HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 28 2006WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
February 28, 2006
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Carl Weimer
Also Present:
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Seth Fleetwood
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. REPORT BY THE BELLINGHAM - WHATCOM PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT
(AB2006 -112)
Patricia Decker, Public Facilities District Manager, stated they would present a
financial update and project update.
Therese Holmes, City of Bellingham Finance Director, stated the City handles the
accounting and financial management for the district. The Council packet includes a year-
end report for 2005. The report summarizes the operating revenues and expenses for the
year. She will review highlights.
The district receives its primary source of revenue from the sales tax rebate. That
amounted to almost $980,000 in 2005. The County and City experienced a significantly
higher sales tax in 2005 due to the robust local economy. It is nine percent greater than
last year and ten percent above the budgeted amount.
Interest income is the other significant source of income. The district recorded
almost $119,000 in interest income, up from the prior year. The district had some bond
proceeds on hand. The district benefits from interest income from those bond proceeds.
The total revenue in 2005 is about $1.1 million, which is about 20 percent greater
than budgeted for the year.
The key expenditure is salary and benefits totaling about $85,000. It pays for the
managerial and clerical support for the district. The other significant items include capital
costs of $224,000, which were design fees for the proposed children's museum and
$525,000 for the first payment of debt on the outstanding bond. The total expenses in
2005 was $899,000, a little over half of what was budgeted. Capital expenses were
budgeted higher because they didn't know what they would spend in 2005. The district
spent only 23 percent of the capital budget. In 2005, the district ended with about $4.9
million that will be carried forward to 2006. There is about $3.1 million remaining of those
bonds, which have to be spent in a three -year period. The district anticipates issuing a
second bond in 2007 to complete the Mt. Baker Theater work and children's museum work.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 1
1 David Warren, Public Facilities District Member, stated they've completed the
2 schematic design phase of the project for the old unemployment security office. They have
3 authorized the move to the design and development phase. They approved a design of
4 three floors for a total of 35,000 square feet at a projected cost of $15.3 million. They have
5 an active private fundraising group. It raises money for an operational endowment fund.
6 The funding benchmark for the group is $3 million by March 1. He believes the group will
7 reach that benchmark. The board did not want to saddle the City or County with
8 operational or infrastructure costs.
9
10 The timing of construction is to begin late in 2006, with opening of the theater in
11 2008. There are signs and lighting on the corner of Flora Street and Champion Street to
12 show what it will look like. Already, the increased activity will improve the cultural district
13 in this city forever. It is very exciting.
14
15 On the Mt. Baker Theater, they are finalizing a grant for $197,000 to refurbish lights
16 and the lobby. It will coincide with acoustical work funded by another federal grant of
17 $120,000.
18
19 Crawford asked how this fits into what is going to happen with neighboring buildings
20 and the vision of the Centennial Group. He also asked where the parking will be.
21
22 Warren stated parking is an ongoing concern they struggle with and work on.
23
24 Crawford stated he supports this project and the concept. Warren stated the
25 building purchase and discussion of tearing it down created more private thought and
26 potential investment in that core than they thought would happen at this point. Just the
27 idea of what may go on causes people to think about what they are doing. The opportunity
28 is here and people are starting to recognize it. He wants to make sure they do this right
29 and professionally. The timetable for moving ahead is brisk.
30
31 Crawford asked what is happening with the library. Decker stated the library issued
32 a request for proposals (RFP) for property in and around the cultural district. They did not
33 receive any responses. They are continuing to consider the existing library property and
34 other property within the civic center cultural district. She expects the library to move
35 forward with a bond issue when they have a site and a project.
36
37 Crawford asked what will happen if there isn't a site. Decker stated she is reluctant
38 to say. The library needs to operate out of the existing building while a new building is
39 built. They don't really want to move the library twice.
40
41 They are working on the art and children's museum, the Mt. Baker Theater, and the
42 streetscape. They are also working with the private sector and fundraising group to
43 leverage the public investment with other private investments. She expects the library will
44 also generate excitement in the community.
