LANE COUNTY BUDGET COMMITTEE

Thursday, May 22, 2008 – Harris Hall

5:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

APPROVED 12/9/2008

 

Chair David Crowell presided with Scott Bartlett, Bill Dwyer, Bill Fleenor, Bobby Green, Sr., Denis Hijmans, Alice Kaseberg, Tony McCown, and Faye Stewart present.  Peter Sorenson was present via telephone. County Administrator Jeff Spartz, Budget/Financial Planning Manager Dave Garnick and Recording Secretary Melissa Zimmer were also present.  

 

I. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Grace Wong, Eugene, submitted a petition with 1,795 signatures of Lane County residents.  She read parts of a letter into the record.

 

James Wong, Eugene, asked how they would solve problems without LCAS.  He didn’t think Eugene or Springfield taking over was the best solution. He said Fleenor told him it was worthy to implement Option 4 to extend services for a few months.  He commented that compromising the safety of stray animals is cruel and unusual punishment.

 

Betty Wong, Eugene, said they have more than 1,700 signatures they are submitting for the hearing, plus they previously submitted 1,800 signatures at the last meeting.  She said at the last meeting some people said they were gatherers but someone stole their signed petitions.  She said the people who signed the stolen petitions will be deprived of their rights to freedom of expression and speech.  She said Chapter 7 of Lane Code and Chapter 4 of Eugene City Code should be reviewed.  She commented that no one can take over the agency that was formed in 1982.

 

Sarah Hendrickson, Eugene, said she was speaking as a private citizen about the dismantling of Public Health.  She stated that Lane County has the highest stillborn and infant mortality rate along the I-5 corridor.  She said the thought of families having to wait on the list for WIC is a tragedy.  She commented that WIC is one of the few places where they could have leverage for families and moms that will get them into programs that will help them have healthy babies.  She said the general fund supported programs for child health and communicable diseases have been going down over the past couple of months.  She stated that without a lab they will not be able to treat communicable diseases as timely as they should.

 

Craig Opperman, Looking Glass, said that non-profit agencies have a vital partnership with the community to provide improved health and safety.  He indicated that Pathways Programs has been one of the vital partners providing intensive residential alcohol and drug treatment to nearly 1,000 youth.  He added the program is nationally accredited, evidence based and cost effective with proven success rates.  He said it provides treatment and prevention.  He said it has saved lives and made the community safer.  He said they know this year if there is no funding for Pathways, the youth and families of the community dealing with severe alcohol and drug issues will not have the help and hope they need.  He said they will be a great risk to themselves and those around them and the community would be less safe.  He said the committee could stop that from happening by funding Pathways.

 

Chris Monnette, Eugene, stated he is the director for Royal Caribbean in Springfield.  He said he is the President elect for Looking Glass’ Board of Directors and he has been on the board for seven years.  He recalled they came last year to the Budget Committee asking for another year while they find a way to fund the program.  He said they didn’t get there, but they are committed to finding funding.  He asked to give them more time.  He said they are looking for $349,000 and for that amount they receive another $200,000 in matching funds.  He asked the committee to fund Pathways.

 

Mike Russell, Eugene, Vice President of Admin Pro of Lane County Public Works.  He indicated the Director of Public Works had submitted a budget that gives relative stability for the next two years.  He said the money swap proposal requires further staff reductions sooner than anticipated.  He said Admin Pro asked the committee to allow Lane County’s Public Works’ employees to perform the work related to the money swap.  He said they have a proven track record of maintaining and improving the roads and they feel strong they could maximize the money given to the city.  He said Admin Pro’s concern with the swap proposal is that their resources would not be utilized to the full maximized extent.  He thought they could get more potholes filled and improvements constructed for the same amount of money as evidenced by their track record.  He said they were not opposed to transferring the money; they want to keep the work related to it.

 

David Hinkley, Eugene, thought the commissioners should take a ten percent cut and department heads should take a five percent cut.  He thought prisoners should be charged for being in jail.  He said thermostats in the building should be adjusted.  He thought the Management Services Department should be dissolved and have those people report to the County Administrator.  He thought it could save $245,000.  He recommended funding the person in charge of Search and Rescue out of transient room tax funds.  He thought that could raise about $100,000.  He commented that people are more important than animals and enforcing laws are more important than animal control. 

