VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL

FINAL BUDGET HEARING

SEPTEMBER 3, 2003

The Vanderburgh County Council met in session this 3^rd day of September, 2003 in room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was officially opened by President James Raben at 9:08 a.m.

President Raben: Good morning. I’d like to call to order the September 3^rd, 2003 final 2004 budget hearing. Attendance roll call please.

President Raben: Now if we could all stand for the Pledge.

(Pledge of Allegiance was given)

President Raben: Okay, thank you. This is our final budget hearing and the purpose is to complete the adoption of our budget, and establish salaries, and all employee benefits, and also recommend to the state what would be the proposed tax rate. Today the chair will only recognize Councilmembers until after the finance chairman has completed his duties. At this time I am going to ask Councilman Lloyd Winnecke, our finance chairman, to begin with the corrections, the amendments and any additions. So, at this time, I’ll turn the chair over to Councilman Winnecke.

Councilmember Winnecke: Thank you, Mr. President. At this time, I’ll ask all Councilmembers to check the listing of the salary position and title changes from the budget book, that is List A that has been presented in front of you. Again, these are all salary position and title changes that occurred during the course of the budget hearings and I would move to make that a part of the record, and I would move that we adopt those as presented.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move that all county employees receive a three percent raise for the year 2004 as listed in the 2004 Salary Ordinance, for all salaries in accordance with the County Salary Ordinance. Again, everyone has a Salary Ordinance at their desk. Also, that all Airport Authority employees and Convention & Visitors Bureau employees receive a pay raise for the year 2004. I would also move that we amend Armstrong Assessor, setting Extra Help line 2492-1100-1990 in at 2,000, and then setting Armstrong Township Extra Help 1100-1990 in at zero. Just for clarification, it was set in at $2,000, I’m moving that we amend it to zero, and that all other salaries and rates as listed in the 2004 Salary Ordinance, and I make that in the form of a motion.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. With that, did you also state all FICA, PERF and Insurance –

Councilmember Winnecke: Oh, I’m sorry, and all FICA and PERF need to be adjusted accordingly.

President Raben: Okay.

Councilmember Wortman: And I’ll accept that.

President Raben: And his seconder is clear with that, too. Okay, any questions, comments?

Councilmember Sutton: Now, you’re including the insurance line as well? You said FICA and PERF and Insurance?

(Inaudible)

Councilmember Sutton: Okay, okay.

Councilmember Winnecke: And just so it’s clear if I did not say it, that it's three percent for county employees, as well as Airport Authority, and Convention & Visitor Bureau employees.

Councilmember Wortman: And I accept it.

President Raben: Okay, any other questions? Hearing none, roll call vote. Oh, excuse me.

Councilmember Bassemier: On the Airport, I’d like to take that separate. I’d like to abstain from the Airport.

Councilmember Winnecke: I will amend my motion to exclude the Airport Authority from that so as to vote on that separately for Mr. Bassemier.

President Raben: And does the seconder accept that amendment?

Councilmember Wortman: I do.

President Raben: Okay. Everyone clear? Roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

ARMSTRONG ASSESSOR/REASSESSMENT                                                      

ARMSTRONG ASSESSOR

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: And then at this time I would move that all Airport Authority employees receive a three percent pay raise for the year 2004.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Abstain.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 5-0/Councilmember Bassemier abstained from voting)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move that Exhibits A through H in the Salary Ordinance for 2004 be approved as presented.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. I think he stated earlier, everyone's been given a copy of the 2004 Salary Ordinance. Any questions? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, also each Councilmember has what is listed as List B, sort of appropriately enough, which has a list of additional cuts or additions that came out. Again, this is to clarify these discussions from our previous hearings and I would move that they be made part of record.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?

Councilmember Bassemier: Jim, that's another one on the Airport Authority.

President Raben: Do you want to break that one out as well? Councilman Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: I'm looking for it.

President Raben: It's midway through. It's the PERF line.

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, I would move to exclude Airport Authority line 2140-1910 PERF from my motion.

Councilmember Wortman: And I'll accept that, too.

President Raben: Okay, and the seconder accepts that amendment. Any other questions?

Councilmember Winnecke: I would point out just as a matter for clarification, the Health Department, Bond & Insurance is an increase from our discussion, but this the correct figure that is needed.

