HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 14 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
September 14, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (11:09:36 AM)
Present: Kathy Kershner, Ken Mann and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Bill Knutzen, Sam Crawford and Barbara Brenner.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION BY THE BELLINGHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE
WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REGARDING A PROPOSED TWENTY -
CENT PER MONTH INCREASE IN CELL PHONE TAX FOR 911 (AB2010 -326)
Lieutenant Craige Ambrose, What -Comm Deputy Director, stated they want to raise
the excise tax to help cover the cost of the Next Generation 9 -1 -1 (NG911), to be
implemented in the next few years. He described the history of 911 services. (11:09:40
AM) Costs continue to go up. The new tax will also apply to voiceover internet protocol
(VoIP) providers and certain other cell phone providers that are currently not paying any
taxes. The existing excise tax can only be used for people who answer the 911 calls. This
additional tax can offset costs that are coming. This is a reasonable increase. Cell phone
users already expect them to provide the service. The choice is whether the cost, which is
inevitable, will be paid by the users or be spread around the population.
The following people answered questions:
• Dave Doll, What -Comm Deputy Chief
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
Discussion included the technology of how to track the location of a call from a VoIP
or cell phone and Next Generation 9 -1 -1; whether the State funding can only be used for
Enhanced 911; whether this also applies to land lines; closing the loopholes for people who
don't pay for the service; contract counties and counties that are totally dependent upon the
State; why the military is involved and reducing grants; the amount of increased revenue to
the County, and what that revenue can be spent on, and; how they would tax the prepaid
cell phone providers.
Brenner stated it's appalling that the State will withhold their funds like this. It's
extortion.
Kershner stated every person, whether or not they own a phone, will benefit from a
911 service. Someone could call 911 on their behalf. She's not sure the premise that they
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 1
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will tax the people owning the phone is accurate. Everyone may benefit. She agrees that
the State is engaging in extortion. (11 :23 :29 AM)
Knutzen stated the average cell phone user is paying 15 to 20 percent extra on their
bill. That isn't reasonable. He understands for VoIP. Ambrose stated they must weigh
what this new tax is compared to the entire bill. It's negligible, and well worth it. The cost
is coming whether or not they want it.
Knutzen stated this is an unfunded mandate from the State. It's wrong. However,
the County doesn't realistically have a choice. It will cost the County $800,000 if they don't
do this, which the County doesn't have. In reality, he's against this, but will have to vote
for it.
Weimer stated they can all rant about unfunded mandates. The County will be
responsible for funding this system, whether or not they want to. He asked if they can
choose a NG911 system that costs less. Ambrose stated they can't.
Weimer stated it will end up being a good service that they need.
Brenner stated no one knows when NG911 will be done. She heard about this in
August. That's not how good representative government works. If it's so important, put it
before the voters. People's phones are their lifelines. They keep adding taxes to those
phones. She would rather pay for a service when the service is ready for implementation.
Crawford stated the County funds What -Comm significantly from its general fund.
He asked if the tax can offset contributions from the general fund. He asked how much the
County will have to pay if it doesn't approve this tax. Ambrose stated the immediate cost
the County will have to begin paying is over $200,000. That will double because of
implementation of NG911. (11 :38 :27 AM) One immediate financial hit is the loss of State
funding that the County will have to submit, in the amount of about $400,000.
Crawford stated the requirement to collect the maximum tax before collecting State
funds has always been there, but the extra 20 cents was forgiven. They will have an
ordinance to introduced in two weeks, with a vote on the ordinance at the meeting after
that.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION TO ELECT EXPENDITURES OF NATIONAL FOREST RELATED
SAFETY -NET PAYMENTS UNDER PL 110 -343 (AB2010 -306) (11 :45 :16 AM)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report. He described how the
funding is used.
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Discussion included how they keep the entire amount.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 2
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COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM COMMUNITY
COLLEGE FOR ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND GED CLASSES FOR JAIL
RESIDENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,374 (AB2010 -307) (11:47:44 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Discussion included whether this cost is included in the 2011 budget; the success of
this program, and; approving 2011 contracts before the 2011 budget is adopted.
The following people answered questions:
• Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE
NORTHWEST REGIONAL DRUG TASK FORCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $276,919
(AB2010 -308) (11:51:52 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CHINOOK ENTERPRISES FOR
THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO ADULTS WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO PURSUE AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT
IN THE COMMUNITY (AB2010 -309) (11:52:21 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
ASSOCIATION OF SHERIFFS AND POLICE CHIEFS FOR THE ELECTRONIC
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 3
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HOME DETENTION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2010 -310)
(11:52: 47 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person answered questions:
Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections
Discussion included who actually pays for this; how offenders qualify for home
monitoring, and; whether there are people in jail now who are eligible for this program.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT AND GRANT AWARD BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, FOR THE
ANNUAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT FOR DRUG COURT IN THE AMOUNT
OF $21,340 (AB2010 -311) (11:58:41 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated she is very glad they have a drug court. The recidivism rate is
substantially lower.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS AND WHATCOM COUNTY CLERK
OF THE SUPERIOR COURT TO PROVIDE FOR REIMBURSING WHATCOM
COUNTY FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT
OF $18,000 (AB2010 -312) (11:59 :41 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS AND WHATCOM COUNTY
SUPERIOR COURT TO PROVIDE FOR REIMBURSING WHATCOM COUNTY FOR
THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,800
(AB2010 -313) (12:00:16 PM)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 4
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Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE DIRECT
BILLING AND PAYMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
CONTRACTOR ROMANAGGI VALUATION SERVICES FOR LAND APPRAISAL
SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,990 (AB2010 -314) (12:00:35 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated don't approve this item or the next item. Costs of the reconveyance
will creep up. The people who live in Whatcom County have all the best uses of that
property right now. The County is having trouble with staffing and other costs. Once this
becomes a public park, the County will be obligated to take care of it, patrol it, and other
things. This reconveyance will bring more people into the watershed. Now, the property is
left alone and the local public can use it. Once reconveyed, it will have to be advertised as
a public park.
The following person answered questions:
Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department
Discussion included whether these costs were part of the original package and future
costs of the reconveyance.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE DIRECT
BILLING AND PAYMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
CONTRACTOR ATTERBURY CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR TIMBER APPRAISAL
SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,043 (AB2010 -315) (12:04:23 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE
ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $35,339 (AB2010 -316) (12 :04 :53 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 5
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO RENEW
INSURANCE FOR THE WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY (POLICY YEAR 09/30/2010
THROUGH 09/30/2011) IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,250 (AB2010 -317)
(12:05:20 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
12. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BIRCH BAY LIONS CLUB
FOR 7467 GEMINI STREET, BLAINE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE STATE
LEASEHOLD EXCISE TAX (AB2010 -318) (12:06 :26 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
13. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONSULTING
SERVICES FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,600
(AB2010 -319) (12 :06 :52 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
14. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPT OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TO
THE OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR REHABILITATION OF LOW INCOME
HOUSING IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 (AB2010 -320) (12 :07 :46 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Discussion included the location of the houses.
The following person answered questions:
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 6
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Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
15. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A SUB -
RECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR REHABILITATION OF LOW INCOME HOUSING
IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 (AB2010 -321) (12:09 :00 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:09 p.m.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Ken Mann, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/14/2010, Page 7