HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 5 1998I WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
3
4 PROPOSED 1999 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
5
6 November 5, 1998
7
8 The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
9 Council Committee, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington
10
11 Also Present: Absent:
12 Connie Hoag L. Ward Nelson
13
14
15 Staff Present:
16 Dave Wareing, Executive's Office
17 Brad Bennett, ADS Finance
18
19 Dawson stated the Health Department rescheduled and provided their input last
20 Thursday. The Committee will be taking a recess at 2:00 p.m.
21
22 DISCUSSION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S 1999 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
23 (SHERIFF /JAIL, PUBLIC WORKS, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES,
24 WHAT -COMM 911 /COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS /ALL OTHER NON -
25 DEPARTMENTAL)
26
27 SHERIFF
28
29 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that they will look at the total request,
30 which is $1.4 million. The net approved was approximately $250,000. There were some
31 revenues, and the amount given is the net approved. The first area is the administration and
32 training, which is an area the Sheriff's Office is required to engage in. It will bring the office
33 into an accredited state status. They have not had increased funding for training in several years.
34 There are more legal requirements for training. The Sheriffs Office is a high liability risk area.
35 There is a request for a civil service support clerk for the Sheriff or Human Resources to be
36 responsible for processing, developing, and monitoring test material for the civil service process.
37 There is no money to fund right now, though administration agrees with the request. It is
38 currently done in the Sheriff's Office.
39
40 Hoag questioned whether $10,000 is the total for training or in addition to the training.
41
42 Deane Sandell, Undersheriff, stated it was in addition to the training.
43
44 Dawson asked if they are training locally. Sandell stated there is a variety. They do
45 some training and some is done with the State. They have a variety of training that they are
46 mandated to do, including specialized training, first line supervision, homicide investigation, and
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 1
I hostage negotiation. They have been historically under - funded when it comes to training. They
2 have to take funds for training from other funding areas.
4 Hoag asked how many employees are trained. Sandell stated that almost all are trained.
5 There are 63 commissioned officers and also clerical staff, which receive training regarding the
6 State computer systems that are mandated to be used for record management.
8 Dawson questioned the percentage of optional training. Sandell stated 50% or less is
9 optional. There is training that is not necessarily mandated by the State, but is mandated for
10 liability reasons. There are techniques involving handling prisoners that reduce liability.
11
12 Hoag questioned whether the officers receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
13 training. Sandell stated they do. They are certified to perform CPR.
14
15 Hoag stated that it should be necessary for all officers to be certified. Sandell confirmed
16 that all officers are certified.
17
18 Wareing stated another request was for advertising so that they can develop a civil
19 service list for deputy sheriffs. Costs are going up. That is an increase in the budgeted amount.
20 The office has to advertise outside local areas in addition to local areas.
21
22 Sandell stated they are not supported by Human Resources, as most counties are.
23
24 Wareing stated that is because of the civil service process.
25
26 Wareing stated the next category is postage. That is the anticipated increase in postal
27 costs. Next, is for professional services, focused on testing for sergeant /lieutenant rosters. They
28 have to be conducted by outside facilitators. Repair and Maintenance is for different tools and
29 equipment the deputies use. The block grant is a receipt in revenue and anticipated expenditure
30 for a multipurpose response vehicle the office is preparing to purchase. The vehicle will be used
31 to respond to crime scenes and provide a remote command post. There are funds available in the
32 Equipment Revolve & Rental (ER &R) account and other funds that are all going to be
33 combined.
34 Sandell stated that there is a crime scene response vehicle they've had since the late
35 1960's. They've been trying to replace the vehicle. They've identified $80,000 to help purchase
36 the vehicle. The vehicle costs approximately $100,000 to purchase and fully equip. There are
37 two block grants. One grant was from 1998 and this is a second grant, for a total of $80,000.
38 The County would fund the remaining $20,000 from the ER &R fund.
39
40 Wareing stated the next category is capital equipment for building a facility to store the
41 marine patrol boats and to store seized vehicles. This request enables them to have funding
42 available to build the building. The intent was to build it this year. There was funding approval
43 from the Council. They weren't able to get the bids out in time. The project will be done in
44 1999. It will be built at the Smith and Northwest location.
45
46 Sandell stated that it would be adjacent to the current evidence building at Smith and
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 2
I Northwest. The funds are required to maintain the boating program.
3 Wareing stated that the next item is the Capital Equipment -High Intensity Drug Traffic
4 Area (HIDTA) Grant.
6 Sandell stated that the federal government decided that they would establish a HIDTA, of
7 which Whatcom County is a part, to facilitate drug interdiction and gather intelligence. There
8 was money that the local HIDTA groups could spend, through a variety of federal regulations
9 and pursuant to administration of those HIDTA groups. The groups are made up of various
10 federal and local agencies within the group. They came to the County to spend the money on a
11 vehicle. It seemed the easiest to put the money in the County budget and spend it pursuant to
12 federal regulations and pursuant to HIDTA policy. It is going to be spent on computers, to link
13 all agencies to central databases, office furniture, and other various things. Very little goes
14 toward salaries. They anticipate they may fund a Prosecuting Attorney in Whatcom County next
15 year. All money is from the federal government. It is spent pursuant to the HIDTA group, of
16 which the County is a part.
17
18 Dawson asked if it is strictly a drug database. Sandell stated that it is
19
20 Dawson asked if it could involve a request for a domestic violence database. Sandell
21 stated it could not. It would be very secure and information would only be available on a need -
22 to -know basis.
23
24 Wareing stated that the process is ongoing through the supplemental process. All police
25 agencies are now hooked to the AS400, or are coming online. They can be routed through the
26 AS400 system to State and other databases. A network of computers is hooked together. It puts
27 HIDTA grant money into the budget so the Sheriff can spend as directed by the program.
28
29 Sandell stated part of the money they've actually spent is to link all the agencies through
30 the AS400. It has been something the Sheriffs Department had always wanted to do. They
31 would have advocated spending County monies toward, but were able to talk the HIDTA group
32 into it being a legitimate task for that effort.
33
34 Wareing stated the County does not have the discretion to move the money around.
35
36 Sandell stated the HIDTA group decides where the money goes. The local HIDTA board
37 can change up to 10% of the amount. The federal government sets the budget.
ff?
39 Wareing stated the money for the Prosecuting Attorney is already in the budget. It was
40 approved earlier in the year. One of the deputies added comes from that grant.