President Raben: Okay, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, I would move that we accept the change in the Airport Authority, line 2140-1910 PERF, and the line should be in at $184,348 as demonstrated on list B.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Abstain.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 5-0/Councilmember Bassemier abstained from voting)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time, all Councilmembers have been given a copy of the final insurance data. I would move that County Council approve the 2004 insurance budget as listed. These figures represent the county’s share for the county’s three current health plans, with the total employee contribution of 8%. These figures are for full-time county employees. It does not include insurance for Superior Court magistrates, and I would move that we make this insurance budget as a part of the record.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move that all 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts for the 2004 budget be adopted as previously approved for the following: Airport Authority, Area Plan, Armstrong Assessor, Armstrong/Reassessment, Assessor, Assessor/Reassessment, Auditor, Auditor/ Reassessment, Bond Issue, Burdette Park, Center Assessor, Center Assessor/Reassessment, Circuit Court, Circuit Court Supplemental Adult Probation, County Clerk, Clerk IV-D, Community Corrections, Convention Center Operating Fund, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cooperative Extension, Coroner, County Commission, County Commission/CCD, County Council, Cumulative Bridge, Drainage Board, Drug & Alcohol Deferral, Election Office, Family & Children, Children's Psychiatric Residential Treatment Services, German Assessor, German Assessor/Reassessment, Health Department, County Highway, Jail, Knight Assessor, Knight Assessor/Reassessment, Legal Aid, Legal Aid/United Way, Levee Distribution Tax, Local Drug Free Community, Local Emergency Planning Commission, Local Roads & Streets, Perry Assessor, Perry Assessor/Reassessment, Pigeon Assessor, Pigeon Assessor/Reassessment, Property Tax Board of Appeals, Property Tax Board Assessment Board of Appeals/Reassessment, Prosecutor, Prosecutor IV-D, Prosecutor Fee Check Recovery, Prosecutor Drug Law Enforcement, Prosecutor Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Prosecutor Stop Domestic Violence, Prosecutor Adult Protection Services, Prosecutor Pre-Trial Diversion, Prosecutor Community Gun Violence, Public Defender Commission, Recorder, Riverboat, Sales Disclosure, Scott Assessor, Scott Assessor/Re-assessment, Sheriff, Sheriff Misdemeanor Housing, Sheriff VCCC Misdemeanor Offender, Superior Court, Superior Court Supplemental Adult Probation, Superior Drug Court, Superintendent of County Buildings, Surveyor, Surveyor Maps, Surveyor Corner Perpetuation, The Centre, Tourism Capital Improvement, Treasurer, Union Assessor, Union Assessor/Reassessment, Veterans Administration, Voter Registration, Weights & Measures, 911 Emergency, Commissioners Cumulative Old Courthouse, and I would make that in the form of a motion.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

Councilmember Bassemier: Can you take the Airport Authority out?

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, I would move that I would exclude Airport Authority from this motion.

Councilmember Wortman: I'll accept that.

President Raben: Okay. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?

Councilmember Sutton: If you could take Burdette Park out of there as well.

Councilmember Winnecke: I would move that we exclude Burdette Park from that as well.

Councilmember Wortman: And I'll –

President Raben: And you accept the amendment?

Councilmember Wortman: Yeah.

President Raben: Okay, are there any other exceptions? None? Okay, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, I'll do these separately if that's alright, if that's how you guys want it. But I would move that all 2000, 3000 and 4000 accounts for the 2004 budget be adopted as previously approved for the Airport Authority, and I'll make that in the form of a motion.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Abstain.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 5-0/Councilmember Bassemier abstained from voting)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, at this time I would move that all 2000, 3000 & 4000 accounts for the 2004 budget be adopted as previously approved for Burdette Park, and I'll make that in the form of a motion.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: No.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion carried 5-1/Councilmember Sutton opposed)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move that the County Council set a county tax rate as deemed appropriate by the Indiana State Tax Commissioners following its review of our budget. I make that in the form of a motion.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move to set in the Cum Bridge tax rate at three cents per one hundred dollars assessed valuation.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? None? Roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: Okay, Mr. President, at this time I would move to set in the Cum Courthouse tax rate at zero per one hundred dollars assessed valuation.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

Councilmember Winnecke: And Mr. President, at this time I would move that we set in one million dollars in COIT funds into the Local Roads & Streets budget.

Councilmember Wortman: Second.

President Raben: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Sutton?

Councilmember Sutton: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Bassemier?

Councilmember Bassemier: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Hoy?

Councilmember Hoy: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Winnecke?

Councilmember Winnecke: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: Councilmember Wortman?

Councilmember Wortman: Yes.

Teri Lukeman: President Raben?

President Raben: Yes.

(Motion unanimously approved 6-0)

President Raben: Okay, that pretty much concludes today's meeting to finalize our 2004 budget. I would like to thank each Councilmember for their hard work and effort. This, again, was a truly bipartisan budget that all seven of us put a lot of work into and I think it's something we can all be proud of. I'd like to compliment our finance chairman, Lloyd Winnecke. He did a great job leading us through this and, once again, thanks to everyone and we don't have to worry about this mission until next August.

Councilmember Wortman: I make a motion we adjourn.

Councilmember Sutton: Just, before you do that, did we get a final tally on the actual reductions that were made from the budget?

President Raben: Bill, do you have that with you? I didn't carry it up.

Councilmember Winnecke: Just from the general fund, it was approximately $5,479,000.

President Raben: Okay, any other questions? Hearing none, we have a motion to adjourn. Is there a second?

Councilmember Hoy: Second.

President Raben: All in favor say aye.

(All Councilmembers voted aye)

President Raben: Opposed, same sign. Motion carries.

(Meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.)

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL

President James Raben                      Vice President Ed Bassemier

Councilmember Lloyd Winnecke         Councilmember Phil Hoy

Councilmember Curt Wortman            Councilmember Royce Sutton

Councilmember Troy Tornatta

Recorded and transcribed by Teri Lukeman.