45
46 Nelson asked if the museum expansion includes just the children's museum or the
47 entire museum complex. Decker stated the 35,000 square feet of building that will go on
48 the site of the old employment security building will include about 4,000 to 5,000 square
49 feet for the children's museum. The bulk of the museum will be art museum space. The
50 museum will surplus the Arco building and existing children's museum. The museum will
51 focus the role of the old 1892 building on history. The administration will be primarily
52 housed in the Syre Education Center. Photo archives will also be accessible in the Syre
53 Education Center.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 2
Nelson asked if the old museum will contain the natural and local history. Decker
stated it will. The museum has never had a building built for art. It simply made use of
existing buildings that didn't have controlled air ventilation, heating, and lighting systems.
Nelson asked about parking. Decker stated that the parking problems will be solved
by the City, County and private investment groups working together. Some of the existing
properties in the civic center area will be able to be redevelopment, including
redevelopment parking, in the redevelopment scheme. The district isn't able to contribute
to the parking problem right now. There isn't enough revenue to do that.
Crawford stated that if downtown is vibrant enough to turn this into a cultural area at
night and a civic government area in the day would be the best scenario. The parking
facilities won't conflict with each other. That seems like the long -term solution. Decker
stated they recognize that parking will be a component of development.
Nelson stated cultural events occur during the day, including school activities. There
will be a larger impact of people using these facilities, even during the day.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FOURTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,804,808 (AB2006 -105)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated a summary of expenditures and
revenues is on Council packet pages 26 and 27.
Nelson stated he commends staff for bringing forward $2 million in budgeting items,
with only a net affect to the budget of $336,000. Staff is looking at grant programs and
innovated approaches.
He asked about the $46,300 for drug court. He received several letters in support of
this excellent program. He asked how the County will support this item. Desler stated they
expect some grant revenue to come in, but not as much as in the past. The drug court
staff, court, Prosecutor's Office, and Public defender's Office proposed spending general
fund money to stabilize the program. In 2006, the general fund will spend about $80,000
for a program that will cost $275,000. The remaining money will come from the drug fund
and other miscellaneous grants. The court has been asked to adjust the revenue that the
new participants will pay to the program. Over time, He anticipates a contribution of
$80,000 for the program.
Nelson asked the fee. Desler stated the fee will go from $10 to $15 per week.
Nelson asked if the administration evaluated the impact on the court due to the fee
increase. Desler stated the new fee would apply to new participants. Existing participants
would pay the old fee.
The administration also proposes adjusting the staffing level to allow for a slightly
larger caseload. The average caseload now is about 55 participants for three case
managers. The proposal is to lower the number of case managers to two, who would be
ongoing employees of the County.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 3
1 Crawford read from the letter from Judge Snyder about continuing the program at
2 the current staffing level. He asked the difference in cost. Desler stated current staffing
3 would cost about $65,000 or $70,000 this year, and $85,000 or $90,000 in 2007. The
4 $49,000 is the new net amount they have to find for the remainder of the year.
5
6 Charles Snyder, Superior Court Judge, stated the drug court is one of the programs
7 the County can point to with pride. It is a successful program that changes peoples' lives.
8 A large percentage of the participants go through drug court and do not commit another
9 crime or continue to use substances. Families are reunited. People are now working,
10 paying taxes, and have job skills. If they cut back on case management, the success rate
11 won't be as high. These participants need extensive work to learn the skills and tools. If
12 the current staff were maintained, they could find additional State funding. The additional
13 cost is not that much more for the County. The program is very successful and supported
14 by many. Continue the program at it's current level. Give staff that window of time to find
15 additional funding. They have spent so much time growing a successful program, he would
16 hate to see that lost. Now they are at that point, they can focus on finding funding.
17
18 Crawford asked the impact of cutting back to two case managers. Snyder stated
19 some of the participants who need the most intense case management will not complete the
20 program. They will go back through the criminal process. Those who don't need that level
21 of intense work will get less. support they need to make their long -term changes functional.
22 Participants make the first few steps of progress before they hit a point where they either
23 go on and become successful or they don't go any further. Up to that point is where they
24 need intense case management. If they cut back on case managers, fewer people will go
25 through the program. Those who don't go through the program are the most risky when
26 they get back to their old lifestyle. They will go back to stealing identities, burglarizing
27 mailboxes, and stealing cars to feed their drug habits.