41
42 Hoag asked if they could use the grant money for other things. Sandell stated they would
43 have to convince the policy board it would be good for the purpose.
44
45 Wareing stated the next is the investigation area. Two positions were requested and
46 include a crime analyst, but there is no money to fund. Another position requested was a clerk
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 3
I for domestic violence. This was approved because the workload is too intense, and they lose
2 clerks to sick days and surgery.
3
4 Dawson asked if crime analysis could be contracted out. Sandell stated they've proposed
5 that as a non - deputy position, for less than $30,000 per year. It can't be contracted. Crime
6 analysis enhances the ability of commissioned officers to do the job by collating data.
7
8 Hoag questioned the increase in domestic violence warrants. Wareing responded the
9 domestic violence load is the increasing number of orders being issued by the court. The
10 workload has increased over the years, with no increase in staff.
11
12 Sandell stated warrants increased incrementally over the years without additional staff.
13 They were processing 2,165 warrants in 1989. In 1997, warrants doubled to 4,350, not including
14 the domestic violence papers or restraining orders. They looked specifically at Bellingham.
15 Their clerical people do the same thing as the County. They have twice the people to do the
16 same volume of work. They can't do the data entry that they have. There is a backlog of data
17 entry. They prioritize daily. Data entry for daily patrol incidents is two weeks behind. One
18 person is out on full -time disability.
19
20 Hoag asked for staff levels in 1989 and in 1997. Sandell stated the staff was probably the
21 same as now. He would check.
22
23 Wareing stated the request was for an additional 11 staff people. That would provide
24 round - the -clock sergeant supervision, which would be good for liability. 10 deputies bring the
25 department up to the level of having a reasonable amount of deputies for the population. The
26 County's unincorporated population is 72,000 — 73,000. The standard is one deputy per 1,000 of
27 population. Whatcom County has 63 deputies for the total population.
28
29 Dawson asked how Whatcom County compares with Skagit or Snohomish counties.
30 Sandell stated he would provide that information.
31
32 Wareing stated the next category is overtime. That is driven by the cost of doing
33 operations. Actual overtime in 1996 and 1997 is over $200,000. The actual overtime expended
34 to date for 1998 is $224,000.
35
36 Hoag asked what generates overtime. Sandell stated calls for service, follow -up in court,
37 and minimal staff. None of the overtime is proactive. It is reactive. They've restricted the use
38 of overtime in all ways possible. Mostly it is for things they have no control over. They have
39 given all courts and the Prosecuting Attorneys the officers' schedules. They try to schedule
40 around the deputies' schedule, when possible. Deputies are a small part of the scheduling
41 process. It is more likely that they are going to be off duty when in court.
42
43 Wareing stated they closely monitor overtime. Officers usually do not go to contested
44 traffic courts. Most of the overtime is driven by calls in the field. They try to ride those calls to
45 the next shift.
46
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 4
I Hoag asked for an estimate of how much overtime is going where. Sandell stated that he
2 would provide that information.
3
4 Hoag asked if they could restructure schedules. Sandell stated no. The bargaining
5 contract limits scheduling. All of the overtime rates are narrowly defined in the bargaining
6 contract.
7
8 Wareing stated that 3/4 of the operations is scheduled on evenings and weekends.
9
10 Dawson asked for a review of how many are requested for patrol sergeant. Wareing
11 stated it was for one employee.
12
13 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A)
14
15 Wareing continued to state that the cost attached to the request for a patrol sergeant
16 includes the purchase of all the equipment that goes along with that position, including a patrol
17 car. The Sheriffs office, like all the other counties, has a fleet where each commissioned officer
18 is assigned a patrol vehicle. That is so the officer could be called up at anytime and anywhere.
19 If there are cars in a pool, half the officers would be waiting for cars to go on shift.
20
21 Hoag stated she read a report regarding car scheduling. It was hogwash. Wareing stated
22 it was not hogwash and he didn't appreciate that. He had been in law enforcement for 21 years,
23 and knows a bit about fleet utilization. There are a lot of reasons to schedule the way they do.
24 One reason is so officers are not sitting and waiting to swap cars. In the State of Washington,
25 most of the sheriff offices and all of the State Patrol, where officers are working in remote
26 locations and are not centralized in the cities, have a car assigned to each officer. There are
27 multiple reasons.
28
29 Hoag stated she read the report from the citizens' advisory committee. Wareing stated
30 that he did not consider that committee knowledgeable regarding the deployment of an
31 assignment of patrol units to field personnel.
32
33 Hoag stated that there are legitimate reasons for doing it either way. She did not agree
34 with the report. She wanted legitimate reasons brought forward to the Council. The entire
35 document lacked in logic and follow- through on points. Regarding domestic violence, she
36 questioned whether Bellingham taking over the court functions lowered the County's workload.
37 Sandell stated the workload had not at all been reduced for the clerical staff.
38
39 Hoag questioned the possibility of adding temporary staff to catch up. Sandell stated
40 temporaries wouldn't work because they have to juggle what they do to keep current with data
41 entry. They make a push to get more done every so often. Getting current doesn't mean they
42 would stay current because they have to react to other data and clerical related tasks. They have
43 to hire through the civil service process. There is also a policy that no one works with restricted
44 records without a background investigation and a polygraph. They use temporary employees
45 that they've been able to get through the process.
46
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 5
I Wareing stated the investigators pay is a premium required by contract. There are two
2 positions not being paid that contracted amount. There were also requests for repair and
3 maintenance for equipment and patrol operations. That amount was reduced to $1,000. The
4 Sheriff also pays a portion of the rifle range maintenance. There was a request for five radar
5 units. The request was initially high, but included the acquisition of a portable trailer unit. Even
6 though it is a good idea, it may have potential for increased liability because non -law
7 enforcement personnel would be towing the trailer around. In the County, there is a much
8 greater potential that someone would steal it. The County does have one that is used by traffic
9 personnel. They did approve the acquisition of five additional radar units.
10
11 Hoag asked the difference between laser and regular radar. Sandell stated that laser
12 could do extra processes in crime scene investigation. They made a mistake and the $30,000
13 was never intended to be in that category. The five radar units are to replace the old and worn
14 out and add a couple of units. They are replacing three and getting two more. Some of the older
15 radar will be kept until they totally give out. They tried to get lasers through a grant, and will
16 continue to do so.
