of 7/31, you said, Jim? I guess, I was getting maybe a little bit lower figure on that. I don't have that- Suzanne Crouch: That is unencumbered money. Councilmember Raben: Yeah. Suzanne Crouch: That's not secured with a PO. Councilmember Sutton: I couldn't hear you Suzanne. Suzanne Crouch: I'm sorry. that's unencumbered money in that line item that's not secured with a PO. It's been appropriated to that line item, but it's not secured with a purchase order or a contract. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. Councilmember Hoy: Okay, and just so that it's on record and I understand it, Madam Auditor, Should there be any of that money left at the end of the year, in either account, then the Commissioners can encumber that for next year? that will not revert to the General Fund unless- Suzanne Crouch: With a contract or a purchase order, that is correct. Councilmember Hoy: Okay, thank you. Councilmember Sutton: Obviously, we've had a lot of interest in this whole area, especially the Welfare to Work. I don't know if it's a little premature, but based upon maybe, some of the...even what was in the newspaper this morning, there is some interest from the city's part in assisting in working with this Welfare to Work initiative, in putting some dollars in on this. With that in mind, I don't know if we might take a look at, I guess, what I'm hearing is with the city side looking at the possibility, right at around 250. if we put 250 in on the pot. If we put more than 250, then they would give less than 250, or zero. I don't know if we might want to consider that, and ,I guess, keeping the other two as was initially requested. The Economic Development at 750, and the Infrastructure at 750 as well. So, basically, we're taking that back to the requested levels. Councilmember Raben: I might address that in regards to Welfare to Work. It was requested at 250. In light of the current circumstances, I am extremely comfortable with doubling that and putting the five in it. Although, I am uncomfortable as to what the real intent behind what you're referring to as the article today with the City Council, because the City Council did have that opportunity when this Welfare to Work program was established, and they elected not to assist in that. So, whatever political agenda, or whatever it is that has made them take the stance that they've taken today, is very iffy. You know, that it again, it wasn't important enough to them then. I hate to trust that they've found new religion, and that it's important to them today. So, I would just assume to leave it in at $500,000, then we know the program is intact. Councilmember Sutton: Believe me, because of the way I feel about the program, I don't have any problems with this being at the 500 level. I guess, what is...has occurred, obviously, this was a project that the county undertook, and there probably isn't enough cooperation between the two bodies, on a lot of different things, and probably the city has always viewed this as the county's initiative, the county's project. Most of the participants in this program are probably city residents, rather than people who are outside of the city. I think on the whole, if they're willing and interested in stepping up and seeing this need, as probably most of you have received some calls or feedback on this whole initiative, I don't think I've gone too many places over the last several days where I haven't gotten some feedback. If they want to do over and above, that's great, you know. Councilmember Raben: Can I offer a suggestion? In doing this, at any point the Commissioners can transfer funds out of this and put it in one of the other two accounts. Councilmember Sutton: Right. Councilmember Raben: I mean, if the city does come through, then that will be up to the County Commissioners to simply make a transfer. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yeah, Jim, can you put it by itself, line 3111? Jeff Ahlers: You've got a motion on the floor. Councilmember Hoy: You need to withdraw your motion. Councilmember Raben: I could withdraw my motion, because it has already been seconded. I'll be happy to do that. Mr. President, I will withdraw my motion. I know I need to. Councilmember Hoy: The seconder needs to agree. Councilmember Raben: The seconder has to agree, yes. President Winnecke: Who seconded that motion? Curt, you seconded it. Councilmember Wortman: Yes, I withdraw. President Winnecke: Okay. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President,
my new motion is 3110, $500,000. Line 3112, $500,000 and I make that in
the form of a motion.
Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Roll call vote please. Councilmember Hoy: Hey, do you want- President Winnecke: I'm sorry Mr. Hoy, discussion? Councilmember Hoy: No, I just wondered if anybody else had any discussion besides me? I really struggle with this because I...a couple of issues, one has been mentioned that a lot of the folks who receive the...this fund is misnamed Welfare to Work. These folks are working and we're trying to help them stay on the job, and have childcare, and get their car fixed, and a few other things. I would grant you, probably none of those people live in the new suburbs, you know, they just don't. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out, and I'm not knocking the new suburbs. They're going to live in the city, because that's where the cheaper housing is. I would remind Council that they also pay county taxes. I live in the city and I pay both. It's the city and county taxes, so does everybody who lives in the city. We pay both. So, you know, it's harder to draw fine lines between who receives what when you look at taxes that way. I think we need to keep that in mind. If the city wants to...do we have any assurances that they will come through, you know, from the Mayor? I don't know that we do. Or from the City Council today. It leaves us sitting here in a bind and we have to move ahead. But the...speaking to the two issues that are on the floor and I'm connecting all this, you know that, Mr. President. You know I am. Councilmember Raben: Eventually it gets there. Councilmember Hoy: It eventually gets there, yeah because what I've seen in ten years is when you say the words Economic Development, 90%, I'll be conservative, 90% of the time you're talking about welfare for the rich. President Winnecke: Okay, there's a motion on the floor to set in line 3110 and 3112 at $500,000 each. Did you include 3113 in at zero, Jim? Councilmember Raben: I'll make that with this- President Winnecke: Okay, that's fine. Councilmember Raben: I'll go ahead and make that with this one. I'll amend my motion to include- Councilmember Tornatta: Just go ahead and set it separate if you would. If that's okay. President Winnecke: Okay, that's fair. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: I've had discussion with the chairman on finance that I believe that these things were set in because of priorities set by the Commission. I think that for them to set those in...they weren't setting them in at just a number. So even though it was said that they can transfer those funds, that's not really how that was set up. Those funds are set up to be used by the accounts that they were set in. So, at this time, I don't think it's...I don't think I'd go against the objectives of the Commission and their priorities in order to set this in at different levels. So I would vote no. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 5-2/Councilmembers Tornatta, Sutton opposed.) Councilmember Raben: Okay, next Mr. President is 3111, Welfare to Work, at $500,000, and I'll make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: I'll second, to get it on the floor. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second to set in Welfare to Work, line item 3111, in at $500,000. Are there questions or discussion? Mr. Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yeah, if...one thing, obviously, we've had some discussion on this, and Councilman Hoy brings up a good point. The actual real name to this program is Initiative Based Assistance Program and not Welfare to Work. So, if we could at least make that change in our lexicon and in our budget books, and then maybe going forward from here, Initiative Based Assistance Program. It is truly a program to encourage, help, and support those who are showing initiative in what they're doing. Councilmember Hoy: It's a horrible acronym to pronounce, IBAP. President Winnecke: Mr. Tornatta, did you have a comment? Councilmember Tornatta: No. President Winnecke: Oh, Mr. Bassemier, I'm sorry. Councilmember Bassemier: I'd also like to see what the city is going to do on their side. Maybe they'll help us out on this. I'm still waiting. I talked to Mr. Heck, or we did at the other meeting, and I'd still like to see his report, who's still on the program, who still has jobs, and other things. I just want to see that the support services are just...who's really benefitting by this? When you have child care centers, you have mechanics, you have the transportation, you have the administrative part, and only $124,000 going for Tires and Training. I was reading in the paper the other day that one of the daycare centers way out there on the far east side, very expensive for a daycare center, and I'm just wondering, there's several children in the daycare centers, and I think it's kind of a preschool too maybe, and not that it's bad, it's really good, but can we afford this high rate of child care for these hard working people to go to work? Anyway, that's just...I'd like to see some more facts on how this program is really working. President Winnecke: I'd like to make a comment. I've taken several phone calls. I'm comfortable with the $500,000 figure. We're practically at that level now, between what, we will be over that level by the time this program exceeds, runs out of money this year. I think that there needs to be better oversight and communication between the county and the administrator to the program, to better manage the funds to make it through the entire year. Other than that, I have no problem supporting it at the $500,000 level. Councilmember Bassemier: Can I say one more thing? President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Hoy: I'm going to comment, sorry, go ahead. Councilmember Bassemier: Yeah, I was just wondering why last year all that money is rolled over, and now all of the sudden it's back up to where it is, where it was in the past? Anyway, I just got some unanswered questions, and I'm going to vote no on it when it comes to me. I don't feel comfortable with it. Councilmember Raben: I think I understand your question, and I think a lot of it is because of state cutbacks. There are more people that have come to this program, If I'm not mistaken. I think that would answer your question. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I just wanted to comment, and with respect to my colleague, Mr. Bassemier, in terms of daycare's scattered around the city, and that is that low income housing is also scattered now. If you go to the eastside, I don't want to name any particular apartment complexes, but a number of those on the eastside, certain ones, are section eight housing. They are subsidized housing. What used to be called Luther Village, is subsidized housing for older people. So, over the years, there's been a dramatic change in where that housing is. That's probably why you're seeing it. I don't disagree with you at all on a better tracking system, or whatever you want to call that. I think that may very well be a good idea. That's my only difference. Councilmember Bassemier: Thank you, sir. Councilmember Hoy: Thank you. Councilmember Sutton: Mr. President? President Winnecke: Yes, sir. Councilmember Sutton: I think this whole issue and the way it is bubbled up to the top...the concern which is really good, I think, this has been a silent issue in this community for quite a while. It's taken these past few days to really make people aware of just how important daycare is for working families, whether it's two parents, one parent households, whatever the case. I think the county has done a great job in trying to be pro-active on this issue. We also need the involvement of employers in this community. Because really this is how the initiative started. If they went to the employers and the employers basically have not responded to that, and Councilman Hoy has made the point several times over in this body about the wage rates and how that has an effect upon working families. So, the county has done a great job in really getting this ball rolling. I would like the city to get on board, and private employers as well. Perhaps maybe that might be a question we ask tax abatement requests when they come up here in terms of how they are addressing the child care issue among their workforce. President Winnecke: Valid points. Okay, Mr. Raben, the Auditor brings up a good point. Would you like to amend your motion to correct the name also? Councilmember Raben: I can, Initiative Based Assistance, right? Councilmember Sutton: There you go. Councilmember Raben: I will amend my motion that line 3111 be changed to Initiative Based Assistance Program, in lieu of Welfare to Work. President Winnecke: Okay, roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: I'm comfortable with the $400,000, and would hope that the city would jump aboard to bring us up higher than that. I think that's been clearly stated, so I vote, no. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: I'll take the 500, yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I'll take the 500 too, yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, I would certainly encourage the City Council to jump aboard, and if they offer any relief we can certainly make those adjustments. Until they do so, you know, they've had the opportunity once and they opted not to. I'm going to vote that we set this in at 500, yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: No. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 4-3/Councilmembers Tornatta, Bassemier, Wortman opposed.) Councilmember Raben: Okay- President Winnecke: Do you want to add the line item, Jim? Councilmember Raben: Oh, excuse me. Mr. President, I'll make a motion that we create a new line, 3113 to read Other Capital Projects, and that line be set in at zero. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING FUND Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 194, Convention Center Operating Fund, Mr. President. I will move this budget be approved as listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. Councilmember Hoy: Mr. President? President Winnecke: Yes. Councilmember Hoy: I'm going to vote yes on this. I'm not questioning the motion at all. At some point I would like to...I need to wait for the Auditor, because it's a request from the Auditor. I supported this building. I still support this building. It's a good, we're talking about the Centre, and the Convention Center we have some other votes attaching to that. My question, somehow I would like to see what this thing is really costing us, and how much income is coming in? Because we set some pretty high expectations, and I didn't expect to see us reach those in a short time. I would like to see us begin to approach those. I know the Convention & Visitor's Bureau is working very hard on sales. I think they've got some great conventions coming in. That's going to help. I'm concerned about how heavy an expense that is, in terms of what we're getting out of it. Suzanne Crouch: So, would you like the past five years revenues and expenditures, and year to date? Councilmember Hoy: Yeah, just in the simplest terms, if you don't mind. Suzanne Crouch: Okay. Councilmember Hoy: Thank you. Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, before we take a vote on this I would really like to amend my motion. There is a line, that I'm sure some of you will go along with, that I've neglected and noticed. Utilities and Gas. I believe that line could probably be set in at $90,000. So, I would like to amend my motion to read account 3205, Utilities and Gas, $90,000, all other accounts as they are listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Questions or discussion? Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Okay you said 3203, $90,000. Okay, and that's going to cut that in half? Councilmember Raben: The suggested...the requested figure was $120,000 for- Councilmember Tornatta: I'm looking at the wrong line. Councilmember Raben: -Utilities and Gas. Councilmember Tornatta: It's 3205, okay, alright. President Winnecke: I'm sorry, questions? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) THE CENTRE Councilmember Raben: Okay Mr. President, page 119. President Winnecke: Okay, after this we're going to take a very brief break. Councilmember Raben: Okay, I'm going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) President Winnecke: Okay, let's take a ten minute break, please. We'll reconvene at 1:25. TAPE CHANGE RIVERBOAT (CONTINUED) Councilmember Tornatta: Mr. President? President Winnecke: Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: I'd like to go back, if I may. President Winnecke: You may. Councilmember Tornatta: To the Work Based Initiative...where are we at? Councilmember Sutton: Initiative Based. Councilmember Tornatta: Initiative Based Assistance. Councilmember Sutton: Program. Councilmember Tornatta: Program. President Winnecke: Page 132. Councilmember Raben: You want to move to reopen? Councilmember Tornatta: I would move that we reopen that budget at this time. Councilmember Raben: I'll second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second to reopen the Initiative Based Assistance Program line item. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: I have no problem with it, yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: No. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion carried 6-1/Councilmember Wortman opposed) Councilmember Tornatta: Okay. At this time we have set in zero in line item 3111. It is my intent that we have ample funding for next year in that line item. It is not to set that line item in at zero, and the no vote was not to set it in at zero. However, it was originally stated on the budget that that line item would be at $400,000. I anticipate that the city will react favorably with coming in with funds to help offset some of the costs of this program. I think in past Councils they might not have been willing to take on that initiative with the county, but I think that it is very important to their constituents that they come about and join in progress. However, as not to set this at zero, I would open up this account and make a motion that it be set in at $450,000, and if the city comes in, then we have the opportunity to move that into other areas, move a portion of the 450 into other areas. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President? President Winnecke: Mr. Raben? Councilmember Raben: That was a motion. Let me second the motion to get it on the floor with a question. I am somewhat confused - President Winnecke: Can we clarify why we're coming back to it please? Councilmember Raben: Well yeah, but let me ask this question first, because I'm confused based on what you just said. You keep referring to line being set in at zero. The initial vote was taken for $500,000. When he's referring to the line being set in at zero, it wasn't until the break that our Council attorney reminded us, or has advised us that because we are increasing that line, that it requires five votes. So that's where Councilman Tornatta is going with all this. So, if anyone else would like to comment, but your motion is to set it in at 400? Or set in at 500? Councilmember Tornatta: I would make a motion to set it in at 450, in good faith, to come between those two marks. However, I think the city is going to step up and prove that they want to help us with this program. So, in doing that, I want to allow some space for them to come in and help us with the program, and also allow for us to have in our other line items 3110 and 3112, to have ample funding in both those line items. Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, I may ask our attorney, can I withdraw my second? Jeff Ahlers: Sure, I suppose you can. Councilmember Raben: Okay, at this time I would like to withdraw my second for the simple reasoning that there were people in the audience here today for the sole purpose of that budget, and it was impressed upon them, when they left this room, that the budget was established and set in at $500,000. For them to walk away and find otherwise, I think, would be wrong for this body. So, that's why I'm withdrawing my second motion to his motion, because it is my intent to keep that line set in at $500,000. Councilmember Tornatta: And it is my intent to go to the city and try to get money in this Initiative Based Program. Councilmember Sutton: With that in mind, just as a suggestion to the motion maker and the potential seconder of the motion, would we consider looking at putting in, because we don't really know , there's some unknowns here, and the motion for $500,000 failed. Look at $500,001 in that budget item to move it forward? That's my suggestion toward the maker of the motion, and the potential seconder of the motion, however that might be. Councilmember Raben: We've had to do that before, and I would certainly, that would be fine with me. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier wants to confuse us further, go ahead. Councilmember Bassemier: I'd like to withdraw my motion to open it back up, if we're going back. I want to - Councilmember Sutton: You've already - President Winnecke: We've already voted on that. Councilmember Bassemier: I know, but - Councilmember Sutton: You missed that boat. We're on another boat right now. Councilmember Raben: I would second Councilman Sutton's - Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, let me say this. If it would be, I think it would be in the interest of the county, I think it would be, if I were to go at the $500,001, would we be opposed to anything over that amount? Looking to take back some of our dollars out of the Work Based Initiative and put it into funds, whether it be any of the three that we put and one set in at zero? Would we be opposed to that? Councilmember Sutton: Well, I think we put the ball in the Commissioners' court, and that is to find as many means possible, as many avenues possible, to see if they find a way to offset the funds, I think we would never , I don't think we would put ourselves in a position of saying no to a request where we were spending out less, and if other people are willing to share in that cost, whether it's private or public, I couldn't see us, this body, turning it down, if the Commissioners brought an appropriation request in that fashion to us. I mean, I don't want to speak for the Commissioners, but I don't see why that would be an issue. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Where are we at now? President Winnecke: We're - Councilmember Bassemier: (Inaudible - microphone not turned on) President Winnecke: We're preparing
for a motion.
