HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 31 20001
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
PROPOSED 2001 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
October 31, 2000
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Committee Chair L. Ward
Nelson in the Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham,
Washington.
Also Present:
Robert Imhof
Sam Crawford
Absent:
None
DISCUSSION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S 2001 RECOMMENDED
BUDGET (PARKS, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, WHAT -
COMM /COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS /MEDIC ONE /ALL OTHER NON -
DEPARTMENTAL, MISCELLANEOUS FOLLOW- UP)(AB2000 -363)
Parks
Roger DeSpain, Director, stated one question asked was about the specific
objectives from the 2000 budget that have been accomplished. There are several.
One of the biggest things they accomplished was the Tennant Lake tower. It was a
working effort between many of the departments. The Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) was an issue with the tower. A camera was installed at the top to see
the view from below. The engineering was donated. His department received a
Design of the Year award from the International Parks and Recreation Association
for the project.
They are always trying to be innovative and find new techniques, keeping in
mind safety, cost - effectiveness, and the environment. A few years ago, they
borrowed a waipuna weed killer from Australia. It helps them work on undesirable
plant material. Through steam, it actually kills the plant by destroying the cell
structure. It is more effective than Round -up. It is very cumbersome. There was
not a cost to the County to have the equipment. In the future, they hope to use a
small, more effective unit. The idea is that there are other ways of eradicating
weeds without using herbicides and pesticides, which coincides with their innovative
pest management (IPM) system.
Crawford asked the cost. DeSpain stated the cost to purchase it is around
$15,000.
Larry Simkins, Parks Operations Manager, stated he didn't know the true
cost. The benefit to the owner is that it is out there so other people can see the
equipment. The County is doing the owner a favor.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee - BUDGET, 10/31/2000, Page 1
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DeSpain stated another innovation is an electric riding mower called the
Amble About. It is quieter. The County may want to get a grant to purchase one.
They are about $15,000. It is safe because the operator can communicate with
people nearby. It the future, they will see more electric mowers because there are
fewer moving parts. It will run eight hours on one charge.
They are in phase I of building a large picnic shelter at Hovander Park. They
will get revenue from reservations of the shelter. It will shelter 80 to 100 people.
It is another opportunity for many of the County departments to be involved on this
one project.
This year the Whatcom County's Hovander Homestead Park hosted the
Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall. About 60,000 people attended.
Another question asked was whether the 2001 budget is consistent with
strategic planning and the 2001 budget guidelines. In the Parks Senior Services
program, they maintain much cooperation with partners and partnerships. They
work with the Council on Aging regarding the senior programs. They work with
non - profit groups, such as the Soccer Commission, the Boys and Girls Club, and the
Land Trust. Also, the department will push the Teen Adventure Program (TAP) this
year. It has high use and there is a high need to coordinate with school districts
and youth groups around the county. This addresses policy number six in the
strategic plan and budget policy number ten.
They will also recruit, train, and supervise a large corps of volunteers for the
department. It will help continue the service levels they have today and what is
expected in 2001. If it weren't for their volunteer corps, many programs would not
be possible.
They are challenging themselves to continue talking to the people they serve,
the citizens of Whatcom County, to make sure the Parks Department is doing what
the citizens expect. He will conduct a number of surveys. They will ask for input
back on everything they do. The surveys will be done through the web page and
written comments.
Another question is about how the additional service requests (ASR's) will
help the budget. The TAP program, for which they've requested a coordinator, is a
wonderful, successful program.
Dawson asked how many people have used the TAP program. DeSpain
stated this year up to 830 individuals have used the program. They are finding that
the current coordinator is being recognized among the kids. The program is
catching on.
He thanked the Council for providing lifeguards last year. They will be on
guard from the beginning this year. They will be trained.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee - BUDGET, 10/31/2000, Page 2
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He's been working with the Van Zandt Community Association since 1973.
He's tightened up that relationship. Now, they are trying to do the Josh
VanderYacht memorial park. That is starting to come together.
They had additional seasonal requests, and got some funding for staff, which
helps the park managers. The county population is growing, and many more
people are coming to the parks.