28
29 Nelson asked how the triage center will be integrated with drug court and early
30 intervention programs, which will decrease substance abuse use. He would rather see
31 people go into treatment than go into the court system. There is a cost benefit they have to
32 evaluate. Desler stated triage is a short-term intervention effort to properly assess people
33 with mental health and substance abuse problems to make sure they get into property long -
34 term treatment programs. The drug court program has its own entry requirements, and
35 would be assigned after triage work.
36
37 Snyder stated a requirement of drug court is that the participant has substance
38 abuse issues. They have had co- occurring mental health participants as well. If applicants
39 have not resolved their mental health issues, it decreases their chances for getting into drug
40 court. If the triage directs the applicants toward mental health services before coming to
41 drug court, it may be helpful.
42
43 Nelson asked if those people are entering into the drug court process for evaluation.
44 Snyder stated there are some.
45
46 Nelson asked for the specific rates of intensive case management.
47
48 Leigh Wirth, Drug Court Coordinator, submitted information (on file) and stated
49 Whatcom County does not have an unusual program in terms of case management, but has
50 a much better recidivism rate. Drug courts that are not case management programs don't
51 keep their participants. The participants walk off. The case management model allows
52 them to have daily impact with these folks who need to make significant life skill changes.
53 They lack jobs, vocational training, parenting training. That's what drug court is available to
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 4
do. Since 1999, they have graduated 92 participants. Several hundred go through the
program. They lose about one -third of the participants. For each participant that
graduates, the cost is about $26,000 per year in the County system and $25,000 per year
in the State system. The drug court cost per person is about $11,000 per year or $17,000
for the total of 18 months.
Crawford asked if many of the participants would otherwise spend a full year in jail.
Wirth stated they have everything from first -time offenders that would otherwise spend 30
to 90 days in jail. They also take defendants looking at several years in prison. She has
been trying to increase the number of participants from 50 to 60, which they have finally
done. There are six participants waiting for approval from the Prosecutor's Office. They
know they can increase the caseload from 80 to 90 with three case managers.
Nelson stated he would like a better evaluation before fully funding the program.
One national issue is possibly integrating mental health courts. Co- occurring disorders is a
big issue with him. He would approve the $49,000.
Wirth stated 60 percent of the participants have a co- occurring disorder, mostly from
post- traumatic stress. They have taken a lot of people with bi -polar illnesses. Attention
deficit disorder is common in this population. Once the participants are willing to and have
stabilized their mental illness, they can begin the drug court program.
Nelson stated he doesn't want to cut back on drug court, but they may have an
opportunity to do better things. Going with the current program may or may not be the
answer. He would like to take a break to evaluate the system. Wirth stated the current
staff is trained now to handle more serious mental health cases. They know the resources
available in town. There are treatment modalities they would like to do in -house to address
those issues. They have not been able to do that.
Nelson stated he would like to see that information.
Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections, stated 90 percent of the jail population has
substance abuse problems. A fair number also have co- occurring disorders. The
community is starting to look at that. However, they see the same offenders over and over.
The root issue is their substance abuse problem. It needs to be taken care of before they
can address the other problems in their lives, including the criminal behavior.
. They know that housing the offenders in the jail doesn't work. Eighty five percent of
the offenders come back over and over. Drug court has a lower recidivism rate. There are
40 more upfront costs, but over the life span of the offenders, if they quit coming back into the
41 criminal justice system, it's a cost saving for the County. There are costs up front. Drug
42 court emphasizes accountability on the part of the offender. However, many of the
43 offenders have very ingrained addictive disorders. Building relationships through case
44 management is their best chance for changing the behavior. If they can pull them out of
45 the system, it's a cost benefit. The preliminary numbers show there is a statistical
46 difference.
47
48 Nelson asked if they are making national comparisons in areas with or without drug
49 courts. Jones stated they are comparing to areas with drug courts.
50
51 Nelson asked if Whatcom County is doing even better than areas without drug
52 courts. That should be noted. This is not a program they want to cut, but see if they can
53 integrate it.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 5
Crawford stated the administration recommends cutting the program. Judge Snyder
recommends keeping the court functioning at the existing level for this year. He asked
what would happen in this year. Snyder stated the staff could demonstrate the program's
success.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Snyder continued to state that one more year would give staff time to get funding to
keep it going. They know they must find days to fill the funding gap. A year ago, they
didn't know how the funding would shake out. Now, they know how much money they have
to find.