Councilmember Raben: I've withdrawn my second, but there's still a motion on the floor. Councilmember Tornatta: Alright, my motion will be rescinded, and I will call that we make a motion for $501,000 set in line item 3111 - President Winnecke: $500,001. Councilmember Tornatta: $500,001, sorry, set in the line item, and then to anything over that amount, then could be into the discretion of the county. Not saying that this is all supposed to go into this one line item. President Winnecke: There's a motion and, I believe, Royce, did you second that? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. That got a little confusing at the end there. President Winnecke: Okay, any other discussion before we take yet another vote? Councilmember Wortman: What about the 3113, is this involved in this motion at all? President Winnecke: No sir. Councilmember Wortman: Okay, thank you. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I want to make sure that I got - the motion is for $500,001- Councilmember Tornatta: Correct. Councilmember Hoy: - in that line? Okay, thank you. Councilmember Tornatta: I do not want to give the false impression that everything that goes in that line item is for the Workforce Initiative. I think that one of the things that we've done before is we've told Lieberman and Associates that they're promised so much money, and they're trying to budget those monies out over the course of the year, and then if we decided to take that money back, I did not want all the money allocated for that over that $500,001. I guess, that's where I'm going. President Winnecke: I hear what you're saying, but I don't think I'm understanding what you're saying. Councilmember Tornatta: I don't want to get them in a crunch like they are now. I don't want to pull money from that account. That's my main concern. I do not want to pull money from that 3111 account so that they are hung up like they are now. I don't think that's a great way of doing business. President Winnecke: Well, in fact, we've not pulled money from that account. Over the years, money from that account has not been encumbered, so its gone into the General Fund, but no one has pulled money when it was budgeted for that during a fiscal year for something else. Councilmember Tornatta: The money, the money was meant for that account. The money was set in for that account, and it can be encumbered for that account. And I think that that's all the money that we've given them. Yet we pulled $323,000 from them this year that was supposed to go to that account. And it wasn't - it was supposed to be encumbered in that account. And that's what I do not want to do this year with this next budget. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes, the problem is that it is not the responsibility nor even in any way, shape or form for us to encumber funds. It is the responsibility - it was the responsibility for that program to ask for those funds to be encumbered and they did not do that. I believe the Commissioners have said that as well, is that Lieberman and Associates didn't encumber the money. So, that really wasn't our fault they didn't encumber it. They could have, and should have, perhaps. The other thing that I think they need, should we vote this, and I hope we do the $500,001, that's hard to say, should we vote for this, then we need to be real clear with Lieberman and Associates, should the Commissioners continue the contract with them, because they set the contract with them, and that is they need to apportion that out over the year, because they're going to get more demands than they have money. So, that's their responsibility to manage the account, and not ours. If they spend it in six months, then its spent. Then we're going to come back next year, and I don't want to look like a bad guy, because we said you've got half a million dollars plus one, and you know, look like the bad guy saying, well, we're going to pull all these kids out of childcare. They must manage it. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: We're not the bad guys here. We didn't turn this money back in. They didn't use it. But I know one thing, if we vote on $501,000 for this program, we will not get any monies out of the city for helping us out on this program. I'm going to vote no. President Winnecke: And to clarify, it's $500,001. Councilmember Bassemier: Correct, sorry. President Winnecke: That's alright. Okay, roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: No. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 5-2/Councilmembers Bassemier & Wortman opposed) President Winnecke: The motion does pass at $500,001. Thank you, Mr. Tornatta. SUPERINTENDENT OF COUNTY BUILDINGS Councilmember Raben: Okay, now back to... President Winnecke: 97. Councilmember Raben: Page 97, Superintendent of County Buildings. First, Mr. President, I'm going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF & Insurance, be set in at our September 4th meeting. Extra Help, account 1990, $8,000; 2210, Gas & Oil, $750; account 3200 ,Utilities, $50,000; 3510, Other Operating, $1,000; 3530, Contractual, $10,000; 3550, $15,000; 4128, Court Building Security, zero, and would request that the Building Authority pick up the tab on that, and it's my understanding that they're giving that consideration right now. So, all other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Just as a point of clarification, on line item 4128 Building-Court Security, the intent is to have the Building Authority pick up the cost of that $50,000 request there? Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Raben: I might add that this vote will require five votes as well, because we are increasing the budget. Councilmember Tornatta: Yes, I believe that it was put in at $1,500 this year, and I know that's an increase, but they have required additional training in order to satisfy that position. I know we're trying to cut where we can, but I'm not sure that he's over budgeted in that area. I think that he does have additional areas - I'm their liaison - I think he does have additional issues that he has to maintain in training. Councilmember Raben: Okay, he'll probably, it's very possible he could encumber some monies out of that account this year to make up the difference. President Winnecke: He hasn't spent any money yet this year. Other questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY HIGHWAY Councilmember Raben: Okay, County Highway, page 133. Mr. President, I'm going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be set in at our September the 4th meeting. Moving down to the 3000 accounts, 3010 ,Other Insurance, should read $326,640. All other accounts as they listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: What was that figure? Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: $326,640. Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Troy? Councilmember Tornatta: I looked at the Telephone line and from past expenses, it looks like you could cut $1,800 out of that line. Councilmember Raben: I would like to amend my motion to set 3140 Telephone in at $6,000. President Winnecke: Who made the second? Councilmember Wortman: I did. President Winnecke: Mr. Wortman, is that alright with you? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. President Winnecke: Line item 3140 set in at $6,000. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Councilmember Raben: Mr. President,
I had neglected one adjustment that - well, we can speak to that September
the 4th, so let's go on.
CUMULATIVE BRIDGE Councilmember Raben: Cum Bridge Fund, page 139. Okay, all salary lines, including FICA, PERF & Insurance, be adjusted at our September the 4th final budget hearing. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 lines as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) LOCAL ROADS & STREETS Councilmember Raben: Local Roads & Streets, 155. Councilmember Tornatta: Mr. President? Kind of before we get into this budget, this has something to do with the revenue side, and a question I posed to the Auditor and the Council President and not getting a clear answer to some of the COIT monies. I just posed these questions and read them on record, and then respectfully, your responses at any time would be appreciated. Number one, who decides how much COIT money is allocated to Local Roads & Streets Fund? Two, who directs the change in allocation of the COIT money distribution? Three, if the Council directs a change, when do we do so? And four, is the Commissioners Local Roads & Streets related to the amount of COIT they will receive? And if you could just, it doesn't have to be now, but at some time answer those questions and get with me, I'd appreciate it. President Winnecke: Do you want them now? Councilmember Tornatta: That's fine. President Winnecke: Mr. Ahlers, would you like to... Jeff Ahlers: Yeah, I'd be happy to respond. I know this has come up several times and there have been some questions, and so we checked into that. So, to get you an answer on all these, issues and put them to rest. First of all, in terms of the way the County Option Income Tax works, a County Council can vote on the allocation of COIT at budget time, but if they don't, then the way that the procedure works with the state with regard to COIT, that the Auditor works with the state to make sure that the budget is fully funded, and then the state would have to approve that. In other words, if County Council, you all are free to do that here at budget time, to make a vote to allocate the COIT funds. If you don't do so, then it is for the fiscal officer, the Auditor to then look at the budget, determine where COIT funds need to go in order to fully fund those budgets, make those recommendations to the state, and then the state will approve those. And in talking to the state, I found out that there are many occasions that Councils do not vote on the allocation of COIT funds for a myriad of reasons, sometimes it comes down to fact that with the way assessment have been working, and when you get your tax levies and things like that, sometimes that information is not available to you now to know what funds are available to know where to allocate them. So, a lot of times that's why it's done later. After the budget is approved by the state, there's no changes in the distribution of the COIT without action by the County Council. Historically, this County Council, and we've gone back and I think for almost two decades, regardless of who controls the Council, has not voted at budget time to allocate the COIT funds, that that's traditionally been done with the Auditor and the state, but that you are free to do that. As I said, you can also direct a change in the allocation of COIT monies and, for example, this County Council has done that within the past year. For example, when you voted to set aside whatever it was, a couple of million dollars for the Jail Project, that was COIT money, and you made a motion and was voted on by this entire County Council to redirect and distribute COIT monies for that specific purpose and fund-- Councilmember Tornatta: Now is that - that's COIT Windfall, and is that all the same? I mean, COIT, the COIT and the COIT Windfall are all the same? Suzanne Crouch: Correct. It's all
COIT money.
Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, well I was understanding that the Windfall was from a separate- Suzanne Crouch: It was a special distribution, because the state budget agency had determined that counties...they evaluated their account balances and if they were in excess of three or six months they made an allocation of excess COIT to those counties that had a surplus. Councilmember Tornatta: Because I know that this year in the jail fund we put the COIT Windfall money set aside in the jail fund. Suzanne Crouch: No, that is regular COIT money. The COIT Windfall is in that separate COIT Windfall account that you just appropriated money for the jail...for the University Parkway out of. President Winnecke: Land. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, in the minutes it does mention COIT Windfall would go to that account. I'm just saying that's how it was presented is the COIT Windfall money would go in that $2.7 million set aside. If you read the minutes you'll find that. I'm just saying that's how it was presented so that's how I take it. Jeff Ahlers: At any rate, the only point I'm making is that you can redistribute COIT, if it is available, at any time during a budget year, provided that it is there. County Council can vote on that, if they didn't do it at budget time, or even if it did. If the money is there and it doesn't create a problem in other areas of the budget, this Council is able to vote to do that. In terms of, I think, I have answered your first three questions, on your fourth question is the Commissioners' Local Roads and Streets budget related to the amount of COIT? They will receive, not necessarily, in fact, when I talked to the state I found out that a majority of counties, in fact, put all of their COIT in the General Fund. They said that it was a rarity, and we may be one of the only counties that puts any money in Local Roads and Streets. That most counties need it for their general operating budget, and that a lot of times that is where it goes. However, you can direct that and, in fact, in the past in the absence of the Council voting, you know, the County Auditor in conjunction with the state has looked to see whether or not there are other places besides the General Fund, such as Local Roads and Streets, that require COIT money to be fully funded. In fact, we have done that over the past years to fully fund what the Commissioners requested in those budgets. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, and then I just bring a parallel to '98 COIT monies were at $2.5 million; in '99, $3 million; in 2000, $3 million; in 2001 $3 million. However, in 2002 only $1 million, and, I guess, I want to know the parallel between the COIT money distribution and the amount of money needed to satisfy that fund? I don't see a parallel there. I see differences in the amount that is requested and the amount that is funded in these funds, and it is funny how it was $3 million each year. So, I am just trying to make a parallel there. Suzanne Crouch: Certainly, and as I had indicated previously, the budget for Local Roads and Streets increased over a million dollars over that period of time, and then over the last two years it has decreased by $500,000. At budget time I conversed, as we had indicated earlier, with the Treasurer on their revenues, and I conversed with the County Engineer on their projects in terms of where they are and where the future projects are and what types of funding is going to be needed. If you also look COIT has varied anywhere from $1 million to $349 or $3 million to $349,000 depending upon what the needs are at budget time. Then depending upon what the needs are during the budget year, I believe, there was one year where Council actually directed, became in dire financial straits, the county did, and Council actually directed that money that had been allocated for Local Roads and Streets be diverted back to the General Fund. So, that is a decision that Council can make at any point in time. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Was that not the year that we- Suzanne Crouch: That was before my time. Councilmember Hoy: Oh, was that before you. Oh, okay, then I'm thinking- Suzanne Crouch: I think it was in your time. Councilmember Hoy: It was. It was in my time, and that is when the Commissioners voted the CCD Fund, and thought that the CCD money would come off the top, and it came out of the bottom. So, we were hard pressed to find a half million dollars, and we had to go to that COIT money and get that so we could keep operating. That's history. The second piece of history is, and ,Madam Auditor, correct me if I am incorrect, is that, the COIT Windfall, is something that we will experience one time and one time only? Is that not correct? Suzanne Crouch: Actually, this is the second time you've experienced it. Councilmember Hoy: Is it? Okay. Suzanne Crouch: In 1995, if you recall, you did have a COIT Windfall distribution. That was the first time that had happened, and I believe the county at that time set aside the money and used it for the Azteca bond issue. You cannot- Councilmember Hoy: You can't plan on it. Suzanne Crouch: And that is why this Council prudently set that money aside. Not all Councils did that, and those that did not do it used it for their general operating expenses, and that, in lieu of this economic climate, is going to create some real problems for them. Councilmember Tornatta: Right, and that is why I bring it about. It was sold to me as the COIT Windfall, and as a one time thing, therefore I had no...I was perfectly fine with setting that aside in the jail project, trying to be frugal on how we set aside money and not get out of our...or try and pull that out of our General Fund. If we're going to get tying off funds, so that is where I came back, and in the minutes it was sold as a COIT Windfall. Councilmember Hoy: Yeah, that's why I commented on it, because it has always been a confusing fund. Let the record also state that I am considerably older than the Auditor. President Winnecke: Okay, we're going to move, just one comment, and then we're going to move on. Councilmember Sutton: Just kind of FYI, just kind of from our Farm Bureau book, it does go into an explanation about COIT. So, if you guys have a copy of that with you, or you may want to, it's on page 5. It gives you some really good information. It basically says that: "The COIT Income Tax Council or COIT Council established, members of the fiscal body of the county, the fiscal body of each city or town that lies either partially or entirely within that county Council can impose COIT, rescind COIT, increase COIT rate, freeze COIT rate and increase homestead credit. The law does not provide for lowering the COIT rate. The County Auditor allocates 100 votes among COIT Council members based on percentages which its population bears to the total population of the county. Proposed ordinances and voting to impose, increase, freeze or rescind COIT, COIT Council must after January 1st, but not before April 1st of the year pass an ordinance to accomplish the same. The ordinance will be effective on July 1st of that same year. Any member of the COIT Council may propose an ordinance by passing a resolution. A copy of the resolution proposing the ordinance is then given to the County Auditor who shall then within 10 days deliver copies of the proposed ordinance to all other members of the COIT Council. The other members of the COIT Council must then vote on it within 30 days of receipt. If a member does not vote on it within 30 days then the member is treated as having voted against the proposed ordinance." It goes on to give you just a general idea of how that is structured and what the County Council's role is, the County Auditor's role is. So like I said if you don't have a copy of that it would be very helpful information about it. President Winnecke: Thank you. We're going to move on. Councilmember Hoy: May I? Mrs. Deig, do we not receive enough copies of this or how do we get this? Sandie Deig: No. We've called and requested them, and it will be about two weeks before we get them in. Councilmember Hoy: But they will send enough for all of us to have one? Sandie Deig: I have requested enough for all Councilmembers. Councilmember Hoy: Thank you very much. Councilmember Raben: That just got you off the hook. Councilmember Hoy: Got me off the hook? President Winnecke: Yeah, we're going to change tapes right now. TAPE CHANGE LOCAL ROADS AND STREETS President Winnecke: Let's go to Local Roads and Streets. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Local Roads and Streets, page 155. The first item is 3481, Traffic Department, the correct figure is $176,032. Page 156, 4741 Eickhoff-Koressel, that line, or that amount has already been funded this year by this Council, so that line can be set in at zero. 4827, zero, and I would like to encourage the Commissioners to get with the Department of Metropolitan Development, and look at extending the TIF area if they have future interest in seeing that extension through, and that's my recommendation. Line 4920 Green River Road, $500,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Tornatta: Have we talked to the Commissioners at all about raising that to $500,000? And if that's even needed in that fund? Councilmember Raben: No, I personally haven't, unless their liaison has, but I would certainly, I'll be happy to amend my motion to cut it to $300,000, if that's what you are requesting. Councilmember Tornatta: Well I just, I don't know, I think it's in good faith that that was done. I just don't know what that money is going to at this point. Councilmember Raben: It could probably work for any future engineering work and what have you. So, again I'm comfortable with putting $500,000. That will get them a long way on engineering work. Councilmember Sutton: At our meeting last week I asked for some information on that Lynch Road extension, and if we've researched to see if there would pose any issues with extending that TIF district. In particular tax abatements that may be in that general area that would impede us from actually being able to do that. Councilmember Raben: I might answer that Royce. In finding that answer, I guess, it creates two problems, one is how far are you going to extend that district? You know, and where are you going to extend it to? I don't think we were able to come up with any actual abated properties in and around this new extension, but, you know, it would greatly depend upon the Department of Metropolitan Development in terms of how large an area they extend. I mean, it's possible, if they get beyond this area right here, that you could run into other areas where there are abatements, but, again, that's a call that would really have to be made by them. Councilmember Sutton: Then, I guess, the other thing, the amount that is, I guess, available in the TIF right now is like $5,300,000 unused- Councilmember Raben: I think it's actually $4,500,000. I may have quoted that to you, but I think it's $4,500,000. Councilmember Tornatta: Can we set that 4827 aside? President Winnecke: Lynch Road Extension. Jim, would you amend your motion to that? Councilmember Raben: I guess, we can, yeah, we've done that. We've certainly done that enough today, I'll be happy to. Councilmember Tornatta: Everything but 4827, if you can. Councilmember Raben: Yeah, I'll amend my motion to exclude line 4827. President Winnecke: Curt, is that alright with you? Councilmember Wortman: Yeah. President Winnecke: Okay, roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier:: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Councilmember Raben: Okay, line 1427, zero. I'm not going to hit on the explanation that I've already presented. Councilmember Wortman: You mean 4827. Councilmember Raben: Excuse me, line 4827. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah, because I don't think I have enough information about if this TIF will work or not, I will abstain. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yeah, I just want to encourage us to keep working on the information we need to gather about this project. I hate to vote, I guess, zero for it, but, I guess, really, at this point in time, it's really the more appropriate thing to do, so, yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier:: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Well, I'll refrain
from making my sprawl statement, but drive out to St. Joe and Diamond extension,
tell me what's there? Tell me why we can't do development on those old
corners, and why are we extending? We've got all kinds of vacant spaces,
but I'll vote yes on this.
Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: I'll also vote yes, and to make you feel better about what you've preached for so long, I made a comment on the sixth floor or the fifth floor, what is your office, Royce? Councilmember Sutton: Fifth floor. Councilmember Raben: Fifth floor at Fifth Third, or third of a fifth, whatever - President Winnecke: Okay, I'm drawing the line there, just get on with your speech. Councilmember Raben: But, during a break from our six hour meeting that he and President Lloyd and I had Saturday reviewing this budget, I made that comment that view, you would love to see that view from the fifth floor because you look down over about three vacant city blocks that would be prime for the baseball stadium, or any development, any manufacturing, anything. I mean, the infrastructure is there, we just need to build on vacant lots. If that makes you feel better, but my vote is yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 6-0/Councilmember Tornatta abstains) BURDETTE PARK Councilmember Raben: Okay, next is Burdette Park, 121. First I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th meeting. Account 1230-1450, Maintenance Carpenter, it's a new request, zero. Moving down to the 2000 accounts, starting with 2210, Gas & Oil $8,000. 2310, Laundry & Cleaning $9,000. 2500, $2,000. 2550, $4,000. 2730, $12,000. 3200, $100,000. 3371, zero. 3372, zero. Page 124, 3520, $18,000. 3580, $8,500. 3590, excuse me, that stays as it is listed. Moving down to the 4000 accounts, 4110, $4,900. 4120, zero, that has been moved to the CCD, and we've already voted and approved that. 4230, Motor Vehicles, zero. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: So motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Hoy: I just have a comment. President Winnecke: Yes sir. Councilmember Hoy: I talked to Mr. Craig during the break, and there's some confusion over whether or not people who park their vehicles, their RV's and etcetera, he says they don't get a swimming pass every day. So, I wanted to correct the record on that. They do get one free pass, but there is some confusion as to what they get, and I don't want that to stay on the record as being clarified. President Winnecke: Mr. Tornatta, did you have something? Councilmember Tornatta: No. President Winnecke: Okay. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Councilmember Raben: Okay, Co-Op Extension Service, page 76. I will move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th meeting. 1990, Extra Help, the correct figure is $6,240. 2600, Office Supplies, $5,000. 3130, Travel & Mileage, $6,000. 3310, Training, $500. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) LEGAL AID Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, page 127, Legal Aid, or excuse me, 126, Legal Aid. I'm going to first move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: I hate that Ms. Hartig sat here, excuse me, Summers-Hartig, sat here that long, and we didn't make any changes, but, it's good to know the process. Yes. President Winnecke: I'm sure she'll get over it. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) LEGAL AID/UNITED WAY Councilmember Raben: Okay, United Way/Legal Aid, page 198. Again, I'll move that salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance will be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) 911 Councilmember Raben: Page 187, 911. Account 3890, Central Dispatch, $559,594. $559,594, and I make that in the form of a motion. All other accounts as they are listed. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: This is addressed to our legal counsel. Do we need five votes for this? Jeff Ahlers: Yes. Councilmember Hoy: Thank you. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMISSION Councilmember Raben: Okay, Local Emergency Planning, page 185. I'll move that all accounts be adopted as they are listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) LOCAL DRUG FREE COMMUNITY Councilmember Raben: Last, but not least, Local Drug Free Community. I'll move that this budget be adopted as it is listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) President Winnecke: That concludes today's budget business. As promised, I would like to give an opportunity to anyone who came to speak to Welfare to Work, understanding that there is no action that we can take today to affect this year's budget. If anyone would like to come forward and speak, now is the opportunity. If you could state your name for the record please. Mia Dix: Mia, M-i-a, last name is Dix, D-i-x. Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman of the Council, and Mr. President. My name is Mia Dix, and I am a real estate agent with Hahn Realty. I am a single parent, and I'm also a full time student out at the University of Southern Indiana. I just, I don't think I will be able to attend the September 4th meeting, but I wanted to put this note in your ear that I am a participant of this program, and I can't explain to you how valuable it is to me. Sometimes, like I will be in my second year, my first year it meant sometimes whether or not I was going to pay my electricity bill, or we were going to get food in our home, you know. This program, I found out through the University of Southern Indiana, and I can't express to you how helpful it is to me. I work very hard, but, unfortunately, in real estate, you don't get paid unless you sell something. Right now, some of our sales are far, few, and in between. I try to make money in other ways, but it's just, I can't afford to pay the cost of very reputable, good daycare costs good money. You know, I pay $130 a week in child care, and I don't even think that's enough. You know, these girls are making like $6.00 an hour, and they are taking care of my baby. You know, they're taking, they're feeding my child, changing my child, and loving him. The place that he goes now, my first two experiences were horrible. The first one I had to get the police involved. The first two times my child went to daycare. The place that he is at now is wonderful. These girls, I know that they love my kid. He wants to go there. He, when I drop him off he says, good-bye. That, to me, is a wonderful thing. I just want to impress upon you that I know that you guys are struggling, where did this money go administrative wise? And, you know, who's going to step up to help and administer this program? But just keep in mind, that there are real people in the background that if they don't have this wonderful program in tact, they are going to lose their job, they may have to take their child out of, you know, a very nice daycare that is more costly, and put them somewhere that's less costly, and they may or may not be as well taken care of. So, please keep that in mind, and I urge you to, you know, have open hearts, and just note that this is a wonderful program, and, you know, I'm just thanking God that it's out there, and that we can use it. You know, I'm not on any other program. This is the only one that I use. It's wonderful. Hopefully, someday when I graduate, and I'm making the big dollars, I'll donate to organizations like this. Somehow, someway, but, please keep in mind that this is a wonderful program, and I don't know how you can fix it, administrative wise, but don't cut, don't, you know, let it keep going. My daycare itself is going to lose 65 kids when this Gatekeeper Program shuts down, supposedly at the end of this week, or something to that effect. They are going to lose 65 kids right off the bat, and when Step Ahead supposedly gets shut down in October, I'm not sure if these dates are right, they are going to lose quite a bit more, and that is going to enable them to stay in business. I love this place, and I don't want him to stop going there. So, please just keep that in mind. Thank you for hearing me. President Winnecke: Thank you, Mia. Commissioner Fanello has something to present to us too. Catherine Fanello: Thank you, Councilman Winnecke. Catherine Fanello, County Commissioner. This morning I was approached in my office by five women who have gathered petitions for the County Council to reinstate funding for the remainder of this year. As you know, at the County Commission last night, all three Commissioners did vote to file an additional appropriation for $200,000. Philip Lieberman agreed to lower his administrative fees from 15% to 12%. Commissioner Mosby requested that we go back and ask for a reduction to 10%, and I will have that conversation with Mr. Lieberman. So, I deliver these petitions to you. It was also requested, and it was asked that I do state it in a public meeting by one of the mothers, that they would like a special meeting of some type, if it's doable, and you would have to check with your County Attorney, or Council Attorney, they would like a special meeting for you to take up the additional appropriation before September 4th, so that the mothers do not have to get off the program. So, I'm delivering these petitions to you, and would appreciate that you take that into consideration. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Hi. Is there a chance that we can get special rates from the daycare centers since we're giving them more business, or is that you're asking the administrators, what about the daycare centers? Can we get a special rate from them? Catherine Fanello: Well, Councilman Bassemier, not that I'm aware of. Mr. Heck did quote to me that the average cost per child for child care is $77 per week, so- Councilmember Bassemier: Okay, and hers is- Catherine Fanello: -and it just varies between, varies between different child care providers. Councilmember Bassemier: Okay, hers was $120, is that correct? Catherine Fanello: Yeah, some of them were $120. That was quoted to me, yes. Councilmember Bassemier: Okay. Councilmember Sutton: The petitions that you have, Commissioner Fanello- Catherine Fanello: Yes. Councilmember Sutton: -how many do you have there? Commissioner Fanello: Oh, I don't know, she- Councilmember Sutton: And what is that? Catherine Fanello: -delivered them to me before the, right before the budget meeting- Councilmember Sutton: Yeah. Catherine Fanello: -and some were delivered to me when I was on break. So, I'm not exactly sure how many we have here. Councilmember Sutton: Okay, are they from daycare providers? Are they from users? Catherine Fanello: They are from daycare providers and users. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. President Winnecke: Mr. Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Were you finished? President Winnecke: We are now. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. President Winnecke: Sorry. Councilmember Sutton: The President of this body does have the ability to call a special session. I think it's 48 hours notice, would that be correct? Jeff Ahlers: There is, but because of the fact, that's what I was just talking to Mr. Winnecke about, because this would involve an appropriation, sometimes we've had special meetings to like vote on a tax abatement, or something like that, and you're not appropriating money, 48 hours is sufficient. I think that, probably, to be safe, I had suggested that if the Council wants to consider this at the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting, as opposed to waiting until September 4th, that you make a motion to instruct the Auditor to advertise this appropriation immediately, and notice it up for that meeting, if that can be done. Councilmember Sutton: The time required, under normal standards, to advertise, how long does that need? At what- Jeff Ahlers: Normally, I believe that the Auditor, it's ten day, isn't it? Isn't that what you do? Suzanne Crouch: Yes. Jeff Ahlers: Yeah, you need ten days, so that's what I would suggest. Suzanne Crouch: But, we need three days- Jeff Ahlers: Now, there are ways that, I guess, the Commissioners, or I can dig into the statutes, there are ways to make emergency appropriations. Whether this fits into an emergency, most of the times you think of that when we have disasters or something, but sometimes it can fit in there, but I think there's sufficient time, if you guys want to make a motion today that you've got your ten days, and we don't need to go to that. If, you know, you want to do a special. Councilmember Sutton: Ten, is that ten business days? Or ten calendar days? Jeff Ahlers: Just ten days. Councilmember Sutton: Okay, then that will put us on the 23rd, which would be next Friday, if we were to go at ten days. If we wait until our next Personnel Finance meeting- President Winnecke: The 28th. Councilmember Sutton: -that would be the 28th. So, what is the, in terms of the dollars that are remaining in the fund, when do they anticipate that those funds will be totally depleted? Catherine Fanello: I believe, I think they sent notices out- President Winnecke: They sent them out Saturday. Catherine Fanello: -yes, so, by the end of this week, or by the end of next week. President Winnecke: They thought for, roughly speaking, over a two week period of time. Councilmember Sutton: I mean, my recommendation is that we go ahead and call a special meeting within the legally, legal advertising period of time, which would put the meeting at next Friday, the 23rd. That would be my recommendation. I don't know if I could put a motion on the floor to that affect. Jeff Ahlers: The only thing I'll tell you is, it's not a legal problem, except to the extent, I guess, our newspaper left us. President Winnecke: No, she's back there. Jeff Ahlers: Oh, okay, the problem we have is it's ten days notice, but the newspaper always requires us to give them three days notice, so it really turns into 13. Catherine Fanello: I mean, how can you give an extra notice that's not required by statute? Jeff Ahlers: Do what? Catherine Fanello: How are you required to give extra notice if it's not required by statute? Jeff Ahlers: It's not. It's a matter of when the newspaper will publish it. In other words, if we give them something today, that doesn't mean they will run it tomorrow. They, I believe, the Auditor can speak to that. Catherine Fanello: But, you, the newspaper, I don't, is it only, can you only advertise with the newspaper. I mean, the newspaper is the only medium, it doesn't count that you send it towards all- Jeff Ahlers: No, that's like- Catherine Fanello: Okay. Jeff Ahlers: -there are certain things you can...in terms of, that's what I was getting at, you can call the meeting with 48 hours notice, but the problem becomes on appropriations they have to be advertised. You know, how we do every month. Catherine Fanello: Uh-huh. Jeff Ahlers: So, but, I mean, tell me if I'm wrong, but if you guys get the money by the end of the month, like on that P&F meeting, then isn't that fine? Or is that not? Catherine Fanello: No, because- Jeff Ahlers: Tell me if I'm wrong. Catherine Fanello: -it requires, I believe this will go to the, I guess, it's called the Department of Government Finance now, for approval, and that usually takes, what, about two weeks after? Suzanne Crouch: Right. You know what you might consider for the sake of moving it along quickly, is to transfer money out of either Infrastructure or Economic Development, and then you could always file an appropriation to put that money back in. Catherine Fanello: Well, unfortunately, and I would have to go back to the Commission and ask them, but, unfortunately, we approved three contracts last night, so that's where that $900,000 is going to. Suzanne Crouch: We can always try to get a verbal from the State. Fax up information, and try to get a verbal. I mean, they don't like to do that, but in cases of emergency. That way their money, when Council appropriates money, then we typically have to wait until the State signs off on it. I mean, not only typically, we have to wait until the State signs off on it, and that, typically, is about a three week period. That's what Commissioner Fanello is referring to. In an instance of a dire emergency, we can try to get the, fax the information, get the State- Catherine Fanello: That has been done before. So, that may be a viable alternative. Suzanne Crouch: Uh-huh. Councilmember Sutton: Well, if we put our funds in place, I mean, I'm, like I said, I would like to see us go next Friday, but if we put our funds in place, and for the people who are working with Lieberman and his group, I mean, they could submit invoices, or whatever, to him, and then when the money comes through, then those bills would be paid. Catherine Fanello: Right. Councilmember Sutton: I mean, that happens quite often. There is a delay between the invoice and the actual payment. Catherine Fanello: You're right, I don't think we would see an influx of invoices right away. I mean, there would be a time frame in there, so. Councilmember Sutton: Right. Jeff Ahlers: I mean, I think the money would move through the channels before you got bills, wouldn't it? Councilmember Sutton: Well, I'm talking about, not with us, the invoices that Lieberman would receive- Catherine Fanello: Yeah, with Lieberman. Councilmember Sutton: -from the daycare providers. Catherine Fanello: Because, see, we pay Lieberman. He doesn't send us invoices. We just pay him directly. President Winnecke: Royce is talking about invoices from providers to Lieberman. Jeff Ahlers: Right, but I think he's got the money through the end of the year, or the end of the month. I'm, sorry. Doesn't he? Or not? Whatever you guys want me to do. If you think we need to research whether we can consider this an emergency, that's fine. Councilmember Raben: Let me ask you a question. Jeff Ahlers: If you think doing it at the Personnel and Finance will get it done, that's the easiest way to do it. Councilmember Raben: Let me ask you a question real quick, that you need to address. The Auditor brought up a good question on doing a transfer. If we really need to do something fast, and correct me if I'm wrong, but the state does not approve transfers. So, you've still got money in Economic Development that we could transfer as early as tomorrow, I believe, into that line item. I would turn to my counsel- Catherine Fanello: Well, like I said, last night- Councilmember Raben: -to look at that, if, you know, it's that urgent, we could simply do that, transfer money out of the Infrastructure account, into Welfare to Work- Catherine Fanello: Well, we, like I said- Councilmember Raben: -and probably have it as quick as tomorrow. Catherine Fanello: -like I said, what happened last night, we just approved three contracts. One of them for $500,000 for Elmridge and Congress Drainage, and we also approved two consulting contracts last night, one for RQAW, and one for American Consulting. Councilmember Raben: And what's the total on those? Catherine Fanello: I would have to...John, is John Stoll in here? I would have to get you a total on American Consulting and RQAW. Councilmember Raben: Can you get that? Because I would like to- Catherine Fanello: But, we have plans- Councilmember Raben: -I mean, we could resolve this tomorrow. Catherine Fanello: Well, well, we could solve this tomorrow, but we do have plans for that money for the rest of the year in our Infrastructure and Drainage. We've also got the Carpenter Creek that we're working on, so. You're reducing- Councilmember Raben: I think Carpenter Creek is in our budget, isn't it not? In the Cum Bridge budget? Catherine Fanello: No. You can't do drainage out of Cum Bridge. Councilmember Raben: I think it is. Hold on. Catherine Fanello: I'll have to talk to John about that, and I would have to go back to the Board of Commissioners. Now, you're talking about reducing our budget for the rest of the year for Roads and Streets. Councilmember Raben: I was just trying to get them their money before they run out of funding, and that would be a quick, easy solution that we could do. Then we're not working around the period of advertising, and filing appropriations, that would get funds in place immediately. Councilmember Sutton: I move that we set the meeting for Friday, next Friday, and make sure that we get the legal advertising in place. If, if, legal, if we can, let me back up. Let me say this again. I move that we set a special meeting as soon as legally, as we possibly can do that, starting with whatever we need to do this afternoon, with the intent of holding that meeting within the next ten days. Now, if the newspaper requires us the additional three days, we'll work around that, but that's my motion. President Winnecke: Suzanne, did you have something to say. Suzanne Crouch: We'll just need some direction from the attorney. We typically don't advertise transfers, if that's what you're wanting to do. I mean, we don't advertise transfers. They don't require state approval, but there may be some legal proceeding in terms of a special meeting, and the attorney will have to advise us on that. Councilmember Sutton: I think we're talking about an appropriation. Catherine Fanello: Yes, an additional appropriation- Councilmember Sutton: -rather than a transfer. Suzanne Crouch: Okay. Jeff Ahlers: He's talking about an appropriation. What you're saying is we need ten days plus three, is that correct? What would the thirteenth day be, Royce? Do you know. That would be the Monday, right? If you're saying Friday is ten, we would do it on Monday the- Councilmember Sutton: The 26th. Jeff Ahlers: Which is only two days before the P&F, but- President Winnecke: That just gets us two more days before the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting. Councilmember Tornatta: I would probably move that we do it on Personnel and Finance meeting. I, for one, can't be here on that Friday, so I would not be able to attend. Frog Follies are in town that weekend, and that's a- President Winnecke: Okay, we have a motion- Councilmember Hoy: But, which is more important? Councilmember Tornatta: Well- President Winnecke: We do have a motion- Catherine Fanello: The kids are more important than Frog Follies. President Winnecke: We do have a motion on the floor from Mr. Sutton to call a special meeting at the earliest legal date from today. Councilmember Sutton: Yeah. Councilmember Tornatta: Which would be? Councilmember Sutton: It's probably going to be the 26th, is what we're looking at now. Councilmember Hoy: There is no 26th Friday. Friday's the 23rd. Jeff Ahlers: That's a Monday. Catherine Fanello: Monday the 26th. Jeff Ahlers: He said the tenth day was Friday, and the newspaper requires an additional three days. Councilmember Hoy: Oh, so you're looking at the Monday? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Councilmember Tornatta: I second. President Winnecke: We have a motion and a second. Did you have a time in mind? Councilmember Sutton: Well, I think we'll kind of...we'll need to look at the calendar on when the room is available. Jeff Ahlers: For that one vote, I suppose, we could vote in a closet or something. I mean, that's all we're doing, right? Catherine Fanello: We'll let you use the Commissioner chambers. Councilmember Sutton: I don't know if we need to get down to that fine of detail. We'll just know that we're going to meet. We can figure out where and when. President Winnecke: It needs to be put in the ad. Councilmember Sutton: Let's plan for here, and just for consistencies sake, just go for 3:30, when we normally would meet. I mean, we don't necessarily have to, but I don't know what other thoughts there might be. Councilmember Tornatta: Do we meet on Wednesday? President Winnecke: Okay, so it's Monday, the 26th- Councilmember Sutton: Monday the 26th, 3:30, Council Chambers. President Winnecke: And, Troy, did you second that? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah. President Winnecke: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: What time was it? President Winnecke: 3:30. Councilmember Bassemier: Okay. Yes. President Winnecke: That was a yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yeah, I would like the opportunity to check a calendar, but for now, I'm going to vote yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: No. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion carried 6-1/ Councilmember Wortman opposed) President Winnecke: So, we will meet on the 26th at 3:30, and I would hope that would be a brief meeting. Catherine Fanello: And I will deliver these petitions to the President. President Winnecke: That would be great. Thank you. Councilmember Hoy: Mr. President? President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I don't want to assume anything, but I think I can assume that we're talking about General Fund monies. So, I would like for the Auditor to let us know, and you may know right now, what our balance is in the General Fund. Suzanne Crouch: I believe it was $890,000. I can check, double check that for you. Councilmember Hoy: Okay, thank you. President Winnecke: Okay, we will adjourn until noon tomorrow. Thank you very much for your hard work. (The meeting was adjourned at 2:32 p.m.) VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS AUGUST 14, 2002
The Vanderburgh County Council met in session this 14th day of August, 2002, in room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was officially opened by President Lloyd Winnecke at 12:12 p.m. President Winnecke: Good afternoon
and welcome to the fifth day of the 2003 Vanderburgh County Council budget
hearings. Let's begin with the attendance roll call please.
