HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance December 9 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
December 9, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by Committee Chair Robert Imhof in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Barbara Brenner
Tom Brown
Absent:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET, REQUEST #12 (AB97 -402)
Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office, explained the six requested items.
Steve Paus, Juvenile Court Probation, explained the state grants provide funding and
allows the County to be brought up to the contract amount on the Early Intervention Program.
The other grant is the Parole Detention Bed contract, which the state changed the parole
methodology of funding. All grants are state reimbursable. Monies will not be taken from
Current Expense for either of these grants. The people who use the office space will be charged
for that space, so those funds will be recaptured.
Dan Fitzgerald, Sheriff =s Office, addressed item #4, commissary supplies. Dave
Wareing, Executive =s Office, explained the increase of the expenditure. Dawson asked if the
prisoners have an amount on their person. Wareing explained they carry no funds on their
person, only in their account, which is unlimited.
Brown asked if the phone system is controlled. Wareing explained there is a computer
system to program out numbers. Brenner asked if we could view the prisoners use of phones to
check for destruction, etc. Wareing said his office would check into this.
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk, reported for the Council regarding item 6, to amend
the contract to $60,000 instead of $25,000 for Sandy Mackie. Dan Gibson, Prosecuting
Attorney =s Office, explained the briefings and the cost of preparing briefs that were due on
December 1. His office has been inundated with paper and forced to respond on short notice.
Brenner explained that she would rather see this done internally instead of hiring outside help.
Brown expressed his concern about escalating costs, stating the County made a commitment to
continue with this, which needs to be followed through. Wareing explained Mackie has the
expertise which is needed which Administration supports. Gibson explained the upcoming
hearings and the work that has been done.
Nelson also commented on the use of an outside attorney on some solid waste issues. He
Finance Minutes, 12/9/97, Page 1
also stated that he felt the legal advice is a great benefit for the community.
Motion to amend item 6 carried 2 -1 with Brenner opposed.
Gibson requested permission to prepare a contract reflecting the supplemental.
Motion to recommend approval of the amended budget request number 12 carried 2 -1
with Brenner opposed.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 90 -13, REVISING THE AMOUNT
AUTHORIZED FOR THE ADS FINANCE DIVISION, PURCHASING
OFFICE =S PETTY CASH ACCOUNT (AB97 -383)
Brenner moved to recommend approval.
Brown asked if $50 is enough for making change. Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office,
explained $50 is a very fair amount.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 93 -033, AUTHORIZING EXCESS
CASH IN CERTAIN FUNDS TO BENEFIT THE SAME (AB97 -384)
Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office, reported for Administration.
Brown moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. LEGISLATIVE CLAIM FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING PURSUANT TO
THE BECCA BILL (AB97 -412)
Brenner moved to recommend approval.
Gary Wood, Juvenile Court Administration, gave a staff report.
Brenner commented on the use of the money. Dawson commented and inquired about
the school districts.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
Finance Minutes, 12/9/97, Page 2
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO EXECUTE A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND JOHNSTON AND
CULBERSON, INC. FOR SERVICES AS THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR
FOR SELF - INSURED WORKERS= COMPENSATION PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT OF $22,750 (AB97 -406)
Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office, reported that since 1994, Johnston and Culberson
have been a third party administrator and have saved the County much money.
Karen Goens, Human Resources Manager, explained that the County will be going out
for an RFP (Request for Proposal).
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION APPOINTING A FINANCIAL OFFICER TO THE WHATCOM
COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT (WCFCZD) FOR
INVESTMENT PURPOSES (AB97 -389)
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Administration, explained the need for the officer for day -
to -day investment transfer decisions.
Brown moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
NaDean Hanson, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Robert Imhof, Council Member
Finance Minutes, 12/9/97, Page 3