Weimer would like to keep funding at the current levels. The County will save
money in the long -run.
Nelson stated he would rather go with the administrative recommendation, integrate
the triage system, and see what they get with additional funding. The program is now the
County's program, not the federal program. Bring that information back in four weeks.
Now, he's reluctant to fully fund. Snyder stated it may be difficult because they don't have
a good model for the triage process.
Jones stated the triage center is aimed at a different population that the one
targeted for drug court. Councilmember Nelson may want to look at a behavior health
court, which may be the next step in the evolution of drug court. At some point, once drug
court is solid, they could draw in elements of behavioral court. However, that requires a
different set of experts. At this point, the formula works well and targets a needy
population. Keep what works now, then consider expanding into a behavioral health court
in the next three to five years.
Nelson stated the administration brought forward a proposal. They all have to make
tough decisions. He is not willing to take a risk yet with County taxpayer money without
getting a better picture of this.
Snyder stated look at drug court as its own system. Compare the money spent with
money spent on other aspects of County government to see if there are similar results. He
has been working in the Whatcom County criminal justice system since 1989. The savings
are hard to quantify, but they are real.
Nelson asked if the administration was not convinced to continue funding drug court.
Desler stated the administration was convinced, which is why it recommends what it does.
This is a significant expansion. The County is spending more than it is taking in. This is an
$80,000 expansion. There are lots of wonderful things the County can do. The County has
made major adjustments to the system the last few years. The fact remains that the
County is spending more than it is taking in. The administration recommends that the
program can continue. If they look at every single program as a microcosm, they would
expand every single program because they are all wonderful.
Crawford stated they don't know how far the County would be behind without this
program. Desler stated the cost savings are very nebulous. There are always demands on
the existing resources. The savings to the jail won't be there because there are many
people waiting to spend time in jail.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 6
Wirth stated they always look for money. They will continue to seek State and
federal funding.
Weimer stated he agrees that they need a broader look at this to address it
holistically. However, it doesn't make sense to reduce the program. If additional money
doesn't come in, then consider where the jail and court system wants to take money from
to fund this court program. The cost return on this type of prevention program makes total
sense. There are things funded from the general fund that he would cut in favor of this
program.
Nelson stated he is reluctant. Programs come before the Council, all asking for
additional money. All the programs sound great. There is a significant problem in trying to
get co- occurring disorders, which he wants integrated as soon as possible. He disagrees
with Chief Jones. The programs don't have to be distinctly different.
Wirth stated the problem with integrating triage is the two -month wait to get into the
program. If they can figure out a way to fix that problem in triage, it would be great.
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Administrator, stated he championed the triage center a
long time ago. The triage center is a jail avoidance system, not a way to provide protracted
treatment. It has none of the accountability that drug court has. The triage center is a
great start.
Whatcom, Island, San Juan, and Skagit counties are in an integrated chemical
dependency and mental illness pilot program, beginning May 1. The State legislature has
begun doing what they are talking about. The result of that pilot may be exactly what
Councilmember Nelson is asking staff to come up with. They may end up with an integrated
mental health, behavioral health, and chemical dependency court from that effort.
Weimer moved to amend the ordinance by adding approximately $65,000 to keep
the Superior Court drug court services case management staffing level at the present level.
Nelson stated he fully supports the idea of the amendment. He disagree with the
process. They need to work on it more diligently. He appreciate everything the drug court
has done.
Crawford stated he is divided on the issue. He will be in favor of the amendment.
The administration's job is to balance the financial pressure. Continue the program for
another year. Whatcom County is getting better results than others.
40
41 Motion carried 2 -1 with Nelson opposed.
42
43 Crawford asked whether the money for the Auditor's request comes from the
44 Auditor's operations and maintenance budget.
45
46 Shirley Forslof, Auditor, stated it does. The first request is to image recorded
47 records dating from 1994. It's faster and easier to do searches.
48
49 Nelson asked if these funding requests were submitted during the last budget
50 proposal. Forslof stated they weren't. They didn't have all the process in place to put it in.
51 It's to get the documents on the internet. This proposal is from their vendor to get the
52 documents on the internet. The County Executive said the only way to get the documents
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 7
1 on the internet is to redact the social security numbers. This software will remove the social
2 security numbers on documents for the public to view.