 

Marcia Hafner, Eugene, said she was an active member of the Grassroots Gardens under the OSU Extension Service.  She thought the whole extension program was good and producing the kind of things they want in the community.  She commented that it was an essential service.

 

Cindy Wise, Springfield, spoke about the Extension Service.  She noted for 94 years the Extension Service has opened its doors to the citizens and provided research based information to help people with their lives.  She indicated that she has been involved with the Extension Service.  She said Extension will close unless they can keep it open.  She asked if the committee could grant them rent forgiveness for up to a year.  She commented that Extension has survived almost a century and it is relevant to lives today.  She said the resources are worth preserving.

 

Ross Penhallegon, Eugene, reported that Extension wants to remain partners with Lane County in any way possible.  He said they have funding proposals they want to bring before the Board in the future.

 

Steve Marks-Fife, Eugene, stated he is the Director of Pathways.  He stated they appreciated the support for the past 17 years and they will continue to work to find money to continue Pathways in the future.  He also said he adopted a dog from LCAS.

 

Dr. Rex Turner, Eugene, stated he is a local mental health provider.  He said it is essential for LCAS to stay open for public safety.  He thought they could use more volunteers.  He thought LCAS was doing a good job.

 

Michael Carney, Eugene, reported that his son just graduated from the Pathways Program and he was a success story. He said there are children in the community who don’t have parents and they have special needs.  He said Pathways is the last best hope for kids to become well adjusted and functional members of society.  He asked the Board to reconsider Pathways.

 

Deanna Diehl, Eugene, said she has been a volunteer at LCAS for six years.  She indicated that so much has gone on behind the scenes.  She asked the committee to fund LCAS to the best of the committee’s ability.

 

Irene Alltucker, Eugene, Executive Director, Relief Nursery and Vice Chair of the Human Services Network, indicated the Human Services Network is made up of 28 agencies that provide social services to Lane County.  She said they work together to make sure they don’t duplicate services.  She said they leverage funds so they make dollars go further.  She indicated for the past several years their funds have been cut.  She thanked the committee for the services that are provided.

 

Kieran Carney, Eugene, stated that three weeks ago he graduated from the Pathways Program.  He said before that he wasn’t doing well at home or in school.  He thought it would be a shame if the Pathways Program were to go away.

 

Tim Mueller, Eugene, said people with developmental disabilities shouldn’t be abandoned in the budget process.  He said people with autism are part of the clientele that are served.  He commented that Lane County has one of the highest rates of autism in the world with one 1 in 90 students in school being diagnosed with autism.  He said they need to get ahead to solve problems.

 

Laura Hinrichs, Springfield, stated she is a master food preserver volunteer.  She supported the entire Extension program.  She reported that the program promotes the health of the community by teaching food safety and property food preservation.  She said they get calls from all over Oregon and Washington.  She indicated that the program teaches people how to take care of themselves better and to be more independent.  She added it could help reduce food costs.  She stated the program promotes community involvement.  She noted that Extension has hundreds of volunteers and she asked the committee to consider the impact of the program and the commitment of the volunteers for the quality of life in the community.

 

Kathleen Jones, Eugene, recalled when there was no animal control in Lane County.  She said staff at LCAS is experienced and know what they are doing.  She didn’t know how private groups could take up the slack.  She also supported the Extension Service.

 

David Hoffman, Eugene, believed the issue of the budget priority should be food, shelter and clothing.  He said they need a victory garden and need to prioritize the Extension Service.

 

Denise Griewisch, Eugene, stated she is the Executive Director for Food for Lane County.  She said they provide a basic service to make sure people have food.  She indicated that they provide over $13 million for less than a $3 million operating budget.

 

Lesa Fisher, Eugene, stated she is a volunteer for LCAS.  She distributed pictures.  She talked about the problems at LCAS.  She stated that it was not okay to run LCAS the way it is.

 

Debi McNamara, Dexter, commented that to really have a no kill shelter they have to create an organization that the public will support.  She said success requires excellent public service and creating good will in the community.  She said they need to network and get solid financial support by donors.  She said this couldn’t happen at LCAS without a change of leadership.  She said adoptable animals were still being killed.  She said if LCAS closes the burden of homeless, neglected and dangerous animals will fall to each city.  She commented that the County has done a poor job with the services.  She hoped a better system could be put into place.