17
18 Wareing stated the State Patrol and City of Bellingham have lasers for County use, if
19 needed. The Public Works Road Department may also have that system.
20
21 Wareing stated the final two items include ballistic shields for each patrol car. It is a low
22 cost for a lot of protection. Another item that facilitates the phone system is a specialized system
23 to talk with a person in a hostage situation. Law enforcement continues to deal with people who
24 decide to have the police 'help' them commit suicide.
25
26 Sandell stated that people who are barricaded are very hostile and volatile.
27
28 Hoag questioned the difference in the overtime. Wareing stated it is specifically for the
29 Road Use deputy, which is a separate line item.
30
31 Hoag stated she would like to have a future discussion about the cars.
32
33 Wareing noted that there are 168 hours per week officers must be in court. The
34 opportunity for officers to be available on shift is 23.8% There is a small period of time. The
35 reason the cost is more for the Sheriff and the Jail is because they are running three times the
36 shifts that everyone else is, and on the weekends.
37
38 Sandell stated that officers couldn't switch shifts.
39
40
41 JAIL
42
43 Wareing stated the first request is for a records specialist. They were hoping that, by
44 changing the way the jail does its accounting for incarceration time, the County can cut down the
45 need for this. They are limited on clerical help and have a lot of work to do. They need the
46 person, but there is no funding to provide extra clerical or extra corrections officers. The work
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 6
I crew supervisor was added in a supplemental budget this year. It pays for itself many times
2 over. The alternative work crew program is successful at keeping people out of jail.
4 Sandell stated that it was an oversight that there wasn't an FTE in this budget.
6 Dawson asked whether Sandell would choose a records specialist or a corrections officer,
7 if he had to make a choice between the two. Sandell stated they need the deputies and
8 corrections officers, but clerical responsibilities and duties are burying them.
9
10 Wareing stated advertising is again required to do advertising for a list of corrections
11 officers. Advertisements in bigger city newspapers are expensive. They are trying to cut costs
12 down by advertising on the website. Also, they are advertising in law enforcement trade
13 publications.
14
15 Hoag asked if they advertise at schools. Sandell stated they advertise at Western
16 Washington University, University of Washington, and Washington State University.
17
18 Wareing stated the maintenance contracts of fingerprinting system and replacement of
19 25% of bed mattresses are requests. Operating expenses include food and other items it takes to
20 run the jail. The Jail is running over capacity. The increases reflect the cost of additional
21 inmates. They are trying to increase the per diem rate for the cities. Overtime is a function of
22 the cost of operation. The Jail tries to limit the overtime costs. Another request is for postage,
23 printing, and a Jail Case Manager. The Jail Case Manager is a cooperative program between the
24 Sheriff and Health Department to provide evaluation of inmates in the jail with psychological
25 problems.
26
27 Wendy Jones, Lieutenant, stated it is a co- funded position and started a pilot project.
28 They tried to get community mental health in the Jail. They tried a part time case manager.
29 Since March, she made over 300 inmate contacts at 10 hours per week. Contact included risk
30 assessment. She assisted medical and mental health staff. 15% of the population with diagnosed
31 mental health is coming into the facility.
32
33 Wareing stated the position was not funded in the recommended budget. If the Sheriff
34 recommends that it be funded, then they recommend it be funded as a pilot for one more year.
35
36 Jones stated the position currently is funded between the Sheriff and the Health
37 Department, through the regional mental health system. The Division of Mental Health, through
38 the County Health Department, originally approached the Sheriff. The Mental Health Advisory
39 Board advocated this use if the Sheriffs office could match it. The Sheriff funded it as a pilot
40 project. When the initial numbers were reported, he thought it was a valid program. Also, when
41 mentally ill offenders come into Jail, they tend to stay there much longer and draw on expensive
42 psychiatric services and use psychotropic medications, which are becoming more expensive.
43 She was not aware of where the Health Department received the funding for their portion of the
44 program.
45
46 Wareing stated it is not County money. The Health Department is channeling the money
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 7
I through from another source.
2
3 Wareing stated the next item is for a doctor to provide medical and dental care on an
4 emergency basis. This way, they don't have to transport people to the hospital, which is
5 expensive. It is in addition to the visiting nurse program.
6
7 Hoag asked the total. Sandell stated Visiting Nurse is approximately $248,000. The
8 increase is to provide the same service, not increase the services. When they first started, the
9 population in the Jail increased, and there are also increased labor costs. $21,000 represents a
10 negotiated settlement for an increase.
11
12 Wareing stated that the Health Department used to provide this service. They are paying
13 less than when the Health Department provided this service.
14
15 Hoag asked the total amount for health care. Sandell stated that it was $126,000 for
16 1998, which included a dentist and a psychiatric doctor. They will run a deficit this year and will
17 come forward with a supplemental. They underestimated what they put in the budget for 1999.
18 During the first nine months of this year, costs are up $41,000. They have no control over these
19 costs. They are not the contract positions.
20
21 Wendy stated they wind up having high -risk pregnancies that require OB -GYN
22 treatment. There are increased numbers of inmates with Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B who need to
23 see a liver specialist. There was a gentleman who, because of diabetes, had to see a kidney
24 specialists. There was a legal decision that inmates are treated to the standard. Doctors try to
25 handle things judiciously. It is the nature of the lifestyle of the offenders that they are a high
26 risk.
27
28 Hoag questioned whether these issues fluctuate annually. Sandell stated that they do.
29
30 Wareing stated that they can cover some of these from money not spent in other
31 departments.
32
33 Hoag asked for the total overtime spent.
34
35 Wareing stated the total is $204,000. The actual amount at the end of August was
36 $160,000. It is driven by the inmate load in the jail. They have to staff the Jail for officer safety.
37
38 Sandell stated that most shifts are minimally staffed, even when fully staffed. The
39 majority of the staffing overtime is when they are running a staff for another shift to provide
40 minimum staffing.
41
42 Hoag commented that it may be less expensive to just hire another correction officer.
43 Wareing stated they would need to hire five more corrections officers if they were to hire one
44 more for each shift.
45
46 Hoag stated she was talking about hiring less than five officers, to make a dent in the
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 8
I overtime. Wareing stated they have run those calculations and tried to eliminate the overtime,
2 but it doesn't work.
3
4 Jones stated 65% of County offenders are pre -trial and the County cannot mandate that
5 they work. They can't be put in alternative programs. Over 200 inmates are in alternative
6 programs.