3
4 Nelson asked if there is a reason this cannot be done through the regular budget
5 process next year. Forslof stated she could put the request through next year, but the
6 vendor quoted this price. It comes out of the Auditor's operations and maintenance funds,
7 not the general fund.
8
9 Nelson stated the County has a two -year budget process. If people make
10 supplemental requests at any time, they will destroy the two -year budget process. Instead,
11 they will have every Finance Committee meeting be a budget hearing. He asked why this is
12 brought forward at this time. Desler stated the administration likes the management team
13 to think about longer -term budget projections through a two -year process. There are many
14 other examples where lots of last minute items have come forward. The administration has
15 been working with the Auditor for two years on this project. It's coming forward today
16 because it is a one -time investment that they decided to go through. It's not a general fund
issue. If this service is going to be available to the public, they have to invest this kind of
money.
Nelson stated find a way to docket these items through the budget process so the
Council knows about them ahead of time.
Debbie Adelstein, Chief Deputy Auditor, stated they were told that there would be an
opportunity at the beginning of the second year of the two -year budget cycle to bring
forward specific items that hadn't been planned for.
Nelson stated they may need a process so that each committee meeting isn't like
this.
Weimer asked if they are no longer collecting social security numbers with the
recorded documents. Forslof stated private parties are not to include social security
numbers beginning this year. It puts the onus on the person recording the document. It is
not a State law. It has become a national issue.
Nelson restated his motion to recommend approval of the ordinance as amended.
Motion to recommend approval of the amended ordinance carried
unanimously
40 2. ORDINANCE REGARDING PROJECT BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 OF THE 2006
41 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,310,000 (AB2006 -106)
42
43 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if this project
44 was approved in the past.
45
46 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it was approved.
47
48 Nelson asked if it was on a priority listing.
49
50 Crawford stated he thought the total was $1 million. Desler stated a portion is
51 funded from a grant and a portion is granted through a loan. The money was appropriated,
52 but there were legal challenges and the appropriation lapsed.
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 8
This is the first example of a project budget they will begin to see for larger capital
outlays. It is an ordinance allowed in the Charter and the code. The project budget will be
brought forward. They are allowed to expend money over a period of 36 months without
going back to the Council for re- appropriation.
Crawford stated they should post information in the courthouse hallway about these
projects so people can see where their tax dollars are being spent.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -18
FOR DELIVERY AND SUPPLY OF ASPHALTIC MIXES FOR USE ON VARIOUS
COUNTY ROADS, BY ACCEPTING ALL BIDS AND PERMITTING SELECTION OF
THE APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED AMOUNT
FOR THE YEAR OF APPROXIMATELY $200,000 (AB2006 -113)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -27 TO
THE LOW BIDDER, ONCE DETERMINED, FOR MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE
FOR PUBLIC WORKS NEW OFFICE SPACE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$100,000 (AB2006 -114)
Weimer moved to recommend approval as presented in the additional information
presented earlier to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF 10 LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND
RELATED ACCESSORIES FOR USE IN SHERIFF VEHICLES USING A CITY OF
LYNNWOOD BID AND INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT (VENDOR DAYTECH, INC.)
IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,405.31 (AB2006 -115)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked about the
surplus laptops from the Emergency Management Division.
Don Boyd, Emergency Management Division Manager, stated the surplus laptops
were in the wrong account. They need to be transferred to the Sheriff's Office. This is a
program to outfit the deputy vehicles with laptops. The laptops being transferred into the
Sheriff's Office from the Emergency Management Division were put into their account by
mistake.
Crawford asked if they are purchasing ten or 20 laptops.
Kevin Moyse, Chief Deputy, stated they anticipate getting about 60 laptops for all the
patrol cars. All of these laptops are being used for the patrol cars.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 9
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE SALMON RECOVERY
FUNDING BOARD TO PROVIDE FOR THE SELECTION OF A QUALIFIED
CONSULTANT TO EVALUATE SALMON HABITAT RESTORATION OPTIONS,
EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND PREFERRED PROJECT ALTERNATIVES,
PREPARE PROJECT DESIGNS AND COST ESTIMATES THAT CONSIDER
EXISTING ALLUVIAL FAN FLOOD HAZARDS, AND PERFORM COMMUNITY
OUTREACH FOR THE LOWER REACHES OF CANYON CREEK IN THE NORTH
FORK NOOKSACK RIVER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000 ($80,750 IN GRANT
FUNDS AND $14,250 (15% MATCH) FROM FLOOD FUND) (AB2006 -116)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked how the
consultant would be guided and the outcome.
