BC 1995 06 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

447 The Honorable James C. Davis, Resident Superior Court Judge, spoke in support of the courthouse security measures which were recommended as a result of a survey by the U.S. Marshal Service. He commented on the funding provided by the courts through facilities fees and fines and forfeitures. Mr. Gene Morris, Clerk of Superior Court, also addressed the need to make the Courthouse safe for the public as well as for the employees. UPON MOTION of Chairman Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Niblock and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to separate those items listed in the Preliminary Budget under "Purchases Using Fund Balance" from the budget process. These items, including postponed capital equipment, enhancement, and other non- recurring projects to be funded using a fund balance appropriation, will be considered after adoption of the FY 1995-96 Budget. Chairman Barnhart presented a list of "Potential Cuts" and "Discussion Items" relative to the proposed FY 1995-96 Budget. Items which had been included in the "Purchases Using Fund Balance" listing were deleted from consideration at this time. By consensus of a majority of the members, the Board approved the following cuts proposed by Chairman Barnhart: (1) (2) (3) <4) <5) <6) $17,077.00 - Personnel Technician (.5 FTE) Leave this position as it currently exist (.5 FTE) $32,444.00 - Real Estate Appraiser (1.0 FTE) $9,774.00 - Elections part-time clerk position (It was recommended that community service workers be used to perform the work.) $10,887.00 - Park ranger (1.0 FTE) $30,000.00 - Lab technician $293,726.00 - Maintain current expense funding at same per pupil amount but increase to accommodate new students. The Board delayed action of the "potential cut" of $22,658.00 for a new position (1.0 FTE) in the Tax Collector's Office. Mr. Day explained that the requested "outside collector" will help to generate additional revenue through increased collection of delinquent taxes as well as unpaid ambulance fees. The Board agreed by consensus to remove $79,195.00 for the Dental Program at the Health Department from the list of "potential cuts". Commissioner Niblock pointed out that the program will pay for itself through medicaid reimbursement. The Board requested additional information regarding the $18,729.00 listed under "Discussion Items" for a nurse at the Jail (0.5 FTE). The requested information is to include the number of weekend emergency room visits, amount of overtime for the existing position, and other justification for the new position. Also listed under "Discussion Items" was the request for an additional DARE Officer at a cost of $29,010.00. Commissioner Casper reported that she had heard news reports that the DARE Program was ineffective and did not produce any great value. Other Board members spoke in support of the DARE Program; however, there was general consensus to deny the request to fund an additional position at this time. During discussion of the requested positions, Commissioner Niblock stated that department heads should be able to respond to the Board's cuts and present justifications for these positions. Therefore, the Board asked Mr. Day and Mr. Moorhead to contact the department heads and to advise them of the opportunity to provide written justifications for the requested positions. Commissioner Olio-Mills also presented a list of proposed spending reductions totaling $189,000.00. A majority of the recommended cuts were on Chairman's Barnhart's list, including such items as the Personnel Technician, Deputy Tax Collector, Real Estate Appraiser, and Elections Clerk. Commissioner Casper proposed that the County establish a special fund whereby individuals and corporations may make tax deductible contributions for the schools. A majority of the Board members indicated their support of the concept and staff is to investigate the possibility of establishing such a fund.