7
8 Wareing stated that travel is associated with training of corrections officers in Everett or
9 Seattle. Requests include replacement of a work crew van. Vans have been obtained from
10 Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA). They may rebuild engines of existing vans.
11 They've called other transit centers in the State.
12
13 Sandell stated that ER &R does not include replacement costs.
14
15 Wareing stated that a request was for additional cameras for additional surveillance.
16 There is remodeling necessary to accommodate reconfigurations of the facility to work better.
17 They moved administrative offices to another location. Some of the work was accomplished this
18 year. they were able to facilitate that with ongoing Facilities Maintenance staff to save some
19 money.
20
21 Dawson asked his choice between a Jail Case Manager and a Records Specialist. Jones
22 explained the functions of the two positions.
23
24 Sandell stated the records specialist is continuation of grant for an employee they hired
25 for within the medical staff. That position tracked medical costs and billing to try to identify
26 insurance and welfare and other sources, besides County dollars, to pay for medical costs. The
27 person worked less than 1/2 time and identified about $16,000 that was deferred. They are
28 looking at expanding her functions to do more complete work.
29
30 Wareing stated that it looks like an ideal opportunity to pilot for one year to see if it pays
31 for itself
32
33 Hoag questioned what happens currently with indigent hospital bills. Jones stated
34 Medicare and Medicaid don't pay for those who are incarcerated. The County is responsible if
35 they can't find other funding. The Federal government will pick up the medical bills if they are
36 released. Otherwise, the County is responsible.
37
38
39 PUBLIC WORKS
40
41 Wareing stated that Public Works is not funded out of the General Fund. The request
42 totaled $1.1 million. The net approved was $808,000. There was a request for a.5 FTE Clerk II.
43
44 Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, requested the Committee members ask any
45 questions, considering the late hour.
46
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 9
I Wareing stated there are a number of computer and technology related operations. Those
2 further with the operations of Public Works and are consistent with technology plans with the
3 future. There is not a technology repair and replacement fund for Public Works at this time.
4
5 Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Office Administrator, spoke on the .5 FTE Clerk II.
6
7 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A)
8
9 Schlehuber stated the position of Clerk II would work half the time in Administration -
10 Accounting and half the time in Public Works -ER &R. There have been no increases in
11 accounting for 4 -5 years. A lot of the duties have increased with the same level of staff. They
12 are at a point where the position is needed.
13
14 Hoag asked for clarification on funding.
15
16 Wareing stated the Public Works funds come from the Road Fund, not the General Fund,
17 which is more stressed financially. It is a dedicated fund. If something is not spent, it remains in
18 the fund. These are for operational needs. There is a problem in the future that revenue will
19 begin to fall short of the cost of anticipated projects. The Road Fund will need an increase in
20 revenue in the future.
21
22 The next request is for a specialized projector. They are limited in availability. It would
23 be used for plans and plat maps projection.
24
25 Schlehuber stated other departments could check out the projector for presentations.
26
27 Wareing stated the County Council is also scheduled to receive the projector. It enhances
28 the capability to exchange information.
29
30 Hoag questioned administration's opinion on the de- coupling move with the federal forest
31 funds. The proposal is to lock the County in at the 1997 rate. Monsen responded that they've
32 been conservative in budgeting because of unpredictability of the revenue. The last few years
33 have been high. A fix on the 1997 level would not be devastating.
34
35 Wareing stated those levels have been the best they've seen.
36
37 Wareing stated the lock in at the 1997 level is to Whatcom County's advantage. Timber
38 revenue will begin falling.
39
40 Hoag stated she would like to see a cost of living adjustment added.
41
42 Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Finance Manager, stated that federal funds go
43 only into schools and roads. There are other revenues that share with the General Fund.
44
45 Wareing stated that State forest revenue goes into the General Fund. Federal forest
46 revenue goes only into schools and roads. The next item is the Srview. It is a system that will
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 10
I enable the Public Works Department to videotape the roads. They have cut the number in half
2 by cutting a vehicle out of that request. The request enables Public Works to document the
3 character of the road network. It will prove invaluable in defending the County against litigation
4 from traffic accidents. They proposed to reduce the cost by $20,000, and were able to do that
5 through the recommendation of the addition of one traffic engineer, which is the next request. A
6 modest upgrade to that position's vehicle would enable them to use that vehicle instead of
7 another vehicle.
9 Hoag asked how much of the traffic engineer funding request is for salary and how much
10 is for other things. Schlehuber stated the salary and benefits portion is $51,500.
11
12 Wareing stated the traffic engineer helps with grievances that are traffic related. There is
13 a workload issue that this would address.
14
15 The next item is implementation of the Engineering Technician emergency salary
16 adjustment. The laptop computer technology is per the County's developed pricing structure.
17 The next item is the large copy machine replacement. They've had the current copier for some
18 time. They use it to copy large size documents. It gives them the ability to make the other
19 copies as a normal copy machine. The current machine is antiquated and not functional.
20
21 Wareing moved to the request for an additional .5 FTE Clerk II position. They
22 recommend it be combined with another position.
23
24 Mary Ewing, Public Works -ER &R Manager, stated they propose to combine the Clerk
25 that Accounting is asking for with this position. There is nothing existing currently. The
26 division manager has no clerical help.
27
28 Dawson asked about the central shop improvements.
29
30 Wareing responded they are going to develop the second floor of the building.
31 Administration would rather have office space put into a building that is in the six -year plan.
32 Administration questions whether it is reasonable to spend $200,000 in additional office space
33 when they would spend money on another building anyway. Computer upgrades and hazardous
34 waste storage facility was put into the budget. Hazardous waste is reasonably well managed.
35 Problems have been resolved. There are not many fluids maintained on the site. They began
36 using water -based paint instead of an oil -based paint.
37
38 Hoag questioned whether the audit stated a facility needed to be built. Wareing stated it
39 does need to be built if they continue to accrue large amounts of waste. They are not accruing
40 that quantity of waste any longer.
41
42 Hoag asked if it is a curbed containment area or a flat cement pad. Ewing stated oil is
43 stored on a curbed containment area. The fuel area has leak sensors in the ground.
44
45 Wareing stated that reports of problems in the past were overblown. There was only one
46 site with any spillage. It took less than one dump truck load to be removed.
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 11
2 Hoag questioned the requests PW183 and PW181. Ewing stated that PW181 asks for an
3 addition to the fleet. Planning and Development Services requested it.