A three - quarter ton pickup is phase one of a roving mowing crew. Right
now, they have equipment everywhere. He wants to change that, and have a
roving crew that knows how to use the equipment and do the work quickly. The
same people will operate the equipment. This is phase one of putting that program
together.
Another thing is the cabin at Silver Lake Park, which will help with the ADA
requirements.
There is an outside worker program with the Sheriff's Office, which is
producing tons of work. The crew is painting buildings, helping upgrade trails, and
other work. The County is doing the right thing by building pride in these
individuals. The supervisor position is tough to do. They have two crews. Dollar
for dollar, this is the best program for maintenance that they've ever done.
Crawford asked about the park facilities capital outlay increase. DeSpain
stated that is out of the 1988 levy. They've got that amount of money left. Two
and a half million dollars were approved, and they've been able to keep it moving
on projects. It was earmarked for repair, replacement, and refurbishing projects.
The $2.5 million dollars turned into almost $3.5 million through leveraging. It has
been the Parks Department savings account for when there has been a major
emergency.
Crawford asked if there is a specific plan to use the $50,000. DeSpain stated
it is savings for an emergency repair. They may not use it.
Crawford asked about the Black Mountain Forestry Center. There is an ASR
to get the $10,000 grant and then spend that money. The request was reduced
from $23,000 to $2,500. He asked the reason for the change, and if the $23,000
was for the start up cost. DeSpain stated it was start up money. It was a two -year
program. The dollars actually came from a U.S. Forest Service act for displaced
loggers. They put in another application for $10,000 this year.
Crawford asked about the unapproved ASR and $1,500 for the visitor's guide.
DeSpain stated the Convention and Visitor's Bureau puts out a publication. The
Parks Department has been in it for a number of years. The publication is sent all
over the United States. They will not be doing that this year.
Crawford asked the revenue per year of cabin seven, for which they propose
to spend $35,000 to upgrade.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee - BUDGET, 10/31/2000, Page 3
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Mary Lou Jones, Accountant II, stated the revenue for all six cabins is
combined.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is a significant repair.
DeSpain stated they bring in at least $50,000 to $60,000 per year on the
cabins.
Desler stated he analyzed the expenditure with staff. It is appropriate to do
because the revenue is there. They don't necessarily try to make a profit with
these operations. It is a high- demand area, as high as anything they are doing in
the County. There are no ADA accessible cabins at this point. They are trying to
make them accessible. The cabin is sliding down the hill. If they are going to use
it, they need to save it. If not, then they will have to tear it up.
DeSpain stated they have a Cascade camping cabin that is a shell only.
There are no utilities. There is some electricity for heat, but no water. Its use has
caught on well. It is ADA accessible. He was thinking about moving that structure
to the Lighthouse Marine Park. They are portable.
Nelson stated Mr. DeSpain has done a very good job over the years
managing that department and creating an efficient environment to get the services
to the public. He appreciated that. The listed objectives are more of what they
would see in a visioning report. The committee and Council would like to see what
they are trying to accomplish next year and how the ASR requests match with
those needs. He questioned whether coordinating efforts with community groups is
a new service or increased level of service. He questioned how it would be
measured, if it is new. DeSpain stated they are always trying to bring on new
partnerships. In 2001, they are looking at the venture with Trillium and
Semiahmoo Resort regarding Semiahmoo Park. How it would be measured will be
by the tax dollar savings. They are willing to pick up the interpretive position and
doing the maintenance on it. That will be a huge saving for the County. There is
another discussion about cooperating with Trillium on trail work. They are willing to
donate dollars for signs.
Nelson stated that one goal was to provide opportunities for cultural
enrichment. He asked if they are focusing on a particular group, and if there is a
need in the community for that. He asked if this is something they've always done.
DeSpain stated they've always done it, but it wasn't a focus. He would have to
think about how it would be measured.
Nelson stated another goal was to recruit, train, and supervise a corps of
volunteers to support senior center activities. He asked how many volunteers are
in a corps. DeSpain stated hundreds of volunteers are in a corps. He can quantify
it.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee - BUDGET, 10/31/2000, Page 4
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Nelson asked the goal for the full -time TAP coordinator, and whether they are
getting an increased level of service. DeSpain stated they are.