President Winnecke: Would you please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. (The Pledge of Allegiance was given.) President Winnecke: I would like to
welcome everyone and recognize all the department heads and officers of
the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department, who are here to support the
presentation of their budget today. Just as a matter of business, so everyone
knows what is going to happen today, I will not recognize officeholders
or department heads who wish to debate or discuss the budget cuts during
this week's session. It did not happen yesterday, and we won't allow it
today or tomorrow. With all due respect, last week was the time to advocate
budget positions, and this week it's our body's obligation to make the
cuts. I will say that I don't think, at this point, that we've identified
all the cuts that the state will require us to make. I really believe that
after we complete our work tomorrow that additional cuts may be necessary,
and we will just ask our officeholders and department heads to do, what
all of us have to do in private and public industry, and that is to work
more efficiently. Thankfully we have a very talented workforce here in
the county, and I would hope that they would be a great asset to help us
reach that means. Having said that, I would acknowledge that we'll have
the reason for the delay, we didn't know the password. We'll have the budgets
on the screen with the proposed budgets, the proposed cuts, and the amounts
that we will approve. This is an idea that Councilman Tornatta presented
to us. I think it's a good idea, although the fonts might be a little hard
to read depending on where you are sitting. We hope you appreciate the
attempt nonetheless. At this point I will turn it over to Finance Chairman,
Jim Raben.
DIVISION OF FAMILY & CHILDREN Councilmember Raben: Okay, thank you, Mr. President. First, turn to page 146 Division of Family & Children. At this time I'm going to move that all lines be approved as they are listed. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROSECUTOR Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 38, Prosecutor. Moving into page 39, 1260-1080, zero; 1380-1080, zero; 1440-1080, zero; 1990, Extra Help, zero. All other accounts, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at our September 4th meeting. Moving into 2000 accounts as listed. 3000 accounts, starting with 3130, no excuse me, 3900 on page 41, account 3900, $15,000. Last 4070, zero. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There is a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah, um, that 4070, I know that has gone to a program for the kids for drug prevention, and I think that has been a pretty positive program and got a lot of kids involved. In fact, he puts out a calendar with those kids and their artistic drawings, and whatever, and it promotes anti-drug use. It has been an ongoing program, and something that kids look in to. So, I think that could probably stay for $100. Councilmember Raben: I mean, I would certainly agree that there probably is a need for the program, but the Prosecutor's Office does have other funds and incentives that surely, you know, that he can move $100. Councilmember Hoy: Well, the calendar costs, it's a lovely calendar, and I think it's a neat project, but that's not a $100 project. You couldn't get it printed for that, and I think he has used some other funds, and he's used them well. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Can we- President Winnecke: Would you like to pull that out? Councilmember Tornatta: Pull it out please. Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, I will amend my motion to exclude line 1470 if my seconder will do the same. President Winnecke: Curt? Councilmember Wortman: Yeah. President Winnecke: Okay. Okay, so 4070, Community Development, has been excluded. All other line items as Mr. Raben mentioned. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, line 4070 set in at zero and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Further discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 6-1/Councilmember Tornatta opposed) PROSECUTOR IV-D Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 42 Prosecutor IV-D. Move to page 43 starting at the top 1290-1081 zero; 1300-1081 zero; 1990 Extra Help zero. All other salary lines, excuse me, including FICA, PERF and Insurance will be adjusted September 4th. All two, three- 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts as they are listed and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROSECUTOR FEE CHECK RECOVERY Councilmember Raben: We're going 38 through 50. Page 35, Check Recovery. I'll move that this budget...excuse me. Salary line including FICA, PERF and Insurance will be set in September 4th, and all other accounts as they are- President Winnecke: Jim, where are you? Councilmember Bassemier: Thirty-five. Councilmember Raben: Page 35. The agenda that is stating 38 through 50. President Winnecke: Okay. Councilmember Tornatta: No, 35 is Coroner. Forty-five? Councilmember Raben: Page 45. Right, we already-we started at 38 with the Prosecutor's Office and we're moving page 38 through 50. We are now on page 45, Check Recovery account. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay. Councilmember Raben: Which, again, I'll state all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be adjusted September 4th. All other accounts as they are listed, and I'll make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROSECUTOR - DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT VICTIMS/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMUNITY GUN VIOLENCE Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, I am going to lump these together. Page 46, Prosecutor Drug Law Enforcement Program. Page 47, Prosecutor Victims/Witness Assistance Program. Page 48, Stop Domestic Violence. Page 49, Adult Protective Services. Page 50, Community Gun Violence. I will move that all lines that pertain to salaries, FICA, PERF and Insurance will be adjusted September 4th. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second.
President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Tornatta: You put 180 in there too, couldn't you? Page 180? Councilmember Raben: Well- Councilmember Tornatta: That's fine. President Winnecke: Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Is 180 in there or not? President Winnecke: No. Councilmember Sutton: Alright. Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROSECUTOR PRETRIAL DIVERSION Councilmember Raben: Now for page 180, Pretrial Diversion. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at the September 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PUBLIC DEFENDER Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 93, Public Defender. Moving down to page 94, starting with line 1820-1303, zero. Page 95, 1990, Extra Help, zero. Councilmember Tornatta: Councilman? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Councilmember Tornatta: On 1790-1303-- Councilmember Raben: The adjustment? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah. Councilmember Raben: We can do that now. Councilmember Tornatta: We can pick that up? Okay. Councilmember Raben: We can do that now. Councilmember Tornatta: That's fine. Councilmember Raben: We can set it in now if you would like. We'll go back to 1790-1303 that figure should be $26,523 is the correct figure. Councilmember Tornatta: $29,683. Councilmember Raben: No. President Winnecke: $26,523. Councilmember Raben: That has been amended. The correct figure is $26,523. I'll go back over, Extra Help, 1990, zero; 3130, Travel and Mileage, $3000; 3370, Computers, zero; 3943, $45,000; 3947, $55,000; 4210, $3,000; 4220, $2,500. All other salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be adjusted September 4th. And all 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts, not mentioned, as listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Line 3943 was $45,000. There was a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0)
COUNTY CLERK Councilmember Raben: Okay, County Clerk starts on page 1. The first item will be on page 4. I move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted September 4th. 1990, Extra Help, zero; 2600, $65,000; account 3000, zero; 3520, $1,000; 3603, $65,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Sutton: Yeah, for clarification, Councilman Raben, line 2600 what was the amount that you read into your motion? Councilmember Raben: $65,000. Councilmember Sutton: Okay. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CLERK IV-D Councilmember Raben: Okay, Clerk IV-D, page 6. Account 2600, $40,000; account 4220, $15,000, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. Councilmember Sutton: You got that wrong, 2600. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Raben: That's page 6, did you get that, Ed? Councilmember Sutton: Can you read that again for line item 2600? Councilmember Raben: The first line is listed $40,000. Line 4220, Office Machines, $15,000. Councilmember Sutton: So there will be no change on 2600? Councilmember Raben: No, there was a deeper change on then originally discussed. There was a deeper change on the regular budget, Office Supplies. That one was cut $20,000. President Winnecke: This was a-if I may interrupt, this is a line where we'll be reimbursed 50% by the state, but we need the $40,000 up front. Councilmember Raben: So I made a deeper cut on the regular budget. It's really a wash, because we'll get 50% of this back. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) ELECTION OFFICE Councilmember Raben: Okay, Election Office, page 72. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be adjusted September 4th. Turn to page 73, starting with line 2700, $55,000; 3410, $50,000; 3530, $50,000; 3600, $8,500; 4260, zero. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. President Winnecke: We need a second before- Councilmember Bassemier: Second. President Winnecke: Okay, now we have a second. Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: On 3410, I don't see why we couldn't at least drop that down to $40,000. It's a city election, and if you look in '99, the city election, we only spent $27,000 for that election. So, we're giving them the benefit of the doubt of $13,000 extra to spend. Councilmember Raben: I'm happy with that. Councilmember Tornatta: I mean do you-I'm just talking about it being a city election. Councilmember Raben: There was some explanation about the increased cost because of the obsolescence of this equipment, but I'm open. Councilmember Sutton: I think there was some mention about the particular vendor not really having the ability to, well, the price was just going to increase because of the systems that we do have. That was kind of reflected, I guess, in there. What's factoring in that is a less expensive election, being a city election, but we're not really dealing with the same price quotes that we had back in the last city election. Councilmember Raben: For Troy, I mean, the number of precincts has decreased, too, which would merit what Troy is saying. Councilmember Tornatta: I just think that $23,000 difference rather than $13,000. I mean, that's a lot of difference there. That almost would cover, that almost covers the whole budget of the '99 election. Councilmember Hoy: What line is that? Councilmember Raben: That is line 3410, and I'm open for that if that is- Councilmember Hoy: I'm a little reluctant. I haven't done the math on it because you're looking, I'm trying to look at the percentage of people who live in the city. Councilmember Tornatta: Look at '99 in the budget. Councilmember Hoy: No, I think Mr. Sutton is correct that the price has gone up, and also then you have, the majority of the population lives in the city is what I am trying to say, and so I- Councilmember Bassemier: Jim, why don't we leave it this way. Councilmember Hoy: -I think that we may need that. Councilmember Bassemier: Why don't we leave it until September and do a little research on this? President Winnecke: No. We're not bringing it up, I'm sorry, but we're not going to bring it up any more. Maybe that's a good point. Let's earmark this. We feel like we're going to have to come back and make additional cuts after that. Leave it in at 50, and if we need $10,000 more dollars, which I think we will, we'll come back. Councilmember Raben: I'll tell you what, let's do this. I'm going to amend my motion. Let's take it down the middle. I'm going to amend my motion to change account 3410, Printing, to read $45,000. President Winnecke: Royce, did you make that second? Councilmember Raben: I think Ed did. Councilmember Sutton: Yes, I did. I'll accept that. President Winnecke: Okay, additional discussion? So that is line item 3410 at $45,000. Councilmember Bassemier: Teri, excuse me, who made that second? President Winnecke: Royce. Teri Lukeman: (Inaudible, microphone not on.) President Winnecke: I'm sorry. Councilmember Bassemier: No, I'm not going to take it, $50,000 is okay. President Winnecke: I'm sorry? Councilmember Bassemier: No. Councilmember Hoy: Percentage-wise- President Winnecke: Okay, Mr. Bassemier is not going to amend his second, so the motion stands that it remains at $50,000. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SHERIFF Councilmember Raben: Sheriff. First, Mr. President, I am going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at our September 4th meeting. Moving to page 25, line 1750, Clothing Allowance, that figure be set in at $131,250. That is an increase of $250 annually, in light of the budget crunch we're in. Councilmember Tornatta: If you could just set that aside if you would. Councilmember Raben: We'll just stop there. We can take the rest of them. I'll make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Bassemier: Second, to get it on the floor. President Winnecke: Motion and a second to set in line item 1750, Clothing Allowance, at $131,250. Discussion or questions? Councilmember Tornatta: I think we've cut this budget up pretty well. They've come up with some cuts over and above what they have requested. This is a line item that the Sheriff's Office was not really adamant on moving on, because they thought that their department needed those extra funds in the clothing department. Now the one thing that I look at is, as we've discussed, that the price of the uniforms have gone up consistently, and they've kept at a certain price, and now they're looking to raise it. So, I think, it has been plenty of time that they've kept it at a low rate, and now they're looking to bring it up to where it should be, and I don't think that $500 is a lot to ask for for that department. By the way, there is 105 deputies that are under this plan. President Winnecke: And I would just comment that I would concur with everything you say. I think just in the challenges that we face in putting together the entire budget picture, it would be nice to grant the full request, but the $131,250 is an attempt to increase it half of what was requested. Councilmember Raben: Again, I would echo those comments. I mean, I think everybody sitting at this table would like to do just what you suggested doing, but when you look at the other budgets and what we've gone through in terms of cutting Extra Help, I mean, we're cutting every budget, and I'm, you know, particularly happy that we're able to do what we are doing here. I mean, you know, nothing would please me more than to do just the full amount, but it's going to be a struggle, and we're going to have to tug and push to make additional cuts to allow for this, and not necessarily in this budget, but with all budgets. So, while we would all like to be able to do that this year, it is not feasible. Hopefully, next year we can make up for the other half. Councilmember Tornatta: In years that it was feasible we still didn't take care of that, because they were trying to keep the budget within reason to help the Council out, and now they're asking for help to make sure that they have the proper and adequate amount of money in their clothing, and so that is why I will have to vote against cutting that budget. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 5-2/Councilmembers Tornatta and Sutton opposed) Councilmember Raben: Okay, 2000 accounts,
starting with 2230, $60,000; 2660, $10,000; 2670, $7,000; 3200, $22,000;
3370, $10,000; 3725, zero, which that one there deserves an explanation,
which I had addressed with both Sheriff and Chief. IDEM has some new grants
available, and we're working on getting a $50,000 grant for next year for
that line item. If for some reason that doesn't happen, you know, we'll
have to address this after January 1st. Account 3920, $1,000;
4230 is zero, because we've moved those to CCD yesterday. All other accounts
as they appear, and I make that in the form of motion.
Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Did you need clarification? Could you please repeat the 2000 and 3000 line items please starting with 2230 is your first cut there. Councilmember Raben: Okay, you want me to go back through it all? Okay, 2230, $60,000; 2660, $10,000; 2670, $7,000; 3200, $22,000; 3370, $10,000; 3525 is zero- Councilmember Tornatta: 3725. Councilmember Raben: 3725 is zero and 3920 is $1,000. We have a second right? President Winnecke: There was a second on that right? Councilmember Sutton: I did. President Winnecke: Royce did. Councilmember Sutton: Yes, you didn't make any changes. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Jim, I just want to make a comment on the Clothing Allowance. You know, I know how important it is for that Clothing Allowance and they are right, they do have the uniforms and everything, but the reason why I really voted no, we're still going to have over a million dollar worth of cuts after we leave here Thursday probably. I want to see everybody get a...all of our county employees get a 3% raise in September, and I don't want to have to come back here because we didn't make some smaller cuts, that we have to cut this 2%. So, I don't want anybody out there to be mad, but I really want to see everybody get a 3% raise this year. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Well, I would add to that, Mr. Bassemier, that the health insurance is going to increase, and health insurance is part of anybody's income. It's always been part of mine, wherever I worked. When that went up, as it is going up for us, often some other things didn't go up. That's reality. The beauty of health insurance increase, in terms of increasing your income, is you're not taxed on that, and we do well on the health insurance, and you don't have to pay federal income tax on that. I don't believe you pay FICA on that either do you, Sandie. You pay no tax on that. So I would love to give everybody a 5% raise. I would have voted for five, we just- I think we just have to take this very seriously. We're in a bad situation, and so are 91 other counties that are sitting doing the same thing. If you look Warrick cut their budget it was an incredible percentage cut, you know, in comparison to ours. I don't think any of us are going to go away from this being happy. President Winnecke: Other questions or comments before we vote? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) JAIL Councilmember Raben: Okay, let's go to the jail, page 28. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at our September 4th meeting. All other 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SHERIFF MISDEMEANOR HOUSING Councilmember Raben: Page 183. Mr. President, I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS Councilmember Raben: Page 103, Community Corrections. Mr. President, I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted at our September 4th meeting. Page 106, starting with 2750, Work Release, $10,000. Page 107, line 4352 $15,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Tornatta: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Tornatta: Your first cut, I'm sorry. Councilmember Raben: 2750, $10,000. President Winnecke: That and 4352 are the only cuts, were they not? Councilmember Raben: Yes. President Winnecke: Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Councilmember Raben: 4352 was $15,000. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Councilmember Tornatta: Uh- President Winnecke: Troy, did you have another question? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah, there was once a discussion on the Utilities. 3200, I thought you had set that in at $45,000. Councilmember Raben: I don't have that. I don't have that as a cut. Let me...I'll double check it. Councilmember Tornatta: That's fine. Okay. President Winnecke: You ready, Jim? Councilmember Raben: No, I don't have that. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SHERIFF/VCCC MISDEMEANOR OFFENDER Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, I am going to move to page 182. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be adjusted at September 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) DRUG & ALCOHOL DEFERRAL Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 116, Drug & Alcohol. First I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at our September 4th meeting. President Winnecke: Could you slow down just one second. Councilmember Raben: 116 all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, will be set in at our September 4th meeting. All 2, 3 and 4000 accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Teri Lukeman: May I change the tape? President Winnecke: Yes you may. (Tape Changed) SUPERIOR COURT Councilmember Raben: Okay, are we good to go? Teri Lukeman: We're ready. Councilmember Raben: Okay, all salary lines, including FICA, PERF & Insurance, will be adjusted at our September 4th meeting. I'm on Superior. The first cut is page 113, Extra Help, zero; 2230, $1,500; 2600, $25,000; 3410, $6,500; 3520, $11,000; 3931, $36,000; - Councilmember Tornatta: Councilman? Are we not - we've done this in the past, are we not looking to do anything with the jobs or the extra help? With then new employees or the extra help? Councilmember Raben: There are no new employees in this budget. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, was I...1401-1370, is that not a new employee? President Winnecke: That's the position that we created this year for Day Reporting. Councilmember Raben: That's Juvenile Court appropriation. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, and then 1990? Councilmember Raben: I've already zeroed that out. Councilmember Tornatta: Okay. Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, I think we left off at - President Winnecke: Youth Services. Councilmember Raben: Youth Services at $36,000, line 3932 should be $39,700; line 3947, excuse me, 3980, $13,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Bassemier: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Hoy: Yes, since I made my hardline speech a while ago, I will stick by that. I'm hoping that 3931 is perhaps someplace we can look to increase. As you know, these are, these positions implement some of the new initiatives and ideas that our juvenile judge is making, and I really hate to cut that. But I've asked everybody else to bite the bullet, and, I guess, we'll have to ask him to bite the bullet, too, but that's in the area of prevention and remediation, and all that kind of thing, but my point is simply that if finances become better, and the glass is not half empty, maybe we could readdress that later. President Winnecke: Point well made. Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yeah, 4210 and 4220, we've been cutting the Office Furniture and Office Machines. Is this not another place where we would cut? Councilmember Raben: I think most of the budgets haven't had those items where we have cut them or will cut them. What you're referring to is probably going to be in the Reassessment budgets, but these, which I think we had hit on this last week, the 4210 is for new courtroom chairs that have been in those courtrooms since the 70`s. And I took time to go down and look at them and feel springs, you know, poking through them, and that was one that everybody certainly seemed to be comfortable with last week. And the Office Machines, if you look at the history, two years ago they spent $49,000 in repairs; last year they spent $12,000. This year they've already spent $18,000 and they're only asking for six. So that's one that, I mean, I don't see it as a topic for discussion for cutting, but I'm open for anything. Councilmember Hoy: I am relying on my memory and not on paperwork here, but I think they have not asked for this kind of furniture in a long time. I hope I'm right, and I think Mr. Raben is correct on that, those chairs are that bad. President Winnecke: I believe the Judge told us last week these are the original chairs, but Councilman Tornatta's point, this might be something we could ask the Building Authority to pick up, too. We've asked them to look at a couple of other capital oriented projects. We can ask. Councilmember Sutton: Well, there's nothing wrong with asking, I guess. Councilmember Hoy: Ask and you shall, you might receive. This is landlord. President Winnecke: Troy, did you have another question? No, just going through that, I'd remembered about the chairs. I couldn't remember if that was all that was encompassed in that office. Councilmember Raben: How many courtrooms do we have? Terry Dietsch: We're talking about replacing four at a minimum (Inaudible). President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes, somebody in the room who knows this, I seem to recall that the Building Authority is not responsible for furnishings. When we were discussing the jail and their responsibilities there, they were responsible for certain things that we had an argument over but I think, I can't remember if we won that or not, but when it came to the kitchen equipment, we were responsible because that was like any landlord saying well, that's your furnishings. I think that's probably where these chairs are going to land in there. I think I'm correct on that, that - President Winnecke: I'll ask, though. Councilmember Hoy: We can ask, but I think you're going to hear that the furniture is ours and not the landlord's. Councilmember Sutton: Generally, it's things that are attached, or permanent items, or the things that maybe the Building Authority would handle under their control. Might have some employees that might be permanent fixtures, too, but - just joking. President Winnecke: Touche'. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes, and thank you, Councilman Sutton, for a little humor. I find that lacking in politics. It's always nice. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SUPERIOR DRUG COURT Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 118. Mr. President, I will move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be set in September 4th. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SUPERIOR COURT SUPPLEMENTAL ADULT PROBATION Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 178, Supplemental Adult Probation. I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF & Insurance, be adjusted September the 4th. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CIRCUIT COURT Councilmember Raben: Page 99, Circuit Court. I'll move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be set in at our September the 4th meeting. Moving down to 1990, Extra Help, zero; 3130, Travel, $1,500; 3371, Computer, zero; 3730, $1,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or - Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, what was the last cut? Councilmember Raben: 3730 $1,000. Teri Lukeman: What were the second and third to the last cuts? President Winnecke: Line item 3371 was zero, and line item 3130 was $1,500. Teri Lukeman: Travel and Mileage? President Winnecke: Yes. Questions or discussion? Teri Lukeman: Who was the seconder? President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy seconded that. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CIRCUIT COURT SUPPLEMENTAL ADULT PROBATION Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, page 195. I'll move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. Moving down to line 3130, $7,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) BOND ISSUE Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 200. Mr. President, I'll move that all accounts be approved as they are listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions/discussion? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. President Winnecke: Mr. Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: As I'd mentioned at our last regularly scheduled meeting, in light of the interest rate environment, we may want to entertain the whole prospect of - I know we refinanced our bonds a couple of years ago and felt like we were able to get a very favorable rate, but like I said, with the interest rate environment now being even lower than it was then, we may want to go back and revisit this, with the possibility of some additional savings. Not stretching out the amortization or the term on this, but looking at ways that we could save if the cost of refinancing these doesn't exceed the return on this. So just maybe thought we might want to get that on the record for, and so I don't know if Suzanne- President Winnecke: Suzanne had a family emergency but, Bill, if you can - Councilmember Sutton: If you could pass that on to Suzanne. President Winnecke: Remind Suzanne. We talked about that last week, I believe. Bill Fluty: Okay. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) AUDITOR Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 7, County Auditor. I'll move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF & Insurance, be adjusted September the 4th. Account 1200-1020, zero; account 1990, Extra Help, zero. Page 9, 3541, $9,000; 4220, Office Machines, zero. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Bassemier: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Sutton: The last, I'm sorry, Jim. That last line - President Winnecke: Line 4220? Councilmember Raben: Zero. (Inaudible) Councilmember Raben: The first one was, the first actual cut was 1200-1020. President Winnecke: Everybody got them? Councilmember Hoy: 1990? Councilmember Raben: 1990 ,Extra Help, zero; 3541, $9,000 - President Winnecke: Jim, could you turn your mike on please? Councilmember Raben: Excuse me, 3541 was $9,000, and Office Machines, 4220, zero. Councilmember Hoy: Did you have a second? Councilmember Raben: I believe we got a second. President Winnecke: Ed seconded that. Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) REASSESSMENT/AUDITOR Councilmember Raben: Page 158. I'll move that this budget be approved as listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. Councilmember Raben: Well no, excuse me, Mr. President. On Reassessment budgets, we're not going to take final action on them until September the 4th. So, I'll move that this budget be set in September the 4th. President Winnecke: Mr. Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: I'll second that. President Winnecke: Okay. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) President Winnecke: Appreciate everyone's input and opinions today. We'll recess until noon tomorrow. Thank you very much. (Meeting recessed at 1:03 p.m.) VNDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS AUGUST 15, 2002
The Vanderburgh County Council met in session this 15th day of August, 2002 in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was officially opened by President Lloyd Winnecke at 12:06 p.m. President Winnecke: Good afternoon.
I would like to welcome everyone to the sixth day of the 2003 Vanderburgh
County Council budget hearings. We'll begin with attendance roll call please.