4
5 Wareing stated they could wait until Planning and Development Services discusses their
6 budget.
8 Ewing stated that it comes out of ER &R capital, which is why it is in the Public Works
9 budget also.
10
11 Schlehuber stated the request for additional public works equipment was an item that was
12 inadvertently left off of the base budget recommendation for the capital replacement program in
13 ER &R. In previous years always included $50,000 to $75,000 more miscellaneous replacements
14 that may come up and are unforeseen. It was an error that this didn't make it as part of the
15 process. Any expenditure of the $75,000 would go through the County purchasing system,
16 possibly through a bid award, and to County Council.
17
18 Wareing stated request PW100 is recommended by the State Department of Ecology
19 (DOE), but the reality is the barrels work well. The County could spend $20,000 on jacks to set
20 the sanders on, or they cut modify the barrels at far less of a cost. The barrels are not causing
21 any problem. There was a liquid because they had been sitting in the rain, but they were cleaned
22 out and there was nothing in them.
23
24 Hoag asked about pup trailers. Ewing stated the feasibility of the pup trailers is to
25 increase the load capacity when they make a run with the dump trunk. They've rented them
26 extensively this year. They plan to reduce the fleet by one single axle truck and replace it with
27 two pup trailers, which can increase haul size by ten yards per trailer. The single axles haul five
28 yards. It will increase capacity and decrease the fleet.
29
30 Wareing stated the next area is ferry and docks. Administration worked with Council to
31 get property on Lummi Island. This funds the improvements and the development of the
32 property for a parking lot for the residents.
33
34 Dawson asked if it would be landscaped. Wareing stated the Parks Department is
35 interested in developing that area as a shoreline park.
36
37 Hoag asked if they are going to use gravel instead of more impervious surfaces. Ewing
38 stated they would look into both options, depending on the conditional use permit.
39
40 Wareing stated it is preferable to use the gravel.
41
42 Wareing stated the next request is flood control and Canyon Creek mitigation.
43
44 Ed Henken, Public Works Engineering Manager, stated that in processing the Federal
45 Emergency Management Act (FEMA) project for Canyon Creek, they ran into the need for
46 additional mitigation. This is professional services for that project. It is also a good fisheries
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 12
I measure. It comes out of the flood fund.
2
3 Wareing stated the next request was the Lake Whatcom Management Plan. Sue Blake,
4 Planning and Development Services, has done the work.
5
6 Hoag asked if the share is 50150 with Bellingham.
7
8 Monsen stated Bellingham and Whatcom County each put in $175,000 and Water
9 District 10 put in $25,000. They will address this topic at a future meeting.
10
11 Wareing stated the next request is the coordinator increase for the Noxious Weed Board.
12 Last year, administration combined the Weed Board with the Public Works weed eradication
13 crew for road right -of -ways. The request was to increase the coordinator position due to
14 increased contact with the public. The County has an obligation to support this activity.
15
16 Dick Prieve, Public Works Maintenance and Operations (M &O) Manager, stated they
17 tried for one year to have a half time coordinator, and a lot of extra time was spent in the office.
18 This will increase the budget just over $9,000, because they will be using funds from summer
19 help. They would take help from other areas. The coordinator should be in the office full time
20 and the inspector out in the field full time.
21
22 Dawson questioned why they would need fewer summer helpers. Wareing stated they
23 would encourage the landowner to take care of weeds themselves, instead of using County
24 summer help.
25
26 Hoag asked what the person does in the wintertime. Prieve stated the person does the
27 data entry and produces information, plans for the next season, and educates at the schools.
28
29 Hoag stated that too many boards and commissions are requesting staffing, and are
30 becoming extensions of County government instead of just boards and commissions.
31
32 Wareing stated this is the minimum level of required staffing. The position supports the
33 Weed Board and their work. They are doing it at the minimum costs.
34
35 Dawson stated that they do their job well and effectively.
36
37 Hoag questioned whether the County is setting funds aside or doing projects regarding
38 intelligent transportation. Monsen stated they aren't.
39
40 Wareing asked what intelligent transportation is.
41
42 Hoag stated one example is a sign that pops up when someone who is speeding triggers a
43 sensor. Another example is an automatic speed limit change to account for accidents.
44
45 Monsen stated that may be where the effort is going on a statewide level.
46
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 13
I Hoag questioned why they are not painting double yellow lines at every intersection.
2 Monsen stated that as a general standard, the State and City do not do that. When a County road
3 intersects a County road, that is the standard.
4
5 Hoag questioned why there are 35 -mph signs announcing general speed limits, with a 50
6 mph sign right behind it, for that particular road. Monsen stated the purpose is to provide the
7 notice when someone turns off a major road that is unmarked. It is to give adequate notice.
8 Once a driver enters another road that is not signed, the speed is 35 mph.
9
10 Hoag stated it makes more sense to put signs where the speed limit has changed.
11
12 Monsen stated that another purpose is to convey the message that the speed limit is 35,
13 when there is not any signage. Also, to convey the message by posting signs at every location is
14 expensive.
15
16 Monsen stated also one step in the budget process regarding Public Works is the hearing
17 and adoption of the annual construction program. They could call him with questions they may
18 have. He had submitted information regarding that program. Also, the solid waste budget
19 comes forward with an interlocal agreement with other jurisdictions. Their obligation is to send
20 forward the budget as the Solid Waste Committee recommends. He submitted a letter received
21 earlier from the Executive and all the mayors that support the proposed base budget.
22
23 PLANNING & DEVLEOPMENT SERVICES
24
25 Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services Director, stated their mission is
26 good customer service. He was available to answer questions. They tried to be conservative in
27 their budgeting. Code enforcement was one issue that came up.
28
29 Wareing stated the net total request was $317,995, and the total net approved was
30 $81,887.
31
32 Hoag asked about the request not to cut from classroom education, as referenced in the
33 material submitted by Monsen regarding the Solid Waste budget, and whether they were talking
34 about the recycling education. Sutter stated that was correct.
35
36 Monsen stated that item relates specifically to the Request for Proposals (RFP) process
37 and the decision not to award a contract for classroom presentations. The 1999 proposed budget
38 still contains monies for that purpose. This is asking to continue that service.