Nelson asked what Mr. DeSpain wanted to accomplish with that one person.
DeSpain stated he wants to augment activities for youth who are falling through the
cracks by providing different opportunities that a school district cannot do. The
department has the outdoor equipment for kayaking, climbing, and other activities.
The school districts don't have that equipment. They will bring in kids from all over
the county, creating a new mix of people for the youths to interact with. Right
now, the department is overwhelmed with requests to do different projects.
Nelson asked for an update on Nessett Farm. DeSpain stated he could
provide an update.
Dawson stated she would like to tour the Parks facilities.
Nelson asked about creating a revolving fund to do maintenance and repairs.
Desler stated the Parks Department is not included because there are substantial
resources devoted to Parks Department repair and maintenance. They have more
staff devoted to maintenance of Parks operations than the County has for all the
other buildings in the County. The master planning would work on the general
government buildings first.
(Clerk's Notes: Finance committee recessed from 9:40 a.m. to move into the
Council Chambers.)
Planning and Development Services
Sam Ryan, Acting Planning and Development Services Director, stated that
she provided a response to the questions posed, and summarized the proposed
budget. They have not exceeded expenditures. They've increased some revenues,
and others have fallen short. Additional revenues are coming in from compliance
activities.
Nelson suggested that next year all departments separate out the regular
ongoing duties from the year's proposed goals and objectives. He asked what
specifically would be done and how it would be measured to build harmony between
the natural and built environment.
Ryan stated that the goals are more specific with each department than with
the administration.
Nelson asked what they are doing in administration. Ryan stated they are
trying to get the record - keeping caught up and do micro - filming.
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Nelson stated those are the types of things the Council wants to look at to
know if the department has the adequate tools. Ryan stated they've addressed
specifics throughout each division.
Crawford asked if they are still doing the customer service survey at the
counter. Ryan stated they were until they lost the key to the box about a month
ago. They will be doing it again. The forms are available.
Crawford asked about the general feedback from the public about fees. Ryan
stated there are not any gripes about the building permit fees from the regular
customers. The County is below the state trend on building permits fees. There
was a concern regarding new fees on checking legal lots based on deed history.
Some surveyors were not happy about that, even though notification was sent out.
The County used to do that for free. They are trying to make each division self -
supporting for the services that are provided.
Crawford stated Land Use Division permits generate $331,000 in revenue
and the department spends over $1 million. Ryan stated the biggest disparity is
with the fees that they do not collect in the Planning Division. The Land Use
Division and Building Services Division collect fees that are about the same as their
expenditures. The total revenue that is projected and the total expenditures have a
difference of about $60,000. That difference is long range planning, because they
can't charge fees for so much of what they do.
Nelson asked if plan review in the Building Services Division is meeting
objectives. Ryan stated they are, and it is working well. The timeframe is the
same thing as commercial permit fees. It takes about eight weeks. They are doing
better because the new plans examiner focuses on the residential plan review.
They can run reports on them. They are starting to do that to measure themselves.
She wants to know why a particular one is taking so long. They need to make sure
they have good documentation all the way through the process, so they can tell a
person what is going on.
Nelson stated the objectives look more like maintenance objectives than new
objectives. Ryan stated only one objective has changed.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Ryan continued to state that they shared work on the burn program with the
state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Northwest Air Pollution
Authority (NWAPA). DNR has pulled out of the program.
Nelson asked who has responsibility for developing a countywide burn permit
program. Ryan stated the County is responsible. Some fire departments do their
own burn permits. The ones who don't rely on the shared County /DNR program.
Now, the County is issuing its own burn permits. They have the staff to do it, but it
takes away from other programs.
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Imhof asked why DNR pulled out. Ryan stated DNR wanted an exorbitant
amount of money from the County to hire more people. They did not propose a fair
offer. They wanted the County to support different fire wardens throughout the
state. The County declined. It is a County responsibility.
Nelson asked if the County has the staffing for this. Ryan stated the County
does, if it takes away from other things it does. They have a deputy fire marshal
and a fire inspector. Currently, the County is handling it.