 

Tamara Barnes, Eugene, read a letter from Shirley Larson about LCAS.

 

Diana Robertson, Executive Director, SARA, said that SARA is a local non-profit that rescues and advocates for shelter animals.  She said there is little will at the shelter to change things in spite of the volunteers.  She asked for a change.

 

John Archer, Junction City, said he wanted full funding of LCAS.  He stated that any less won’t get the job done.  He added that they are having a hard time doing the job on the funding they have.  He said there have been many rescue groups and community members to help do the work.  He commented that enforcement has not been the best because the District Attorney didn’t want to do anything. He said if they are going to just partially fund it, it wouldn’t be worth doing. He asked the committee to either fully fund it for a short term until programs can be put in place or to not fund it at all.

 

Keith Diem, OSU Extension Service, said every dollar cut by Lane County will result in a loss of about three dollars of state and federal dollars.  He said some programs will have to be eliminated or reduced.  He urged the committee to find a way for a basic budget for the Extension Service so some levels of Extension could continue. He stated that allowing the use of the office building by the Extension Service will help them reduce costs while they seek additional funding partners.  He added it will be able to provide a local match for state monies.

 

Jane Rapier, Cottage Grove, stated she has volunteered at LCARA for over 30 years and knows how important it is to the community.  She said she has taken around petitions and got 800 signatures to keep the shelter open.

 

Tim Canter, Eugene, stated that he agreed with what has been said about Pathways.  He encouraged the five percent reduction in salary to the commissioners.  He also believed the department heads should take a small cut to show they are on board with the seriousness of what is going on in Lane County.    He didn’t think the working fund should be cut.  He expected the commissioners to work hard and he thought they should have a fund they could access.

 

Amanda Smith, Elmira, supported the 4H program for Extension Services.  She said she has been a member of 4H for eight years.  She wanted other youth in the area to have the same advantages she did with 4H programs.  She said it was a wonderful program and is important to the youth in the area.

 

Ron Gilson, Eugene, stated he is a President for small woodland owners.  He asked for the committee to give forgiveness of rent for Extension to help Extension survive.

 

Starly Pupke, Eugene, stated she has been active in cat rescue for six years.  She said she has volunteered at LCAS.  She said she has been volunteering from 2 to 6 days per week and she stated she hasn’t seen the people who claim they volunteer at LCAS present.  She wanted to see the facility close because they is no facility that takes good care of animals.  She commented that LCAS has lived out its time and she wants to create a new facility that is more animal friendly.

 

Mitch Schwartz, Eugene, supported funding for the Pathways program.  He commented that the loss of Pathways would leave a hole in the continuum of care.  He said segments of kids need the attention of Pathways.

 

Deb Frisch, Eugene, was opposed to the $4.5 million swap with the City of Eugene.  She said the motion proposed by Bonnie Bettman and approved unanimously last night by the Eugene Budget Committee deletes animal control and Sheriff’s Patrol from the list of five priorities. 

 

Peggy Thomas, Eugene, said everyone works hard at Extension Service.  She thought Eugene was a diverse community and that the County would get through the budget crisis.

 

Amy Hill, Eugene, said when she is doing her work at DYS, she has the students in mind.  She stated that Pathways should exist.  She commented that if the program is cut, people would lose an opportunity for the future.

 

Miguel  Partida-Haaby, Eugene, discussed how Pathways impacted his life.

 

Dustin Contreras, Springfield, stated this was the second time he had gone through Pathways.  He had problems with family, school and drugs but now he said he is doing better.

 

Dallas Duchnick, Springfield, stated that he is a continuing care counselor at Pathways.  He said he got his life together as an adult and he doesn’t want kids to grow up the same way he did.  He stated that Pathways needs to stay open because it works.

 

II. COMMITTEE BUSINESS

 

Minutes of May 1, 2008

 

MOTION: to approve the minutes of May 1, 2008

 

Fleenor MOVED, McCown SECONDED.

 

VOTE: Unanimous.