39
40 Wareing stated that Planning and Development Services (PDS) had the same need for
41 microfilming as the other departments. It is an area the administration is trying to address by
42 hiring one year limited positions and buying three machines to fill need quickly. They tried to
43 do contractors to do the work, but have had no luck. The administration didn't approve the
44 request because the administration is trying a different approach. Also a there was a request for
45 a Clerk IV cashier. The request is a result from a recommendation from the Internal Auditor,
46 who recommended changes to their cash handling. Administration can make changes without
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 14
I increasing the FTE. The next item is the permit plan maintenance and insurance. It is for the
2 Tidemark program, which is the County permit program, tracks issues and permits. They are in
3 ongoing negotiations with Tidemark, and that amount needs to increase to $7,696.
4
5 (Clerk's Note: End of tape two, side A)
6
7 Wareing stated they would like to do without the program, but can't. It is necessary.
8 There is a new generation of software to upgrade.
9
10 The next item was capital equipment and furniture.
11
12 Knapp stated that the Capital Equipment furniture is the replacement of a copy machine.
13
14 Kathryn Morice, Planning and Development Services Administrative Aide, stated that
15 they've been trying to reorganize lease arrangements to be more cost effective. To do that, they
16 must increase the lease arrangements. In addition, they need to replace fax machines that have
17 been continually serviced.
18
19 Wareing stated the administration would strike that item so it was not approved. It would
20 be funded through the technology replacement funds. The next item is overtime, which they did
21 not recommend. They tried to convert the position to exempt, but the union wouldn't allow it. It
22 remains a union position. Staff training is in support of strategic planning. The department has
23 adequate funds to cover that type of training. Records maintenance is the same as records
24 preservation. They are trying a general approach throughout the County to solve the records
25 preservation problem. Under the Building Services Division, the software increase was
26 approved, as well as a request to replace five cell phones. They are transferring to a walkie-
27 talkie system. It enables them to pool the available time.
28
29 Sam Ryan, Building Services Manager, stated they investigated the Nextel system. The
30 phones are capable as a pager, cell phone, and radio for emergency use. The savings are
31 substantial even without the first year introductory promotion.
32
33 Wareing stated the original request included a clerical position and a code enforcement
34 officer, which was revised since two code enforcement officers were added due to the nutrient
35 management ordinance. PDS stated farmers are complying with the ordinance. They can reduce
36 time spent on that issue. They recommend deleting the code enforcement position request and
37 instead recommending consideration of the clerical position. There is no ongoing funding to
38 cover the clerical position.
39
40 Hoag questioned the source of the revenue amount on this request.
41
42 Roland Middleton, Land Use Division Manager, stated that Council members wanted to
43 see the cost to cover two code enforcement officers. Land use costs are 40% covered by fees.
44 That figures into an 18% increase at $50,000.
45
46 Hoag asked if additional money that comes in from enforcement would offset this cost.
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 15
I Middleton stated they could through the unified fee process. They would have to increase fees.
2
3 Dawson asked for a total of code enforcement officers. Roland stated that would be three
4 total, one for agricultural nutrient and two other officers.
5
6 Hoag clarified they approved two nutrient enforcement officers. She wanted to ensure
7 that when there is a need for nutrient management enforcement, both enforcement officers are
8 available for that.
9
10 Knapp stated that farmers have been complying.
11
12 Middleton stated that through reorganization, senior staff is putting more time into
13 enforcement. Code enforcement officers are in the field. There is no clerk to take in phone calls
14 and do paperwork. They get 2,000 complaints per year.
15
16 Hoag requested that they be more proactive in following through on conditional use
17 permits (CUP) to make sure people are following through with the terms of their permits. They
18 may need to apply a penalty.
19
20 Middleton stated they are creating an enforcement ordinance.
21
22 Wareing stated that a lot of the problem has been lack of staff. The next item is a
23 security service. PDS handles a lot of money. Through internal audits, people are taking in a
24 substantial amount of money for deposit, which puts them at risk. They propose using an
25 armored car service to pick up the money.
26
27 Bennett stated that some County facilities are not in close proximity to a financial
28 institution, such as other companies may have. Also, there have been problems storing money
29 overnight in County facilities.
30
31 Middleton stated this was a concern during the internal audit. They didn't want to put
32 employees in peril. This also came up during the PDS tour.
33
34 Brown was very surprised this was not already in place.
35
36 Wareing stated that the next request was for the contract for the Oracle maintenance.
37 This one and the one under Building Services are connected. It is the other part of the
38 maintenance software. There was also a vehicle rental for Land Use and a purchase of a vehicle.
39
40 Middleton stated that there are 21 staff and three vehicles. He asked for an economy car
41 to go back and forth to the courthouse and the Hearing Examiner's office. They spend money
42 reimbursing mileage to employees who use their own vehicle. There are quite a few people who
43 are carpooling. He's had to loan out his own vehicle because there were not any County vehicles
44 available.
45
46 Sutter questioned whether this was the same vehicle that was in the Public Works budget
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 16
I and the total. Wareing stated approval puts purchase authority money into the Public Works
2 budget to buy the vehicle. Public Works has to have expenditure authority to buy that vehicle. It
3 will not cost Public Works anything.
4
5 Hoag asked about the deposit security services and questioned whether the Parks
6 Department has a line item for that service.
7
8 Bennett stated that all $3,600 in the PDS budget should have been split three ways to
9 include Parks and Engineering - Public Works.
10
11 Wareing stated the next request was the permit plan 2.5 upgrade. That number had been
12 changed to $21,126. It was for Tidemark, the permit program. Once the system works as it
13 should, it will be a good system. That item will be brought forward in a supplemental to be
14 purchased in 1998.
15
16 Hoag asked about the vehicle purchase. She requested that each department itemize all
17 their vehicles and what they are used for.
18
19 Wareing stated that in 1997 the County got rid of some vehicles. They went to a pool
20 rental system for the vehicles.
21
22 Wareing stated that Geographic Information System (GIS) registration and training is
23 resisted. There are supplies that are needed for the GIS process. They needed to produce maps.
24 There was also a request for Planning Commission meals. They could adjust that amount if
25 more is needed. The Critical Areas implementation is a contract with Whatcom County
26 Conservation District to do critical areas planning.
27
28 Sylvia Goodwin, Planning and Development Services Planning Manager, stated this is
29 ongoing and a part of the Critical Areas Ordinance to do farm plans with farms within Critical
30 Areas buffers. The program started this year. They expect it to be ongoing.
31
32 Wareing stated the extra help request was for updating GIS information. There was a
33 request for Planning Commission and staff training. Also there was a request for a Planning
34 Division counter remodel. They reallocated a position in Facilities Management for a carpenter
35 that can save money on that item.