Nelson asked if the County coordinates with all fire departments. Ryan
stated the County already has. The County is actively involved with the Fire Chiefs'
Association for Whatcom County.
Nelson asked if it is the County's responsibility or the fire districts'
responsibility.
Imhof stated the fire district could accept the responsibility. If it doesn't
accept it, then it is the County's responsibility.
Ryan stated some fire districts have paid chiefs, and others do not. The
volunteer districts cannot and do not do a burn program. There are a number of
districts who are not paid. Some districts do not have a permanent fire chief. They
are heading that direction, but it is not something the County can control.
Nelson stated the Land Use Services Division did not have much requested
for new objectives or goals. There is a 6.96 percent increase in services, in the
amount of $38,000. There are increases in other services and charges. He asked
what the other services and charges are for.
Roland Middleton, Land Use Service Manager, stated the $20,000 is the
administration allocation. It is the cost of staying in the building.
Nelson asked what items are put into the category of "other services and
charges."
Brad Bennett, Finance Manager, stated it has to do with the Oracle and
Tidemark software systems. "Other services and charges" is basically professional
services and miscellaneous expenses such as postage.
Middleton stated the $20,000 increase in the Land Use Division budget is for
the administrative cost allocation given in the budget instructions. Everything else
stayed the same.
Crawford referenced the training for planning commissioners. He went to the
American Planning Association conference in Seattle the year he chaired the
Planning Commission. It is important. The quality of the decisions could be hugely
impacted in a positive way with more training. Ryan stated it was budgeted as
ongoing.
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Crawford asked the amount.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the cost is $3,000.
Crawford asked if that included the short course.
Sylvia Goodwin, Planning Division Manager, stated the short course is
inexpensive. It only costs the snacks and dinner for the speakers.
Crawford asked if $3,000 is a standard budget item. Goodwin stated it is,
but there was not much interest in using it. There haven't been any good seminars
offered.
Crawford stated the chair should at least go because he or she is responsible
for the direction of the conversation.
Nelson suggested making that recommendation in a memo.
Goodwin stated the planning commissioners all need training on the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and importance of shorelines. She was concerned
about that.
Nelson stated they represent the community. They may need to educate the
entire community. Goodwin agreed. They can't ignore the state and federal
mandates.
Nelson stated the County is going through ESA, and will go through a
tremendous amount of money next year and the next few years. He asked if the
Planning Division was ready to meet those changes and needs that would come out
of this. Land use is primarily what the County is going to deal with. Goodwin
stated they are not at this time. They don't have ASR's for this year for any
shoreline or ESA work. They are doing a lot of the background work in- house, and
are waiting to see what the state will come up with for state funding for shorelines.
It is not something the County has the budget or staff to do. She worked with Jeff
Monsen, and they put together a countywide budget for what it would require. It is
well over $1 million. They don't have that kind of money or the staff to do it in-
house. They've got two years. They are going to wait until the rules are passed,
see what type of grant funding there is, and do a supplemental request for this year
or put it in next year's budget.
Middleton stated that they don't want to guess at what the cost will be. They
want to come forward with real figures.
Nelson asked about the update of subarea plans. Ryan stated $10,000 is
budgeted for the Birch Bay subarea plan. They are carrying over $12,000 to go
toward that project. In addition, they are working with Trillium and the Port of
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Bellingham to get the program set before the end of the year. It costs $40,000 to
$50,000 per subarea plan.
Goodwin stated they have $37,000 this year for Point Roberts, and hope to
finish it this year. They expect the Birch Bay plan to cost about $100,000, with the
County paying about a quarter of that cost. They hope to get that done next year.
A lot of background information is done now. They will have to wait until the first
of the year to contract out. Point Roberts is under contract and should be done in
draft by the end of the year.
Desler stated they would need assistance from the County Council Planning
Committee to address future subareas that they will want to work on in 2002 and
2003. The Comprehensive Plan calls for about a dozen areas to be done.
McShane stated it is critical that the Council speaks out in January, when the
legislature starts, regarding un- funding of shorelines. The legislature refused to
fund it last year.