 

A CD was played from Congressman DeFazio on Secure Rural Schools.

 

III. RESERVES

 

Road Fund Reserves

 

Snowden noted besides Harvey Road as a SB 994 project and the assisted housing roads the Board approved in Lowell, there are no capital projects.  He said there is no money unless they take it from the preservation portion.  He said because they are reducing the CIP, there is not enough work for the engineers and in the last few years they have reduced engineering road positions by about 27 FTE.  He said with the proposal in front of the Budget Committee, (including the $9.9 million from SB 994) the one time payment of ODOT with the transfer to the cities and with the use of all new timber receipts into the road fund for 08/09, the fund balance will drop $22 million at the end of fiscal 08/09.  He added that by the end of 09/10 the fund balance will be closer to $4 million. 

 

Snowden commented that whatever the Budget Committee does with the road transfers to the cities, the road fund has several challenges.  He said they have a structural deficit and it won’t change even if Secure Rural Schools is reauthorized for a four year extension.  He said the cost of oil is up.   He added that they have increased their road maintenance, materials and supplies by 26 percent this budget year to stay even to chip seal 80 miles of County roads.  He indicated that they have labor contracts with Admin Pro and 626 next year and they have assumed no cost of living increases. He said that would be another factor the Board would have to look at going forward.

 

Stewart asked if Public Works employees could do any work on Eugene roads.

 

Spartz stated that he raised the question to the City of Eugene and their view was that they would contract the work out. Spartz didn’t know if Lane County could do the work.  He said the City of Eugene was planning on doing overlay on segments of streets that are badly deteriorated.

 

Snowden indicated Public Works doesn’t do overlay work.  He said they could collaborate with the city to include their overlay roads along with Lane County’s overlay contract.  He said the potential is to collaborate to do some of the overlay work.

 

Sorenson asked if they could give $800,000 from the road fund to the Sheriff’s Office for patrol purposes that are allowed under the special legislation that was passed last year.

 

Snowden indicated they could for 08/09, for a total of $1.79 million.  He added that there is already $1.2 million in the budget that would be transferred.  He said they didn’t include it in the forecast for 09/10.  He stated that if the Board wants to continue the program; it would reduce the fund balance that much more at the end of 09/10.

 

General Fund Reserve

 

Garnick reported that they have a $6.7 million prudent person reserve and an additional reserve of $6.3 million.  He discussed a handout. (Copy in file.)  He said that any additional spending beyond the proposed budget moves the reduction up a year.

 

Dwyer said they talked about saving for the future, but they don’t have enough money to run government now or in two years.   He said the problems get tougher every year.  He commented that stability was something they couldn’t solve or quantify.  He commented that he was prepared to do today what he thinks is best for the community and to let them make the choice about what it is they want for tomorrow.

 

Fleenor said he came prepared not to dip into the reserve but he heard testimony that they can invest in the future in the programs that help people help themselves.

 

Sorenson asked if there was a Board policy for both having reserves.

 

Garnick said the financial policy states that the general fund will maintain a minimum of a ten percent of operating revenue for a prudent person reserve.  He said when the Board adopted the order directing the County Administrator to prepare the budget; the order was to do accelerated reductions.  He said it resulted in three additional years of stability.  He said there was no policy related to it, it was as a result of the board passing an order.

 

Sorenson said he and Dwyer favor going into the $6.3 million reserves.     

 

IV. BUDGET COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS

 

Moody recalled when they ended deliberations on May 15; they were left with over $100,000 that was not spent.  She said there was revenue as a result of parking fees that needed to be added for a total of $26,000.  She discussed the list of items that received enough votes for discussion that were not discussed at the last meeting.  She noted if all of the programs are funded, they would have to go into the reserves.  She discussed the programs (copy in file).  She said they had added back about 40 FTE.

 

McCown asked about the motion from the City of Eugene.

 

Spartz indicated the city didn’t want to see any of the money that was transferred from Eugene to Lane County’s general fund used for animal care or for Sheriff’s patrol.  He added that he received a voice mail message from Gino Grimaldi, City Manager of Springfield and Grimaldi indicated they wanted to do a one year swap.  He told Grimaldi’s staff if the number was anything other than $250,000, to call him back.  Spartz indicated that he didn’t receive a call back and he assumed the target number was $250,000.  He thought they could budget the money this evening.