John Thompson, Senior Planner, submitted information (on file). In the handout,
action item one regarding Canyon Creek has been identified as one of the top priority areas
for passage. Canyon Creek has been the primary tributary used by Spring Chinook for
spawning and rearing in the north fork of the Nooksack River. It also provides spawning for
other species. They want to get someone who has the biological, geo- morphological, and
engineering skills to develop a project or projects that can be done with grant or other
funding. The purpose is to improve passage for Chinook and to improve habitat.
Nelson asked the location. Thompson stated the main location for restoration is up
to the head of the alluvial fan. Historically, spawning has occurred throughout the alluvial
fan.
Nelson asked if there is an idea of the general outcome they would like to see.
Thompson stated they would like to improve the passage at the lower bedrock falls by
modifying the falls or moving the channel. The consultant will look at those two options.
Nelson asked if there are concerns about flood issues and people who live in the
area. Thompson stated that public outreach will be included. They won't transfer the flood
risk to someone who wasn't otherwise at risk.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE NATIONAL FISH AND
WILDLIFE FOUNDATION, TO CONTINUE THE CONTROL AND OUTREACH
WORK ON KNOTWEED SPECIES ON THE NOOKSACK RIVER, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $24,894 ($16,476 FROM NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
AND $8,418 FROM THE COUNTY'S 2006 APPROVED OPERATING BUDGET)
(AB2006 -117)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
MODIFICATION 2 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
USDA FOREST SERVICE, PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION, MT. BAKER-
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 10
SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW BOTH ENTITIES
TO ACCOMPLISH PROJECTS COOPERATIVELY, BENEFITING FORESTRY
SERVICE PROGRAMS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,133.96 (AB2006 -118)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
EXTENSION #4 TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DAY
WIRELESS SYSTEMS, TO EXTEND THE RADIO MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
SERVICE FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2007, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $60,000 FOR AN AMENDED CONTRACT TOTAL OF $300,000
(AB2006 -119)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
EXTENSION #4 TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SND
COMMUNICATIONS, INC., TO EXTEND THE RADIO MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR SERVICE FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2007, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 FOR AN AMENDED CONTRACT TOTAL OF $300,000
(AB2006 -120)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF ASSETS OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
FUND BEING DECLARED SURPLUS AND TRANSFERRING OF THOSE ASSETS
TO THE GENERAL FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH WCC 1.10.150 (AB2006-
121)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -03 (AB2006 -122)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -04 (AB2006 -123)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council of Consent Agenda
items 11 through 15.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 11
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2 12. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
3 AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -05 (AB2006 -124)
4
5 See Consent Agenda item 11.
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7 13. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
8 AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -06 (AB2006 -125)
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10 See Consent Agenda item 11.
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12 14. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
13 AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -07 (AB2006 -126)
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15 See Consent Agenda item 11.
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17 15. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
18 AUCTION, REQ. #TR2006 -08 (AB2006 -127)
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20 See Consent Agenda item 11.
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22 16. REVIEW OF FEDERAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION (AB2006-
23 128)
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25 Nelson moved to approve the application.
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27 Motion carried unanimously.
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30 OTHER BUSINESS
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32 Crawford stated the fourth quarter general fund balance is projected to be $21
33 million. It is dropped about $500,000. The County essentially spent $500,000 more than it
34 took in.
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36 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated that's not news. They discussed what is
37 occurring with fund balances. A big hit is coming regarding pension increases to the
38 employer. His concern is the mandates and liabilities that are out there. They won't be
39 able to sustain all operations.
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41 The State has said that it's just mathematics.
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43 Desler stated the market is down.
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45 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
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47 Crawford asked if the option would be to cut the retirement benefits. Desler stated it
48 is. There are limited opportunities for the County to address revenue, as opposed to the
49 legislature, which has all the time in the world to do that. It is a fundamental issue to think
50 about and address. They aren't able to do everything that everyone asks, based on current
51 projections.
52
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 12
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/28/2006, Page 13