Middleton stated there is a fee increase for conditional uses and variances in
the Unified Fee Schedule. They plan on looking at short plats and environmental
reviews in the next two years, depending on the change in regulations.
What- Comm /Council of Governments /Medic One/All other Non - Departmental
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the non - departmental section is
for a number of issues not attached to specific departments. It includes
contributions the County makes to other organizations, services, and activities in
Whatcom County. It is also used as a basis for support of miscellaneous small
projects the County has determined to be important to serve the people of
Whatcom County. There is a description of services in Volume II of budget packet,
on pages 74 to 75.
Bob Hall, Downtown Steering Committee, Museum Board, and Wayfinding
Committee, stated that wayfinding is a mess. It is a $300,000 to $400,000 project.
He submitted a letter from the Whatcom museum. They are asking the County to
fund half of the wayfinding signage system. There are 14 different areas downtown
they want to get to.
Desler stated it is a one -time project, and they propose that it be funded out
of the Convention fund. They expect the City of Bellingham to be responsible for
the ongoing costs.
Hall stated this cost is just for the half of the part of the system that is in the
civic area around the courthouse. All the signs are going to be taken down from
the freeway and replaced with a central system. Most cities have something like
this. With the one -way streets, it is difficult to find the downtown area and the
courthouse.
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Imhof asked if the fund would come from the hotel /motel tax. Desler
referenced volume II, page 86.
Crawford stated that the fund has a balance of $119,000 from the
hotel /motel tax. An amount of $30,000 will come from that fund for this project, as
referenced on pages 39 and 63 of volume I.
Desler stated that they would receive .15 percent of the sales tax that goes
into the General fund for retail sales and use. It goes into the General fund. The
convention center fund is a small percentage directly attributed to this fund, and it
comes from a special tax on hotel and motel use.
Crawford asked the equity in taxing people staying out in the county to pay
for signs to direct others in the city. Desler stated it creates a clear and better
environment for visitors to the community, regardless of where they are staying.
Crawford asked if the program total is about $500,000, and the County is
being asked for $30,000.
Unidentified speaker stated the cost for the direction signs is about
$450,000. The County is being asked for $30,000.
Jessica Staton, Womencare Shelter, stated the County has generously
supported them in the past. The allocation this year is to offset expenses of the
administrative office. They have a confidential location for the shelter program.
They use the administrative offices for community -based services, such as training
volunteers. They have 42 volunteers currently. The administrative office is used to
list an address for current and former residents confidentially and provide a contact
phone number. It allows public access for services. Under state law, they have a
huge continuing education requirement for all staff and volunteers, and 30 hours
per year are required through the state Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS). Staff and volunteers are required to have continuing training.
Nelson asked who provides the continuing education. Staton stated they do
by bringing in speakers. They open up the education to other programs such as
Lydia Place and Whatcom Crisis Services.
Nelson stated that they originally requested $20,000, and the County has
approved $15,000. Staton stated the $15,000 would only cover rent. The extra
$5,000 that is not approved is for utility and ground maintenance.
John Cooper, Convention and Visitor's Bureau, spoke regarding the
wayfinding system. It is important for the County to partner. They need visitors to
find their way in and out of town, but it is also for residents. It does not direct
people to commercial establishments, but public establishments. The Convention
and Visitors' Bureau request is the same as last year, and less than in 1999. It is
12.4 percent of their proposed budget, which is down from last year. They've done
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a return on investment report to document what is returned to the community. For
every dollar invested in the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, about $7.80 is
returned to the community in new visitor spending. Tourism has grown at the rate
of four to six percent over the last few years. They are seeing a good return on
their investment. It is good for the community, and helps bring new tax dollars to
Whatcom County.
Nelson asked if they are looking at any other changes or enhancements to
services. Cooper stated they would work with the Council of Governments on
projects such as trails, Mt. Baker, and Chuckanut Drive marketing. They just
produced a new brochure on the Mt. Baker highway. They are going to focus on
rural activities to help bolster tourism in the rural areas of the county.
Nelson stated there has been an increase in trail use in Whatcom County. He
would like to see better coordination on trail use. Cooper stated they are a focus
for alternative transportation and new recreation opportunities.
