HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 27 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
PROPOSED 1998 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
October 27, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m. by Committee Chair Robert Imhof in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Tom Brown
Barbara Brenner
Staff Present:
Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office
Robert Wagner, Budget Analyst
Barbara Cory, Treasurer
Keith Willnauer, Assessor
Shirley Forslof, Auditor
Terry Hinz, Auditor =s Office
Kathy Sutter, Council Member
Absent:
None
DISCUSSION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE =S 1998 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
(ASSESSOR; AUDITOR; AND TREASURER)
Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office, addressed the meeting =s format. Several handouts
were provided committee /Council members (on file), which he explained. Law and justice
issues were not included (with the exception of the corrections officers and the deputy sheriffs)
and were set aside to be dealt with after the upcoming November election.
Keith Willnauer, Assessor, spoke to his departmental requests. Wareing stated that some
of those requests were layered; they were not recommended but were included in other options,
as those needs were accommodated in recommended areas. Computer technology
implementations were a priority, which included an imaging platform, providing utilization of
the Auditor =s imaging platform and implementation of the Assessors support imaging platform.
This system will be compatible with the Geographic Information System (GIS). Such
compatibility will allow all computers in the system to communicate. Willnauer explained how
this technology would work. This would be utilized also for mapping and property and aerial
photographs, as well as property- building diagrams. The scanner for this technology was not
being requested at this time. Willnauer pointed out title companies currently access the
Assessors system. The potential for future public use of the system was discussed.
Questions followed. Imhof requested a list from Wareing of the recommended reclasses.
Budget Minutes, 10/27/97, Page I
Topics discussed included the request for replacement chairs ($700 each); equipment charges;
timber services; increased vehicle costs; take -off copies; reclassification schedule; computer
automated tax parcel map; annual property assessments; new construction taxes; and an outside
computer specialist to evaluate and recommend specific areas that could be made and improved
on for the current computer system.
Speaking to the topics above, Willnauer pointed out the timber contract for the timber
appraisal expert increased $200 this year. The increased equipment costs were due to a missed
calculation (by Finance) in the original removal of vehicles from the fleet, which left them with
an expected budget that would not meet the actual costs. This has not yet been corrected; as it
was an additional amount over what had previously been allocated, it had to be put in as an
additional services request. Wareing pointed out though chairs are expensive, it would be more
cost effective to buy new ones vs continually replacing the worn out ones, as everyone benefits.
The take -off copies may decrease if the imaging platform is approved. New construction taxes
are being picked up 100 %.
Wareing pointed out a Computer Technology Steering Committee meets weekly to
ensure a firm foundation for a good communicating computer system.
Also discussed was the upcoming November election regarding Referendum 47. The
funds for this were not budgeted, as it has yet to be voted on, realizing that there would be an
adequate undesignated fund balance to cover this. A supplemental would be necessary in the
event this item would need to be addressed.
(Clerks Note: A short break was taken. Tape 1, Side B)
Shirley Forslof, Auditor, spoke to her departmental requests (handout on file); Terry
Hinz, Auditor =s Office, assisted her. Topics discussed included: staffing; poll workers; the
number of elections in 1998 (a minimum of three); the backup card reader; upgrading existing
pc =s; the cost of and need for publication of local voters pamphlets (two elections each year, the
primary and general elections); the decrease in operational costs; the imaging process; and
staffing in elections.
Forslof pointed out the reason for the decrease in operational costs is due to the imaging
being included in the budget. The funds for implementing the imaging was a capital
expenditure, which was in last year =s budget. She stated the backup card reader is very slow.
Also, the voters continue to request a local pamphlet. The imaging process is being implemented
and will be up and running next week.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, addressed committee about her departmental needs. Topics
discussed included: computer replacement; printer replacements; and the chief deputy reclass.
Cory pointed out she and Wareing are discussing her chief deputy reclass and are hoping for
Council approval. Wareing continued that particular discussion regarding incorrect assumptions
Budget Minutes, 10/27/97, Page 2
about the organizational chart, which deals with the chief deputy reclass. Further discussion is
needed on this item.
Also discussed was the continuation of the revenue deputy position which was funded
temporarily last year. Cory distributed a report from the revenue deputy (on file). Cory pointed
out only six months back taxes can be collected. The incorrect code had been used to input the
transportation taxes, which is the responsibility of the Department of Revenue (DOR). Cory--s
request and Administration =s recommendation was to continue this revenue deputy position full
time for another year, if not permanently, as it has been a positive experiment. Wareing stated
this position affects two items: ongoing revenues with ongoing expenditures; and position
control, as it is not counted as a regular full -time position.
Robert Wagner, Budget Analyst, explained a change in the reporting process regarding
the O & M Fund (dealing with foreclosure recording costs), which is not normally sent to
Council, as it does not have budget authority over this fund. This was somehow included in the
budget.
Imhof instructed committee members to contact department heads for any additional
necessary information /comments.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Robert Imhof, Council Member
Budget Minutes, 10/27/97, Page 3