36
37 Hoag asked about the general budget, and how they reduced administration cost by 9 %.
38
39 Wareing stated that it was from software costs, which was under the administrative
40 category.
41
42 Morice stated they acquired equipment, which was a one -time expense.
43
44 Goodwin stated their reduction in expense was for professional services. They've
45 reduced the anticipated need for consultants.
46
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 17
I Hoag asked about DOE Coastal Zone Management (CZM) funds. Goodwin stated it was
2 grant money applied for to do the Drayton Harbor Management Plan for the shellfish protection
3 district. It was a one -time grant. There are not a lot of grant opportunities for 1999.
4
5 Hoag asked if there was staffing for the shellfish protection district. Knapp stated that
6 was staffed through a grant for 1998 only.
7
8 Hoag asked if staffing comes out of the Health Department. Goodwin stated the Health
9 Department, in conjunction with the Conservation District applied for a grant for those services.
10 They are not going to have in -house staff, but will engage in a professional services contract. It
11 will not be in Planning's budget.
12
13 NON- DEPARTMENTAL
14
15 Wareing stated they already addressed most requests. Requests include the Festival of
16 Music for a one -time fund of $20,000 and the Mt. Baker Theater for $20,000.
17
18 Sutter stated that the one time request is requested every year. Wareing stated that it is a
19 County contribution that the Executive brings forward.
20
21 Sutter stated that the County has a bread and butter budget in which the County can't
22 afford such requests, which are the caviar.
23
24 Wareing stated there is also a request for the Domestic Violence Task Force.
25
26 Hoag stated that the Festival of Music, Mt. Baker Theater, and Whatcom Symphony are
27 things that benefit the County. She would like to donate some money to these causes. If they are
28 gone from the County, then there is going to be a problem.
29
30 Sutter stated that they would be there whether the County funds them or not.
31
32 Dawson stated that there is a responsibility to fund government services first and
33 foremost.
34
35 Hoag questioned how much money went to those organizations in previous years.
36
37 Bennett stated the County had never funded the symphony.
38
39 Sutter stated the Mt. Baker Theater was the only one funded in the past, and it was
40 dropped in 1998.
41
42 Wareing stated this is the first year the Festival of Music had requested funding.
43
44 Wareing continued to state that in the budget, page 15 -11, there are adjustments.
45
46 (Clerk's Note: End of tape two, side B)
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 18
2 Wareing stated these items are the non - departmental summary amounts that make up the
3 non - departmental budget. The 1998 budget for the medical examiner was substantially lower.
4 His budget amount was going up too quickly, so the County renegotiated for a lesser amount.
5 There is, from 1998, a modest increase per the contract. The morgue is also per the contract.
6 Strategic planning was reduced because they are doing that internally. They wanted some
7 money set aside to be able to get anything that would help them do a better job of strategic
8 planning. In the past they hired a facilitator. Last year they did it themselves. Hopefully they
9 can continue that.
10
11 Hoag asked about the length of the contract with the medical examiner. Wareing stated
12 the contract is for another five years. It just recently renewed.
13
14 Wareing stated there is a Cable Television Board. In 1998, they had a budget of $760.
15 They asked for a little more money, and have increased the amount to $1,200. The request for
16 the Domestic Violence group funding request was reduced. That group will be before the
17 Council to request the full amount. The starling program requested $10,000 this year. 1998 was
18 supposed to be the last year for this program, so the administration didn't include any money for
19 the starling program. They will be back as well.
20
21 Hoag asked about the cable television item. The Board said something about a tax that is
22 generated and collected, and that the County has not been spending. She questioned whether the
23 funding for this board was from the tax collected or the General Fund.
24
25 Bennett stated the County receives franchise money for the cable franchise fee. In the
26 past they have not expended any money in support of cable television. The franchise fees go
27 into the General Fund. The County is getting more in revenue than what is being expended.
28
29 Wareing stated that most of the programs have been discussed. On page 15 -14 is an error
30 regarding Civil Services Commission $6,200, which should be $12,000 to fund appeal costs. In
31 1998 more grievances were filed. Part of the funding for grievances goes to people who were
32 terminated. The $12,000 is there to pay for the use of the Civil Service Commission attorney. It
33 is a reserve amount to cover the cost of appeal. With the union, there is every opportunity to
34 have that reserve used. The increase reflects the willingness of employees to appeal terminations
35 and disciplinary actions.
36
37 Dawson stated other adjustments include the increase in permit plan maintenance and
38 insurance. She asked for the information regarding the technical corrections.
39
40 Bennett stated he would have technical corrections available in list form.
41
42 Wareing stated there are two issues regarding the Council of Governments (COG). These
43 are governmental services and charges. There is a budget amount of $29,540. The issues are
44 with line items 4450 and 4470. There is a proposal to increase to $30,293.
45
46 Gordon Rogers, Council of Governments Transportation Planning Manager, stated the
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 19
1 2.4% increase is in the cost of living and compensation for the increase in populations.
2
3 Sutter stated that item 4470 should go to COG for the Water Resources Management
4 Council. It used to be the Nooksack Steering Committee. Wareing stated that should be a
5 correction to $21,063.
6
7 Rogers stated the reduction is due to a reduction in the scope of the program and a
8 carryover from the previous year.
9
10 Hoag asked about added compensation for increased population. Gordon stated they
11 serve the public, so with the people in the County, the COG receives more money.
12
13 Hoag questioned where that comes from.
14
15 Sutter stated it is State law.
16
17 Rogers stated that State and federal law enable COG.
18
19 Hoag asked what COG funds are for.
20
21 Sutter stated they are for transportation and water.
22
23 Rogers stated line item 4450 is for transportation and administration. They've been
24 designated as metropolitan transportation planning organization (MPO) by the federal
25 government and the regional transportation planning organization (RTPO) by the State. They
26 fulfill federal laws concerning regional transportation planning. Any area over 50,000 in
27 population is required to have an MPO under Federal Highways so they can get federal funding
28 for the road programs. This money goes to staff for that planning. Other governments pay into
29 it also.
30
31 Hoag questioned the fee structure. Rogers stated the basis for the fee structure is on
32 population. Each city or county pays based on their population. The organization has been there
33 for quite a while. MPO status has been since 1981. RTPO status came along with Growth
34 Management in 1991. Where there is an MPO, the State requires the MPO be the RTPO as well.
35
36 Dawson stated the Nooksack water is not based on population. There isn't that kind of a
37 requirement there. Rogers stated there isn't the requirement, but a simple way to do it was to
38 base it on the common good to the population of the County. It has been adjusted because of a
39 decrease in the scope of the project.