Janet Crook, Lydia Place, stated the County has not funded Lydia Place in the
past. It is transitional housing for homeless women with children. They are asking
for $7,500 for the family services part of their program. It provides individual
parenting skills and to work with the kids. They work with other agencies. The
majority of the women come from a domestic violence background. The kids have
had violence and instability in their lives. Lydia Place wants to build a sense of
stability and trust. They've worked to develop a program that is therapeutic in
nature. The majority of the work is done with the kids and developing good
parenting skills for the mothers.
Crawford asked where the current committed funds are from. Crook stated
they get $29,000 from the City of Bellingham, $25,000 from United Way, and a
small grant from the state. They are a subcontractor with Opportunity Council, and
they get $3,000 from Federal Emergency Management (FEMA), and a number of
smaller contributions from churches and businesses. They do fundraising for
$60,000 from campaigns and events.
Nelson asked what the County money would be used for. Crook stated it
would be used for staff and supplies for the family services program.
Crawford asked how the city got involved, when the County did not. Crook
stated that when Lydia Place began, it was a group of women who volunteered and
did everything. They had the philosophy that everyone would want to contribute.
There was a lot of energy from volunteers in the beginning. Over the years, they
cannot maintain a quality program without funds. Last year, they applied to the
County because they do serve county residents.
Nelson stated they take in homeless women and children. He asked how
they tie in with the Lighthouse Mission. Crook stated Agape Home is a part of the
Lighthouse Mission. They are not.
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Nelson asked if they receive United Way funding. Crook stated they do.
They make referrals between the different services.
Nelson stated the Lighthouse Mission concern is to find a place for women
and children. He asked if Lydia Place is only for women and children. Crook stated
there are no men because they have communal living.
Crawford asked if they have transition service from Womencare. Crook stated
they get referrals from many places.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Crook continued to state that they have a close connection with Womencare
Shelter.
Staton stated that one of their most frequent referrals is to Lydia Place.
They provide a critical piece in the continuum of care regarding domestic violence.
Womencare Shelter relies on the health of the Lydia Place program. Many times, a
woman who's completed the Womencare program has the choice to live on the
street or return to a life of violence. That is no choice.
Imhof asked if the administration received a final cost for ambulance
services. Desler stated the amount is the same as what the administration
recommends.
Nelson stated there is a decrease for the Domestic Violence Commission and
asked the reason.
Imhof stated the amount was for start -up costs.
Dawson questioned the amount being funded. Desler stated both the City of
Bellingham and County contribute a total of $37,500 for the work they do. Last
year they contributed $30,000.
Imhof stated there is a decrease of $30,000. Desler stated it is primarily
funded out of the Health Department. They are the pass- through entity.
Nelson asked to have the contribution listed in one place. Desler stated cost
center 4050 supports both Womencare and the Domestic Violence Commission.
The Womencare Shelter is $15,000 for 2001. The increase to the Domestic
Violence Commission is $15,000, half of which comes from each the city and the
County.
Dawson stated they should not pay for administration of the Domestic
Violence Commission.
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Crawford asked about page 98 of volume II, and which item would be the
Domestic Violence Commission. Desler stated he would find out for sure and
provide the answer later in the day.
Crawford asked Councilmember Dawson about what the money should be
used for.
Dawson stated the Council first provided up -front money with the idea the
funds could be reduced.
Desler stated the commission still has work to do. The County Council and
administration supported it in the past. They developed a plan with detailed
objectives to deal with critical problems regarding domestic violence. He
encouraged having a special presentation and continued support of the commission
for another year. It has been a priority in the criminal justice system because
domestic violence is a major driver. The funding for the Domestic Violence
Commission is from the administrative portion of the Health Department budget.
Nelson asked if anything changed for emergency communication and 911.
Desler stated the recommended amount was $626,000. There will probably be one
other issue the County will raise with the City of Bellingham regarding
administrative cost allocation. A part of that cost is the amount the city charges to
the What -Comm program, of which the County pays a major share, for
administrative cost allocation. The County is starting to raise a question about the
way that is built.