 

Crowell asked if there were any strings attached to the money.

 

Spartz wasn’t aware of any conditions Springfield desired to put on the money.

 

Dwyer said they have to remove line 54 because there is a process called the Elected Officials Compensation Board that sets the salaries of all of the elected officials.  He said it is made up of seven citizens.  He indicated that they meet and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. He noted whatever the Board does, it can’t go into effect until after a general election.

 

MOTION: to remove line 54.

 

Bartlett MOVED, Dwyer SECONDED.

 

VOTE: 7-3 (Green, Fleenor, Stewart dissenting).

 

MOTION: to add back on line 54 $35,000 to be reduced, $7,000 from each commissioner from their expense account.

 

Hijmans MOVED.

 

He retracted his motion.  He recommended adding $35,000 of reductions under line 54.

 

Moody explained that each commissioner has an account of $10,635.  She said taking $7,000 would leave $3,635 per commissioner.

 

McCown commented that every municipality in Oregon is facing a deficit.  He thought they had an opportunity this year to help fill the human capital structural deficit that has been created by the removal of the Secure Rural Schools funding.  He thought the programs were important to preserve.  He said if they were to spend zero dollars today, over the five year period they would cut a total of $20,523,623 and 155 jobs.  He said if they were to spend $2 million today, they would only cut an additional $250,000 over the year and cut less in FTE.    He indicated the net result would be the same.  He was in favor of dipping into the reserves.

 

Spartz commented that the more they dip into reserves now, the lower the level they will be at in 2012/2013.

 

Fleenor said they need to make the determination now about going into reserves.

 

Hijmans said he was willing to go to $250,000 of stability reserve and willing to mortgage $617,000 in year 10/11.

 

Dwyer stated he was willing to spend it all to help the community.  He wanted to add LCAS option 4.  He commented that was the only no kill solution.  He wanted to keep the prudent person reserve. 

 

Sorenson said he was favor of going below the 10 percent prudent person reserve.  He said they are facing a major problem.  He thought they should have a discussion on the problems.

 

MOTION: to take off from the discussion any dipping into the 10 percent prudent person reserve. Any other funds anticipated to be received by the County will be eligible for future deliberations for positive allocation of those funds.  

 

Sorenson MOVED, Dwyer SECONDED.

 

Dwyer wanted to restore LCAS at Option 4 with the excess money from the prudent person reserve.

 

McCown said there was a board order that directed both reserves.

 

Hijmans said he would be voting against the motion unless the difference a bond buyer would pay for a bond issued by Lane County was no lower than eight percent.

 

Spartz said they could cut the reserves as far as they want but the probability gets higher that they next time they issue bonds the rating agency will cut the rate and it will depend upon market conditions and the economy.  He indicated there will be a cost to the taxpayers for doing it.

 

Bartlett asked if they get Secure Rural Schools reauthorized, how much money would come into the general fund.

 

Garnick responded that at 100 percent reauthorization, the amount would be $15 million and it could be as low as 90 percent or $13.5 million.

 

Crowell reiterated the motion is to not dip into the ten percent prudent person reserve and to spend the stabilization reserve.

 

VOTE: 6-4 (Hijmans, Stewart, Kaseberg, Green dissenting).

 

MOTION: to delete the AOC dues of $41,500 off the consideration list.

 

Green MOVED, Hijmans SECONDED.

 

Green said not paying dues does not prevent them from participating in the association’s activities and affairs.  He added that some commissioners statewide are part-time and they still participate to the degree they can.  He stated that historically the Board use to be active.  He thought that some time in the future they could restore the dues.  He didn’t think it would break their relationship with AOC.

 

VOTE: 10-0.

 

Green asked about zero based budgeting.  He thought that was what they were engaged in.  He thought if they did zero based budgeting, they would start with a certain amount and when they run out of money that was the end.  He asked if it included dipping into the reserves.

 

Spartz explained that they would set an amount of money to spend and build up to the level based on setting priorities like the Board did on January 30 and February 5.  He said based on those priorities, a budget was built and in March a policy was set for the County to have enough reserves to try to last for three years of level funding.  He said that was how the budget was constructed.

