HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole October 4 19941
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole
1995 Budget
October 4, 1994
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Chair Robert Imhof in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Ward Nelson None
Alvin Starkenburg
Ken Henderson
Marlene Dawson
Barbara Brenner
Larry Harris
The purpose of this meeting was to allow the County Executive time to speak
regarding the Council's recent passage of the 100 percent property tax for 1995.
Mrs. Van Zanten requested direction from the Council in terms of how it would
like to see service set up for 1995 in light of the revenues it would like to spend. There
is a deficit of $732,000, assuming a 106 percent property tax. In taking this figure into
consideration, there is no new staff, no increases in extra help or overtime, no computers
or software, no other capital, no equipment, no furnishings, no vehicles, no building
repairs, maintenance or remodeling projects and no expanded programs or services. In
other words, all this budget contains is today's business in 1995 dollars. The Council's
100 percent property tax passage adds $720,000 to the $732,000, for a total deficit of
$1.4 million.
It was noted that one of the big losses was in sales tax revenue, which was
reduced by $500,000. A discussion followed regarding ways of balancing the funds. Also
speaking was Tom Sutberry, Administrative Services, and N.F. Jackson, Superior Court
Clerk.
There followed a discussion by the Council of suggested ways of solving the
situation.
Harris moved to develop the budget at 103 percent on property tax.
Motion carried 5 -2 with Brenner and Dawson opposed.
Harris moved to adopt a 1.1 percent criminal justice funding sales tax.
1995 Budget Minutes, 10/4/94, Page 1
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Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
Harris moved to maintain services at last years' level.
Motion passed 4 -3 with Starkenburg, Nelson and Imhof opposed.
Henderson moved to use the Real Estate Excise Tax (BEET) to offset some of
the costs.
Motion carried 5 -2 with Brenner and Dawson opposed.
Nelson moved to have the Administration come before the Council with cuts in
selective departments where the Executive feels appropriate or the departments have
their own suggestions.
Motion carried unanimously.
Henderson moved to have the Administration review collapsing of funds and /or
the appropriateness of the dollar amounts of fund balances relative to asset replacement
needs.
Motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Raanona Reeves, Recording Secretary
These minutes were approved by the Council on March 7 , 19945
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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ona ee erk of the Council RbVeitImhof, Chair
1995 Budget Minutes, 10/4/94, Page 2