President Winnecke: Would you please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. (The Pledge was given.) President Winnecke: Before we begin, I'll just, many of you who have sat in on these for the past two days have heard this spiel, but, I believe, the cuts that we've identified to date, and we'll get through today are probably not going to be sufficient for what we'll need. I'll have a couple other comments afterwards, but last week was really the time to advocate a budget position. This week I've not allowed any officeholders or department heads to come forward. Any questions or debate will be among Councilmembers only. I appreciate the positions you all took last week in providing us rationale for your budgets, and other supplemental information, but this is really our week to, sort of, get to the task at hand, and that is to make some cuts and get to a number. Having said that, I would like to publicly thank our assistants, Sarah Nunn and Sandie Deig, as well as the Auditor's office. These folks work tirelessly to help provide all of us with information. I know there has been a lot of midnight oil burned on a lot of people's parts, and I appreciate it. I think we've, I think the meetings have gone smoothly to date, and would hope that everyone's cooperation can continue. With that, I'll turn it over to the Finance Chairman. Councilmember Raben: Okay, thank you, Mr. President. VOTERS REGISTRATION Councilmember Raben: First is Voters Registration, page 74. Mr. President, I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be adjusted at our September budget finalization, September the 4th. First is account 2600, Office Supplies, $2,500; 2700, $2,500. Page 75, account 3371, Computer Hardware, $2,500; 3410, Printing, $2,500; and last, 4220, Office Machines, zero. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Councilmember Sutton: Uh- President Winnecke: Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Just one area, we might want to make some mention, Jim, about the intent, there was, obviously, a larger request than what was granted, and we'd made mention, I guess, at one of, at one of our previous other budgets about a cut that was made on Computer Hardware and Software and what our plans our. We, obviously, are going to have a lot of surplus units that are going to be available to us, and the intent is to be able to take some of those units from our courts and do adequate upgrades, and make those available to some of the offices, like the Voters Registration office, so that the needs that they may have will be able to be met, but we've got a lot of really good equipment, just not adequate for the courts at this time. So, I just wanted to maybe add that, for the record. Councilmember Raben: Thanks for bringing that up. I appreciate that. President Winnecke: Other questions or discussion? Councilmember Hoy: I talked to Bennie, who looks after the furniture downstairs, and he assures me that there are still some really fine desks, and filing cabinets down there, as well. So, it would be good to go down and look at those, if some offices feel like they need something a little better. Most of us sitting around this table have used old desks, from time to time, and they're in good shape. The filing cabinets are too. There is a lot of them, I went down. President Winnecke: Okay, roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY RECORDER Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, County Recorder, page 14. I'm going to move that FICA, PERF and Insurance be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. All other accounts as they are listed. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second.
Questions or discussion?
Cuncilmember Raben: None other than, you know, again, as you look at this budget you'll see that there are no 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts. That this officeholder is spending her funds to fund this budget, and the fees exceed what, the fees that she collects exceeds the total of this budget, so. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 189, Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. President, unlike all the other motions the last two days, I'm not only going to state that the salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be adjusted September the 4th, but just want to make sure that they understand that we need that information, probably, next week, or we're not going to be prepared to make those adjustments September the 4th. You know, we need a total breakdown of what the intents and salaries are. Moving down to page 90, starting with account 2600- President Winnecke: Page 190. Councilmember Raben: 190, excuse me, $7,000; 3120, Postage, $20,000; and 3711, Education, $5,000, and with that motion, Mr. President, I would also like to state, and it's been expressed by, I think, every Councilmember here, we need to see for next year the expenditures for all these lines, so we know what we're basing cuts and approvals on. So, you know, again, if we can have that included with this budget, it would be most helpful. President Winnecke: You made that in the form of a motion? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. The very first line item that you read, Jim, I didn't catch that. Councilmember Raben: That was line 2600, Office Supplies, $7,000. Councilmember Sutton: Okay, got it. Okay, thank you. President Winnecke: Other questions? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) TOURISM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, page 193, account 4060, I'm going to move that that be set in at $225,000. President Winnecke: Is there a second? Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Mr. Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Was there talk about what their ideas on improvements are for next year? Councilmember Raben: No, this is the actual account that, I guess, we can only take a nod, but actually the account that is paying the Pagoda, is that correct? Unidentified: (Inaudible. Mike not on.) Councilmember Raben: Right. I don't anticipate that our bond payment is going to double next year. We can, you know, if we find out otherwise, we can make that adjustment September the 4th, but that's the intent of that motion. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Okay, on that assumption, I vote yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: I'll ditto Councilman Tornatta's, I think that assumption is correct, but should we need to change it, of course, we'll change it. Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke?
President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CORONER Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 35, Coroner. Page 35, Mr. President, I'll move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in at our September the 4th meeting. Moving down to account 1990, the correct figure is $55,884, now that particular Extra Help line is about the only other one, or one of the few in the budget that has remained in place, and, I think, everybody remembers that a few years back we moved the Deputy Coroners into that line. 2410, Body Transport, page 36, $7,000; 3200, Utilities, $8,000; 3310, Training, $2,000; 3520, Equipment Repair, $2,000; 3530, excuse me, 3640, $25,000; and 3650, $115,000; and 3660, $100. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Hoy: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Cuncilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) AREA PLAN COMMISSION Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 78, Area Plan. Starting with 1230-1240, zero; all other salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, will be adjusted September the 4th. Moving down to the middle of the page on 79, account 3130, $2,000; 3310, $1,000; 3420, $2,500; 3520, $1,000; 3610, excuse me, 3540, zero; 3610, $50,000; 3740, $2,000; 30, excuse me, 4210, zero; 4230, zero; and 4250, $10,000. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: President Winnecke: There's a motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Cuncilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY SURVEYOR Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 33, County Surveyor. Okay, first I move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be adjusted at our September the 4th meeting. Account 2210, $1,200; 2320, $500; 2600, $2,000; 3310, $1,500; 3520, $500; and last, 4220, $7,500. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SURVEYOR CORNER PERPETUATION Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 181, that's the Surveyor Corner Perpetuation Fund. I'll move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SURVEYOR MAPS Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 157, Surveyor's Map Fund. I'll move that all lines be approved as they are listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) HEALTH DEPARTMENT Councilmember Raben: County Health Department, page 147, 148, and 149. I move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance be set in September the 4th. Page 150, 1990, Extra Help, $31,500- Councilmember Wortman: That's what's in there. Councilmember Raben: You're correct, excuse me. Moving on to page 151, 3200, Utilities, zero; 3600, with an explanation, $188,495, and 4112, zero. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions, discussion, or clarification? Councilmember Raben: First let me, let me explain Rent. Pesident Winnecke: Okay. Councilmember Raben: Originally it was discussed amongst several Councilmembers at setting that in at a much lesser figure, but, and simply encumbering the difference between what was budgeted for this year and next year, but the conversation I had this morning with the Auditor's office says that the only way that can be encumbered is with a contract. So, a PO for a contract, so, we're going to have to go ahead and set that fund back in for next year's Rent, at this rate, but, that money will simply roll back in anyway. So, it's basically a wash. Councilmember Sutton: What was that amount, Jim? Councilmember Tornatta: I don't understand. How can it, if it rolls back in? Councilmember Raben: I know originally some of the Councilmen had discussed setting that figure in at $15,000, which would, basically, cover the difference between last year's, this year's money, and what they need for next year, but, under the assumption that they could encumber that fund, and keep it in that line for next year, but they can't actually do that, because in order to encumber that with a PO it has to be, you know, for a contract, and this really isn't a contract. Councilmember Tornatta: What do they have for Rent? What do they sign for Rent? Councilmember Raben: They actually don't sign it, I guess, the Commissioners sign all Rent contracts. Councilmember Tornatta: But, it is a, it's a place where they can say that that money is going. Councilmember Raben: Exactly. Councilmember Tornatta: So, they can roll that over. Councilmember Raben: I mean, we've all talked about this, and I was under the same assumption, but, you know, I might move to the Auditor and let her give better clarification. This is the measures that they recommend that we take. Suzanne Crouch: Well, we, typically, if it's for Rent for this building, we don't encumber Rent for this building. We do encumber Rent if it's a signed contract with an agency outside of the building, but Rent is usually spent. If there is any left over money in Rent line items for this building, it just rolls back into that fund. So, I had suggested that unless they are moving, for sure, and you know that they are going to have a signed contract with someone, you might want to set it in at the amount that the Rent is for this particular building next year. Councilmember Sutton: Now, what happens to the dollars that are already set in? I mean, the money that's already in place? Suzanne Crouch: If it's not spent? Councilmember Sutton: Yeah, if it's not spent, what happens to that, those dollars? Suzanne Crouch: It goes into their cash balance. It stays within that fund. Cuncilmember Tornatta: So, they can, they can just allocate that to their Rent next year? Suzanne Crouch: They could. Uh-huh. Councilmember Raben: But, it comes back to the question of- Suzanne Crouch: They would have to come back for an additional appropriation after the first of the year, or at some point in time when their Rent would run out. Councilmember Sutton: Are they limited on how much they can, how much can be encumbered? Are they limited on how much can be encumbered? Councilmember Tornatta: I don't think they can come back to us, can they come back to us for money? Suzanne Crouch: They never do, but they can. You can encumber whatever the contract, up to what the contract is in place for, but the line items in the, for the Rent for this building, if there is extra left over, it just rolls back into that fund. We don't encumber that money. If they had, if they move sometime, and had a contract with an outside agency, and their was excess money, then that could roll in. Councilmember Sutton: How much is their Rent here with us right now? Obviously, we're talking, thinking of, you know, where they may ultimately- Councilmember Raben: This year-- Suzanne Crouch: It's about 180, isn't it? Councilmember Raben: This year it's $181,898. Next year it will be $188,495. We can do this one of two ways, we can do it the way the motion read, or, you know, we can simply set it in at the $15,000 figure that most of us had discussed, and they can come back to us January 1 for an appropriation out of their cash balance. Councilmember Tornatta: Right. Councilmember Raben: I mean, it- Councilmember Tornatta: I think that keeps their rate low. I think that's what we're looking at, their tax rate that they would have to tax, because then they would be having that money anyway. I mean, it's their money, either way, that's sitting there, so, why not have them come back and ask for it, and then they can distribute that into the Rent fund come January? Councilmember Raben: I'm open for- Councilmember Tornatta: As far as that goes, the same thing goes for 1990. They have, I mean, we could give them $1,900, which they spent this year, or $1,008, which they spent this year, but other than that, they haven't touched their $31,500, and they're asking for that same amount of money. So, you could reallocate that. President Winnecke: Councilman Hoy, and then Councilman Raben. Councilmember Hoy: That's my assignment, and that is, what you're reading here, in expenditures on Extra Help- Councilmember Tornatta: Uh-huh. Councilmember Hoy: -that's not really an accurate figure, because most of their Extra Help is hired during the summer, and you're only looking at the expenditures through June. Councilmember Tornatta: Well, Councilman Hoy, if you'll look through the past few years, they haven't spent anymore than that. I guess, that's what I was basing- Councilmember Hoy: They hire a lot of college students, and I think that's the reason for that. President Winnecke: Mr. Raben, did you have something to add? Councilmember Raben: Uh- Councilmember Tornatta: I was just going to comment on the amount that was spent in Extra Help, '99, $4,500; 2000, $7,800; 2001, $2,000; 2002, there was an appropriation for $31,500,and out of that until, up to June 30th, $1,008 was spent. Councilmember Raben: And I'm comfortable with that, I mean, that's what had been discussed, you know, amongst us, you know, and the consensus on how to arrive at some of this information- Councilmember Tornatta: I mean, you could set it in at $5,000 if you were wanting to compensate, but they haven't spent that much since they've been asking for Extra Help. Councilmember Raben: Okay. Councilmember Hoy: They don't have anyplace to put them. That was put in Councilmember Tornatta: Then that answers that question. Councilmember Hoy: Well, if we- Councilmember Tornatta: But, they're in the field. These are kids that are in the field. They are actually doing the (Inaudible). Councilmember Hoy: They still have to work at a desk, and there is no room down there, and that's the crunch is that they have not been enabled to move, and they should have been. We'll try again, I guess, I'll be assigned there next year. I hope so. President Winnecke: That's a fight for another day, I think. Councilmember Hoy: yes. President Winnecke: Do you want to hold your motion? Councilmember Raben: We'll leave Extra Help in place, okay. President Winnecke: Okay. Councilmember Raben: I am going to make an amendment to my motion to set 3600, Rent, in at $17,000. President Winnecke: Who seconded that? Curt, you seconded that, do you amend the second? You do not? Okay. Okay, the motion stands as is. The motion is that line item 1990, Extra Help, stands at $31,500, and that line item 3600, Rent, is at $188,495, and Utilities, well, we didn't talk about it, it remains zero. Roll call vote please. Councilmember Hoy: I had a - President Winnecke: I'm sorry, Mr. Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: -question about 4112. I want to make sure my understanding is correct there. We're putting that in at zero, however, that moving money, it stays in there. So, if we are able to negotiate a move next year, the money will be there to negotiate that move. I want that on record, that's all. Thank you. Councilmember Raben: I think Dr. Hoover had actually proposed that we do what action we're taking today last week. Councilmember Hoy: I just want it on the record. President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: No. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion carried 6-1/Councilman
Tornatta opposed)
AIRPORT AUTHORITY Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 153, Evansville Vanderburgh Airport Authority. Mr. President, I'm going to move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, will be set in September the 4th. All other accounts as they appear, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Abstain. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion carried 6-1/Councilmember Bassemier abstained) ARMSTRONG ASSESSOR Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, we're getting into the Township Assessors, and what I intend to do here is, of course, the full time employees, we'll set those, as we go through these budgets, we'll make the same motion that the FICA, PERF, and Insurance will be adjusted in September. Then any Extra Help accounts, 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts will be zeroed out, and moved to Reassessment. For sure we need to put in place, September the 4th, the Extra Help figures, and with that intend to figure each and every budget based on numbers of parcels, in terms of how the money is divided up, and it would be, I have every intent in doing that on September the 4th, as well. So, I'm going to take Armstrong Township first, which is page 55, all salary lines, I move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. Account 1990, Extra Help, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please? Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) ARMSTRONG ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Page 162, the
Reassessment budget, there's really, probably no need for everybody to
turn back to these budgets. The motion is simply that those budgets will
be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion.
Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) CENTER ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 57, Center Township Assessor. I move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be adjusted September the 4th. All, account 1990, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 162, Reassessment, be set in September the 4th, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) GERMAN ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 59, German Township Assessor. I move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 164, German Reassessment will be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) KNIGHT ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Page 61, Knight Township. I move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. 1990, Extra Help, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 166, Knight Reassessment will be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PERRY ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Page 64, Perry Township. I move all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. 1990, Extra Help, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 168, Perry Reassessment will be set in September the 4th, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. Pesident Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PIGEON ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Pigeon Township Assessor. Pigeon Township, page 166. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, will be set in September the 4th. 1990, Extra Help, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 170, Pigeon Reassessment will be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) SCOTT ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 168, or excuse me, 68, Scott Assessor. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, adjusted September the 4th. 1990, Extra Help, zero. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 172, Scott Reassessment will be set in September the 4th, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) UNION ASSESSOR/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Union Township, page 70. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, will be adjusted September the 4th. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 174, Union Township Reassessment will be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Teri Lukeman: If you don't mind, I'm going to change the tape. President Winnecke: Yes, we're going to change the tape. Teri Lukeman: Thank you. TAPE CHANGE President Winnecke: Ready? Okay, Mr. Raben. COUNTY ASSESSOR & REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Page 51, County Assessor. All salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, will be set in September the 4th. All 2000, 3000, and 4000 accounts, zero. Page 159, County Assessor Reassessment will be set in September the 4th. I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT BOARD OF APPEALS Councilmember Raben: Page 54, Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeal. I move that this budget be approved as listed. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) PROPERTY TAX BOARD OF APPEALS/ REASSESSMENT Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, page 160 will be set in September the 4th, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and second. Questions, discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) DISCLOSURE FEES Councilmember Raben: Okay, page 188, I move that this budget be approved as listed. Councilmember Sutton: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Roll call vote. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes. (Motion unanimously approved 7-0) COUNTY COUNCIL Councilmember Raben: Okay, last County Council, page 129. I move that all salary lines, including FICA, PERF, and Insurance, be set in September the 4th. Page 130, starting with account 3130, Travel and Mileage, $1,000; 3315, $10,000; 3461, $250,000; and that is based on the three year lease plan that, I think, was provided to everyone. Page 3520, $350; 3610, $7,500; 3700, $3,800. All other accounts as they are listed, and I make that in the form of a motion. Councilmember Wortman: Second. President Winnecke: Motion and a second. Questions or discussion? Councilmember Sutton: One question. President Winnecke: Mr. Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Let me back up here. Were we zeroing out 1180-1480? Councilmember Raben: Oh, that's right. You had moved that we did that. No. Councilmember Sutton: Just checking to see if you was awake over there. Councilmember Raben: We want to make sure we're getting our money, don't you? Councilmember Sutton: I'm just (Inaudible). President Winnecke: Roll call vote please. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Tornatta? Councilmember Tornatta: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton? Councilmember Sutton: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy? Councilmember Hoy: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Raben? Councilmember Raben: Yes. Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: Yes. Teri Lukeman: President Winnecke? President Winnecke: Yes.
(Motion unanimously approved 7-0) Councilmember Raben: Okay, Mr. President, that does it. I will kind of, we, there were a few last minute changes, but total General Fund cuts through today are $3.9 million. So, if you've got anything you would like to add to that. President Winnecke: I do, actually, and what I would like, after we conclude, I asked Mrs. Deig to update the sheet that we all have. Just to double check to make sure everyone has the same numbers. We are in the $3.9 million range for cuts. Our targeted goal was $5 million. I'm going to ask everyone to do a little homework. I don't know that I've ever done this, but, between now and our Personnel and Finance Committee meeting, I would like for each of us to go back, and come up with their own plan as to where we can find another million dollars to cut. I would like for you to present those to me on or before our next Personnel and Finance Committee meeting, and I would like for us to discuss those cuts at that meeting, at the conclusion of the regular business that would normally be on that agenda. I think it's the fairest way for everyone to have input. I think it will extend the bipartisan effort that we have put forth to date, and I think it will just give everyone, I think, an equal voice in this process. Again, I appreciate everyone's hard work. I know a lot of people put in a lot of hours, not only from Councilmembers, but from support staff, and it is much appreciated. Councilmember Raben: Mr. President? President Winnecke: Yes, sir. Councilmember Raben: I mean, obviously, you're talking about several different accounts, and, I mean, it may be helpful to get those in writing. It would make them a whole lot easier in terms of reviewing, and trying to come to a consensus on what- President Winnecke: That's a good point, and I'll be, I'll share everyone's recommendations with everyone. So, everyone knows who has what recommendations. Councilmember Sutton: That sounds like, you know, a very prudent, balanced approach to it. You know, there is, obviously, a lot of things that we have trimmed up to this point, and I have tried, I think, we've tried to make as great an effort as possible to try to at least keep our expenses, at least, where they were for this year for nearly every account that we've gone through, but everyone can go back and take a look and see where there might be some things we could revisit to get to this point. You know, I just want to, I think earlier in the meeting, Mr. President, you were very complimentary of the work that was done on behalf by Sandie and Sarah and the Auditors office, really was an exceptional job. In particular putting this on another format, and putting this in Excel, that's really given us the information, and we can share that back to the public very readily. In the past it's taken us a little while to get all those number together, because there are so many numbers. But, I think, I don't know how the folks out there, how you guys feel about being able to see the numbers as we go along, and get a sense of what we've cut day by day at the end of the day, but I think it has been really helpful. Still got some work cut out for us, and we'll take any suggestions from the audience too. President Winnecke: I'm sure there will be plenty of suggestions in the weeks to come. Councilmember Raben: Mr. President, I would just like to, I would like to add a few more things, and, Royce, those were certainly great comments, and thank you. That is, that there is some information that we're still waiting on, in terms of Insurance, that our Insurance, I really don't want to call him provider, but he, consultant, maybe, is supposed to be getting with our Executive Assistant tomorrow. I think that was the target date that he had told you that he would have information on the 15th, and available to you thereafter. We'll know a more accurate, more accurately what that Insurance figure really is. What else did I need to add with that? I guess, we're still waiting on information in terms of revenues from the state that, typically, we would have had before entering into this process that we've not gotten yet. So, hopefully, we'll have those before September the 4th, and, if I'm not mistaken, I think what you're asking is, you know, in giving everyone this assignment that we have the tools and the insurance available, if we need them, in an effort to reach that $5 million target. I guess, the consequences are pretty grueling if we allow the state the opportunity to cut this budget further. I don't know if the Auditor would like to share with us how that process works. Most of us may know, some of us may not, but, I think everyone needs to hear that. Suzanne Crouch: If Council recalls, Highway Department, there were a number of years that the Council did not make cuts, and this has been several years back, and the state goes in, and, basically, they start in the 4000 accounts and they cut. If they don't get enough cuts, they move on up to the 3000 accounts, and they cut, and they keep moving up. They don't get into the 1000 accounts, unless they have to, and, you know, they shouldn't have to do that, in this instance, because that is salaries, and that does affect people, but that is how they go about making the cuts. They really don't care who's budget it's in, they just move through it until they get what they need. Councilmember Raben: I guess, the aftermath of that in, you know, a budget like ours is, you know, we have eliminated a lot of the 4000 lines already. You know, quite a few of the 3000 accounts have been cut back, so, you know, I would rather them not do it for us. I mean, I think it's our job, and we need to make preparation to do it, if we need to do it. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy, did you have something to say? Councilmember Hoy: Well, I was just going to say that in addition to us, and we do have our liaison assignments, and will probably be talking to those folks. I would appreciate it if the various departments and officeholders would take a really hard look, so that, at where they can cut, because I would assume that they would rather make their own cuts, than to have the state make them. You know, since we're down to that level. I don't run their offices. I mean, I can make suggestions, but, I, you know, they know better than anybody else what's really needed, and if there are some places where they say, well, we can do some savings here, then let's do them. We've kind of had a little bit of humor about Postage, you know, but, I think, that's the kind of, that's the kind of thing we need to look at too. Why should somebody in this building spend 37 cents to mail me something in this building? I mean, if they are going to spend the money, send it to my home. I know that's not going to cut a million dollars out, but that's, that's what the rest of us would do. That's what I would have done at the Food Bank. That's what Mr. Raben would have done, Mr. Tornatta, they are both in the same business, that's what you would look at. I'm sure that's what the bank would look at, and, Mr. Wortman, I know you would look at that, and so on. And Mr. Bassemier, I won't leave you out either, because I don't want you to feel left out, but, you know, in your business dealings, that's how we look at things. That's a lot to ask, on the other hand, that's, if I were running that department, I would rather make my own cuts than to have somebody sitting up in Indianapolis making the cuts. We are at a hard place here. That would help me out, with the departments I'm assigned to . President Winnecke: Mr. Tornatta, and then Mr. Wortman, and then Mr. Bassemier. Councilmember Tornatta: One of the things that we probably have to address come the September meeting when we set things in, is where do we see the Community Corrections? I think we got a letter from the Commission talking about what's our level of Community Correction that we want to look at. I think that is something that they are waiting for an answer. They would like to know what our commitment will be toward Community Corrections, and how will that affect our budget for next year? Councilmember Hoy: In connection with that, you know, I'm on that, I'm assigned to that board, I'm a board member there, and that's a good point that Mr. Tornatta makes, because we have not touched that budget, and we still are in the position of operating the largest Community Corrections budget in the state, you know, larger than Marion County's. I am for that program, but I think it may be, eventually a place where we may have to look. President Winnecke: Mr. Wortman? Councilmember Wortman: In my time up here, I have witnessed the state coming in and doing the cuts, and they take no prisoners, they don't care. Like Suzanne said they start, and sometimes they cut where it really hurts. So, it is our obligation to do our own cutting, and with our work, like Phil said, with officeholders, kind of share it with them. Because they know how to operate, and know what their priorities are, and what they're not, see. What they can afford to do without, and what they can't. President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Bassemier: I was just going to agree with Phil and Curt on that. Should we ask Sandie to send a memo out to all of the officeholders and see if they will look over their budgets and see if they can help us out any? President Winnecke: I think, at this point, I would like the Councilmembers to take that responsibility. Councilmember Bassemier: Well, I don't see, I don't know if we have enough information. I mean, they know their budget better than we do. You know, if they can, you know, if they're going to have to come back after we make some more cuts. Maybe they ought to look at their budget, and get some realistic cuts, you know, so- Councilmember Raben: Well- Councilmember Bassemier: I mean, no, we can do that, but- Councilmember Raben: We can do that for the offices that we're assigned to. I mean, I think that's part of what the President is saying, is , you know, you get with your assignments, and you bring your plan, or contingency plan, in the event that we need to dig deeper, and put it in writing. I would certainly like to see it in writing, so that we can, you know, compose it all, and put it together. To echo some of what Councilman Tornatta just stated in terms of Community Corrections, it is important that we, as a group, Mr. President, I don't know if it would hurt to, and this is nothing that you have to do today, or, but maybe think about assigning a committee from this body to talk about the future of Community Corrections in terms of, you know, what type of message we want to give the Commissioners, and the Corrections Board to carry to state, in terms of, you know, our financial commitments, and what have you. You know, it would certainly be prudent in their efforts, and, you know, I've got some ideas on that, but I don't have to share them today. President Winnecke: Mr. Hoy and then Mr. Bassemier. Councilmember Hoy: Well, I like Mr. Bassemier's suggestion, but probably, they probably already heard this, and since our minutes are streamed now aren't they? Suzanne Crouch: Yes. Councilmember Hoy: I haven't tried it yet, I just bought a new computer, so, I'll have to check that out, but I'll bet you we're, I'll bet you the stream is moving, and they know what we're saying here. So, I'm hopeful they hear it. I hope they understand how serious this situation is. This is unlike any year that I've seen since I've been sitting here. This is my tenth budget, and I've never seen a year quite like this. Mr. Wortman has- President Winnecke: Mr. Bassemier? Councilmember Hoy: -but I haven't. Councilmember Bassemier: Now talking about Community Corrections, Sandie and I met with the Sheriff and Eric Williams, and he said before, he can live with whatever we decide, but he would like for us, instead of just throwing numbers, he would like to meet with some of us before, so to prepare him, so that he knows what to do. Before we cut that, I think, you know, we are, or give our suggestions or whatever, we need, like I'm the liaison for that department. So, I wish somebody, a couple of us would go down there and talk with him. All they want is, and he's wanting someone, a judge or two, he's like, he would like to have a couple people there that he's going to name. So, if we could do that I would appreciate it. President Winnecke: Anyone else? On those uplifting notes, we stand adjourned. (The meeting adjourned at 12:59
p.m.)
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Recorded by Teri Lukeman. Transcribed by Teri Lukeman, BJ Farrell, Madelyn Grayson, Gary Tucker, Todd Hochstetler, and Charlene Timmons. |