 

Dwyer stated that things change.  He said when they had the prior meetings, he said they were isolated and hadn’t had public hearings.  He said they have public hearings to hear what the public had to say.  He said he made mistake when he voted for the board order because he hadn’t had a public hearing and didn’t know about the real impacts to the community.

 

Stewart asked since it looked like they were going through the reserves, if they should go back through the entire 45 items on the list to discuss adding them back.  He thought they gave proper direction to the County Administrator. 

 

Fleenor said they needed to use some flexibility.  He thought if they could put Secure Rural Schools money back into the reserves, then they should move forward with what they have to work with.

 

Green said with the list they have, it should be clear that taking $1.1 million from the reserves is not for enhancements, they are basic services at minimal levels.  He added the funding is temporary.  He said they have to resolve their fiscal problems at the local level. 

 

Fleenor recommended LCAS at Option 4 for three months for $128,000.

 

Green said every service has taken some reduction.  He commented that there are no good choices, but they could make the case that everyone is taking cuts with minimal services.

 

MOTION: for items 51 to 68 to be funded at the level stated and utilizing the funds from the stabilization fund to fund the programs at the service level.

 

Green MOVED, McCown SECONDED.

 

Kaseberg said they want to encourage people who don’t have personal resources to get active in public service.  She opposed reducing commissioner expenses.  She thought a reduction would be a discontinued service to people.  She wanted to remove line item 54.  She also wanted an alteration of line item 58.

 

Kaseberg amended the motion by deleting 54, adding maternal child health for $264, 111.

 

Bartlett SECONDED.

 

Stewart spoke about the reduction of commissioner expenses.  He said the expenses are for hiring assistant help and travel expenses.  He said it doesn’t cover PERS.  He indicated Fleenor was the only commissioner to pay for additional assistance out of his own pocket.

 

Bartlett recalled that the commissioners used to have full-time staff.  He said if they get rid of this money, Joe Daunt, Sorenson’s aide would be out.  Bartlett commented that it was short sighted to do this.  He asked if they could attach a budget note for LCAS.  He wanted to give the Director of Health and Human Services authority in conjunction with this to institute online license sales within a certain period of time.

 

Hijmans said he would be voting against any motions as he had some issues with a few of the individual items.

 

Dwyer stated that he doesn’t travel and he gives his money to different charities.  He commented that when those expenses are taken away from him, they are taken away from the poorest people in the community.  He said it was symbolism.

 

Stewart said he tried to operate at the direction the Board gave the administrator to move forward:  to balance the budget within the direction they gave.  He indicated the only places he could find to generate revenue was to restore or add officers or to take reductions out of the commissioners’ budget.  He was trying to live within the direction.

 

Sorenson was in favor of the amended motion.  He thought clarifying the intent to spend the money on the highest priority health issue, maternal child health, was a good improvement on the main motion. He said he was in favor of the line 54 issue.

 

Fleenor stated the money he gets for personal business expenses was used for County College.  He said the remainder has been used to facilitate the formation of the neighborhood watch groups.  He said he currently pays $25,000 to have a district office in Florence out of his salary.

 

Rockstroh said he would be happy to take $264,000 for maternal child health, as  they need it.  He said the discussion was about a trade off of $181,000 from communicable diseases.  He asked if they could swap communicable diseases for maternal child health. 

 

Kaseberg reiterated that Rockstroh would be willing to take the same amount listed for communicable diseases, leaving the $181,000 and swapping number 16 for 24.

 

Rockstroh wanted $181,000 more for maternal child health.

 

Kaseberg amended her motion to accept the $181,000 instead of the $284,000.

 

Crowell reiterated that the motion is now to leave line 58 the same and to take off line 54.

 

VOTE: 10-0.

 

Burger recalled public comment included people from LCAS, Public Health and other programs.  He said they didn’t hear anyone come in to talk about Public Safety and 24 hour patrol.  He said that was because most of the people who would need the service don’t realize it yet and don’t know they might be victims.  He said there will come a day when someone calls 911 and no one responds to that call.  He said if they are discussing add backs, he wanted the Budget Committee to add back 24 hour patrol.  He wanted to add two dispatchers and five deputies for a total of  $800,000.

