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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 23 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Finance and Administrative Services Committee September 23, 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 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET, REQUEST #10 (AB97 -315) There was discussion by Dave McEachran, Prosecuting Attorney =s Office, regarding the $113,011 to the General Liability Fund for tort claims and increased insurance premiums. Brenner and Brown would like to see the costs and percentages of what has been paid out. Dave Wareing, Executive =s Office, explained that this funding has already been budgeted, and it is a transfer of the funds. Brenner requested the breakdown of what claims have been paid. Imhof explained that this information is usually done in executive session. Imhof moved to recommend approval. Motion carried 2 -1 with Brenner opposed. OTHER BUSINESS PRESENTATION ON PROGRESS TOWARD CONSOLIDATING COMBINED TREATMENT SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES INTO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT (AB97 -327) Chuck Benjamin, Health Department Director, gave a presentation on the consolidation of Developmental Disabilities and Combined Treatment Services into the Health Department (handout on file). He discussed his Consolidation Planning Committee. Other topics discussed included goals; missions that could fulfill both departments and divisions within those departments; establishment of values; the physical process of consolidation; the consolidation progress; options of consolidation of the various departments; the creation of a separate division, Human Services; and the various positions in his department. Benjamin then explained the creation of the Health and Human Services Department. Karen Goens, Human Resources Manager, presented a chart with the new positions and those which will be eliminated. Benjamin explained that FTEs will decrease by 3.2, which includes Finance Minutes, 9/23/97, Page 1 the 1997 decrease. Goens stated this will be done through central reception and the redistribution of jobs and explained the process. The duties which will be consolidated were reviewed. One project currently being worked on is a central data base. Also, there needs to be better coordination between various services. Benjamin pointed out that outcome measures must be developed to assess the benefits of consolidation, although that will be a challenge, as he wondered what it would be measured against in the past. Benjamin explained different options regarding the structure of the Advisory Board. The difference would be the maintenance of Council representation - -at each of the four current Advisory Boards or have two Council members on the Health and Human Services Advisory Board with each of them acting as a liaison to two of the other advisory boards. He then discussed each option in general detail. Brenner expressed her concern regarding increasing the need for three Council members instead of only two. Imhof suggested that the two members remain on the Health and Human Services Advisory Board and have full membership on each advisory board. Susan Jewell, Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Human Services Review Committee member, expressed concern regarding measurable outcomes for the programs. She felt the need for hands on control over the programs was highly necessary. She was not convinced that a half -time coordinator was appropriate. Bonnie Burggen also commented. Imhof explained the main concern is to improve service to the clients by making the Health Department more accountable. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. NaDean Hanson, Recording Secretary ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk Robert Imhof, Council Member Finance Minutes, 9/23/97, Page 2