Nelson asked if there are still substantial increases, but they are not as large
as originally requested. Desler stated the Whatcom Medic One program includes
some adjustments they worked out. There is additional revenue and expenditure
reduction. They retained the fourth medic unit and the funding for the
development of a station for a fourth medic unit. The location is yet to be
determined. They also retained funding to support a community -wide planning
process for the emergency services, to be completed next summer.
Nelson asked if they achieved all they wanted within these budget guidelines.
Desler stated that they do for the year 2001. They recommend a budget of $1.1
million for the program. They will get the fourth medic unit and an outstation for it.
Some of the funding is identified for the emergency medical services planning.
Nelson asked the reason for the funding increase to 911. Desler stated the
2001 budget was artificially deflated because they were using reserves in the
reserve fund to pay for services. Those reserves are not available any more. There
are also adjustments in staff. The additional dispatch center has created additional
costs that the County also contributes to. The County contribution comes in three
forms. First, the County pays for cost in a formula that relates to the sheriff's calls
and response. Second, they pay for fire districts and their calls. Third, they pay a
portion for the Medic One contribution for EMS calls to this program. Part of the
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$1,14,000 in the ambulance service contribution is to pay for the What -Comm
program.
Crawford stated the City Council committed to move forward with planning
Medic One. In terms of the report, it suggested that there be a committee
established with all the interested parties. He questioned whether they envision
that committee including What -Comm, or only include Medic One. Desler stated
only Medic One, with possibly some side issues examining how the dispatch center
works for the community. They will need to address that. They do not recommend
having a full review of what is going on with the ambulance service coupled with all
of the issues surrounding dispatch and call- receiving. They need to be addressed in
a future planning process. There are other issues associated with law enforcement
and fire service that has another process underway.
Crawford suggested that the County's participation be contingent upon
moving forward with the suggestion of the report to form that committee and get
that going. Mr. Hammers responded that he thought it was appropriate, but that
time would be an issue. It won't be long before the fire department starts looking
at 2002 for planning of staffing needs and budget. Mr. Hammers suggested that
February would not be too early. He asked what is needed to kick -start that
process. Desler stated the Ambulance Advisory Committee is called for that same
planning process. The County administration met with the fire chiefs in the
community. They also recommend that the County provide some leadership in
conjunction with a number of other groups. He recommends that the County move
forward with the EMS planning. He is meeting with fire representatives to work out
some of the next steps to get things started. They want support from all
government entities in the area. They want to appoint about 21 people to a
committee and to establish the administrative and financial mechanisms necessary
to carry this effort forward over six or seven months. If they can get started soon,
it can be done by the summer. It depends on the good will and cooperation of a lot
of people.
Crawford asked at what point he could interject his contingency of approval
of this budget item with moving forward with that process. The Whatcom County
Council should agree to the funding, contingent upon that process moving forward
quickly. Desler stated half of the $31,000 is in the $1.1 million and is devoted to
the support of the EMS planning. It isn't enough money, but it is the best they can
come up with at that point. They've started that process.
Nelson stated it is a contentious item that they are close to resolving. The
County needs to hold firm in its desire to see it come to conclusion.
Desler stated there was a process last year to work on EMS services. That
process stalled. The City of Bellingham hired a consultant to create the report. The
County is proposing a community based effort, supported with directions and goals
for the future of EMS that would be precise enough to build in 2002.
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Miscellaneous Follow -up
Nelson stated he would send a memo to other councilmembers about the
work session next Tuesday.
Crawford asked about the criminal justice data integration request of half a
million dollars. Desler stated they referred the matter to the Law and Justice
Council. A large part of the funding could come from grant funds. There is a
committee working on data integration. The administration is not prepared to
move forward with the recommendation. Some priming needs to occur, which is
what the $70,000 is for. The administration is working on grants in support of the
effort. The money proposed to be set aside for a one -time expense in the Law and
Justice Council program would be used. This investment has to show some real
savings to future operations.
Nelson directed councilmembers to get information ahead of time, through
the administration, to get questions answered before Friday.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee - BUDGET, 10/31/2000, Page 15