 

Spartz noted they were not spending $822,000 from reserves, they were spending that plus $250,000 from the road fund.

 

MOTION: to fund the items on the list at the levels they have now been amended.

 

Green said they increased the service level for maternal child health and they swapped the dollar amounts for communicable diseases.

 

Green MOVED, Fleenor SECONDED.

 

Bartlett noted they are funding LCAS but at the Option 2 level.  He commented that Option 4 was the only one that would work on what the public is asking them to do.  He commented that it wasn’t ideal, but it would prevent them from closing their doors.

 

Green said it at this point it provides the opportunity to do some further work.  He said if they were to get the timber dollars, they should revisit the level they heard from the public.  He added at this time they need to go bare bones.

 

VOTE: 9-1 (Hijmans dissenting).

 

MOTION: to add back 24 hour patrol.

 

Dwyer MOVED, Kaseberg SECONDED.

 

Burger explained that adding back the 24 hour patrol would get them from 20 hours of patrol in the proposed budget to 24 hour coverage and they would be able to have someone on patrol available to respond to a 911 call.  He added that they would continue to work with the state police to coordinate resources.

 

Green noted that this was just for one year of funding.  He added that none of the programs are for two year funding.

 

Dwyer stated that because he is approving this for the Sheriff doesn’t mean he will approve of anything that the District Attorney or Youth Services comes up with.  He said he will make his decision on the impact of the community.

 

Hijmans said he would vote against it, as they have already spent too much money.  He didn’t think they could spend the money.

 

Fleenor asked what the District Attorney and Youth Services wanted.

 

Harcleroad stated he didn’t have any more add packages.

 

Lisa Smith, Department of Youth Services, said she was fine with what she would be receiving with the Phoenix Program and Pathways.

 

Bartlett asked if they passed this if there was any requirement that if they receive the Secure Rural Schools that the reserve would be replenished.

 

Crowell said when the money comes in, they don’t have to reconvene the Budget Committee, it will come to the Board of Commissioners and they will make the decision. 

 

Green thought they could memorialize the discussion and adopt a resolution given the Board’s direction.  He said when it doesn’t happen they could take it under consideration.  He said the intent from the Budget Committee could be to replenish the reserve.

 

VOTE: 9-1 (Hijmans dissenting).

 

Spartz commented that even at the level of reserve expenditures, they will still be laying off in excess of 100 employees.  He said there are still budget cuts in the Sheriff’s Department and it will affect social services and it will affect LCAS.

 

MOTION: to move that if Secure Rural Schools money comes forward between now and September that they reconvene the Budget Committee. 

 

Stewart MOVED, Dwyer SECONDED.

 

VOTE: 10-0.

 

VI. BUDGET APPROVAL

 

MOTION: to move approval of the entire FY 2008-2009 budget with all technical adjustments, additions and/or reductions agreed to.

 

McCown MOVED, Dwyer SECONDED.

 

Moody explained there were two technical adjustments.  She noted one reduction  is in the Sheriff’s Office and HHS, with the movement of Parole and Probation.  She said they would increase the Sheriff’s budget and decrease HHS by the same amount.

 

Moody stated the second technical adjustment is in Public Works Fund 530, the solid waste fund.  She said they would reduce the reserves and increase transferring to Management Services to cover part of the Public Health remodel and that will be repaid when the bond is issued.

 

McCown amended his motion to include the technical adjustments.

 

Dwyer SECONDED.

 

VOTE: 10-0.

 

MOTION: to move approval of the FY 2008-2009 Permanent Tax Rate of 1.2793 per $1,000 of Assessed Value, and the Juvenile Justice Center Obligation Bond Tax Levy in the amount of $2,950,984.

 

McCown MOVED, Dwyer SECONDED.

 

VOTE; 10-0.

 

MOTION: to move approval to allow the Fair Board and the City of Florence to utilize excess transient room tax for their operations in the amount of $650,000 and $36,000 respectively, and allowing $400,000 of transient room tax use for Parks’ operations.

 

Dwyer MOVED, Fleenor SECONDED.

 

VOTE; 10-0.

 

VIII. ADJOURN

 

9:25 p.m.

 

 

Melissa Zimmer

Recording Secretary