40
41 Hoag asked about the scope that is covered by the $21,000. Rogers stated the $21,000,
42 along with the carryover from 1998, will be used to cover one full -time person who is the water
43 technician, in addition to overhead associated with that.
44
45 Hoag asked if the County was the only contributor to that. Rogers stated it is not. It is
46 also funded by population and through all the jurisdictions in the County.
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 20
2 Hoag questioned the amount of the total price tag on that water technician. Rogers stated
3 he didn't have a total. Bellingham's contribution is $18,110, which is the next highest. After
4 that, the contributions are from Lynden and Ferndale at about $2,200 and $2,400 respectively.
6 Sutter asked if Bellingham would be contributing this year. Rogers stated they are not
7 certain yet. The mayor indicated he doesn't want to fund it. There was indication from the City
8 Council members that they did want to fund it, so COG was unsure how that would go.
9
10 Wareing stated the item 4140 was on page 15 -14 and was for the Economic Development
11 Council (EDC). That item reflects the amount the Council approved in previous years.
12
13 Sutter stated a number of people are updating the Overall Economic Development Plan
14 (OEDP) for the County. The Executive said the County would be contributing to that process.
15 She questioned where the money for that process is in the budget. The EDC has the lead in
16 doing that update. It is going to cost over and above the regular budget. Wareing stated he
17 assumed the Executive would bring that forward at a later date. He had not mentioned it.
18
19 Sutter stated she would remind him. She questioned whether the County could require
20 the EDC dedicate a certain amount of funding to a certain project. Wareing stated she would
21 have to ask that of the Executive.
22
23 Hoag questioned what the approved supplemental from 1998 brought the EDC's total
24 budgeted amount up to. Wareing stated it was $14,000 or $15,000 total.
25
26 Wareing stated the next item was for the Northwest Regional Council (NRC). It is a
27 percentage - funded process.
28
29 Bennett stated the County doesn't fund them in entirety.
30
31 Wareing stated it is a cost - share. The next item was the 911 emergency communication,
32 which went up $62,000. Part of that is due to the preparation for E911, which is an enhanced
33 911 system. The other part of that is the creation of a redundant dispatch center. To solve
34 problems with the dispatch center, they set up a second center in the fire department.
35
36 Sutter asked if they would be ready for the year 2000 (Y2K). Wareing stated they would.
37
38 Sutter questioned whether the County was ready for Y2K. Wareing stated they County
39 would be ready, to the extent that it is possible. The County is putting in a lot of effort towards
40 that project. The unknowns are the software. They have had contractors going through the
41 software. In addition, one of the internal technician programmers is required for another year to
42 go through the software. There are other software vendors that are working with the County to
43 ensure the County is prepared. The County may have glitches in certain areas, but they are
44 doing everything they can to test all the areas. The other area that is a problem has to do with the
45 embedded chips. He believed the County should be well over 90% prepared in the main
46 systems.
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 21
2 Hoag questioned whether the 911 service was the enhanced 911. Wareing stated they are
3 headed in that direction. The enhanced 911 will go into effect in the year 2000. Some of the
4 funding is preparatory to the enhanced 911.
5
6 Hoag asked about the $62,000. Wareing stated they created a second, backup dispatch in
7 the fire station. They divided the dispatch personnel between the two locations. The fire and
8 ambulance dispatch is at the fire department. Police and Sheriff dispatch are at the main
9 dispatch. Redundancy was needed. The only issue for the County is the fact the County is
10 paying for the dispatch for the rural fire districts. The County carried it over for years. The
11 County argued whether or not it was in the County's interest to have two separate centers. They
12 have mutual backup capability. The administration scrutinized the cost and pared it back as
13 much as possible.
14
15 Wareing stated the last item was for the ambulance service. The County pays a quarter of
16 the cost of the ambulance service. They are training a new group of paramedics, so there is an
17 increased training cost. They are also adding an ambulance to the system, which will give them
18 one more ambulance for response. This ambulance will be focused on County calls.
19
20 Hoag questioned whether it would be stationed in the County. Wareing stated he
21 believed it might be stationed in Ferndale.
22
23 Hoag asked for more information regarding ambulance services budget. It is an
24 enormous amount. Wareing stated part of that cost includes $60,000 to $70,000 of the dispatch
25 cost the County pays for the rural fire departments. Part of the increased costs in the last few
26 years was due to equipment, training, overtime, and the labor contract settlement. Costs are
27 supposed to go back down at the end of 1999. There is also an equipment enhancement, another
28 ambulance, for Ferndale.
29
30 Wareing stated the remaining items had been dealt with already. He recommended they
31 have a work session.
32
33 Dawson stated that there is a work session scheduled prior to the next Finance Committee
34 meeting.
35
36 Wareing stated there was a request for one -time funding for continuation of a Clerk
37 position in the Superior Court. This is a minor one -time expense that is reasonable. It provides
38 them support to deal with their work backlog. This person was funded for this year, and it would
39 continue partially into 1999.
40
41 Sutter stated Judge Moynihan has earned it.
42
43 Bennett stated he would bring that request forward.
44
45 Dawson asked about what a I% increase in the tax would bring into the County.
46 Wareing stated they should consider is at least the cost of living increase. As they go on into the
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 22
future, a 2% buffer would be reasonable and would cover cost of living increases. Another issue
that needs to be addressed is the water issue.
Hoag stated there is a State grant for the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) for
$250,000 that has not been spent. It is included in the 1999 budget as revenue. Wareing stated
the offsetting expenses have not been set because administration is waiting for the Council and
the Executive to decide what to do with the funds. It is included in one -time grant revenue, and
doesn't impact ongoing revenues. It is not in the same revenue stream that they look at when
balancing the budget, which is based on ongoing revenues and ongoing expenditures.
Hoag asked where they balance the one -time expenditures against the one -time revenue.
Wareing stated they balance the one -time expenditures against the money that is available to
fund them. The grant money is dedicated money that is set aside by itself.
Bennett stated it is shown in the budget as Other Services and Charges. There is no
specific plan or definition specifically for that.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Marlene Dawson, Committee Chair
Finance Committee — Budget, 11/05/98, Page 23