HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 2 1993WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
BUDGET HEARINGS
November 2, 1993
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. at Council Chambers, 1000 North
Forest Street, 2nd floor, by Ken Henderson, Chair.
Also Present:
Robert Imhof
Absent:
Dennis Vander Yacht
Other Council Members present were: Marge Laidlaw, Larry Harris, and Barbara
Brenner (late)
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Speakers: Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension; Ray Fann and Laurel
Baldwin, Noxious Weed Board; Woods, Imhof; Laidlaw; Henderson.
Topics discussed: Cooperative Extension is a partnership with Whatcom County,
Washington State University (WSU) and the federal government through the USDA
since .1914. Their work is developed from the July 1 calendar year. Since education
plans can't always be done in a year, many plans are multi -year, three years being most
common. Environmental education has been focused on in the last five years. Outside
grant monies have been obtained, especially in water - related issues through volunteer
programs. The Bellingham School District has teamed up with the 4 -H program to
develop the Challenge Course, which is an outdoor facility to build teamwork. This
program has targeted Youth At Risk and is very successful in developing leadership
skills. New programs are being examined and changes are in the offing.
Woods and MacConnell discussed the expense fund. Imhof questioned him re:
the Weed Board's 20 -hour per month position. Laidlaw also had some questions re: the
Weed Board. Henderson wanted to know about travel expenses, which is used for
mileage.
MacConnell then discussed the Watershed Program and grant funding. Finding
grant money is tough and not guaranteed.
With the expected shortfall, the department has proposed reducing one clerical
worker to 80% (worker supports the Weed Board), which will be tough.
Budget Hearings, November 2, 1993, Page 1
Ray Fann spoke on behalf of the Weed Board. The responsibilities of the Board
from 1993 have increased one -third from 1992, thereby making any cuts difficult to deal
with. He would like to be able to pick up his extra help and $1,000 in order to carry on a
program like 1993 ( $3,600 in professional services plus $1,000 in extra help). Money
is returned to their budget for spraying and enforcement, allowing costs to be kept down.
This revenue has not been budgeted.
Laurel Baldwin spoke to the issue of enforcement- -none since 1990. It is
sometimes difficult to determine revenue /cost because of last minute emergencies.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - SOLID WASTE
Speakers: Bob Jurica, Manager, Solid Waste; Nate Brown, Buildings & Code;
Laidlaw.
Topics discussed: This division is responsible for the Solid Waste Program for the
County and was formed in 1988. Now it is a programmatic unit, with major emphasis in
waste reduction /recycling and hazardous waste programs. Cedarville Landfill was closed
this last summer, and this was the last landfill open.
Questions were asked from Laidlaw re: RECOMP monies. The monies are
coming in on time. Specific questions to the budget were not specifically answered.
Woods commented the back payments should have been booked as an account
receivable overdue. RECOMP will become current in May 1994.
Solid Waste is on target with all waste /reduction programs. However, the
exemption process has not been done, as it leads to more work, which they are unable to
handle with the current staff. There are approximately 6 -8,000 people left to sign up for
waste collection or receive their exemption. The RECOMP Agreement did not include
Bellingham. They are still working with Bellingham on an option extension. The
Disposal Agreement has no deadline and has not yet been finalized, mainly because it is
not a priority. Mix waste composting is not yet ready. Monies are remaining from the
contract for support services for accounting, etc. This contract has been amended twice
and tripled in cost and the deadline will not be met; extension will be requested at a
later date.
Mr. Jurica was questioned on household /commercial hazardous waste diversion
percentages, and he was unable to answer, as no measurements have been done. He was
also asked about the centralized toxic facility. The City is now .doing the siting work and
should be completed shortly.after the first of the year. However, this is a City /County
joint effort- -the City does the operational functions of hazardous waste, while the County
does the educational and promotional functions. The Health Department is involved
with the educational function also regarding small quantity generators. The waste
Finance Minutes, 11/2/93, Page 2
material exchange program facility was explained. The percentage of expected decrease
in solid waste generation is 50% by 1995. He could not answer any further specific
questions.
They are giving out small grants for waste reduction ideas, thereby giving savings
back to the community. Much income has been generated from the selling of compost
bins. Specific items of his budget were discussed.
The Lakeway site will be converted from operational to drop -off, which will then
be taken to RECOMP. There is no cost savings in doing this, and he attempted to
explain why we are paying for this project. Here Jeff Monsen, Public Works
Administration, interrupted to say that this proposed budget has been reviewed and
amended by the Executive Committee.
Nate Brown, Buildings & Code, also spoke to say that Bellingham does not have
the facility and that the City only administers the funds used to finance many elements.
This issue still was not clear to the Council Members.
The Solid Waste Fund was discussed. Henderson wanted to know if a certain
amount of money were removed from the proposed budget, how that would affect
Jurica's program and Enterprise Fund balance. Mr. Jurica was rather vague as to
specifics.
Jeff Monsen again interrupted to recommend the Finance Committee meet with
the Executive Committee re: transfer or payment of the Enterprise Fund to determine
the roles the Council v. the Executive Committee play in the Interlocal Agreement, to
which Laidlaw reminded Monsen this question was asked of the Administration several
weeks ago. No response has yet been heard.
Jurica requested a time -frame for Laidlaw's request for more budget information,
which was stated will be needed before the Council's deliberations, which start Saturday,
November 6.
A five minute break was taken.
ENGINEERING & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Speakers: Jeff Monsen, Public Works Administration; Tom Sutberry, County
Executive's Office; Brad Bennett, Public Works; Woods; Laidlaw; Henderson; Imhof;
Harris; Brenner.
Monsen passed out handouts to everyone regarding County priorities, road funds
and enforcement. The four major divisions in the new department (as of January 1,
1994) are: Engineering, Equipment Rental, Administrative and Road. Here he
Finance Minutes, 11/2/93, Page 3
introduced those division heads. Then he discussed road funds and traffic enforcement.
Some method must be found to fund traffic enforcement when the State Patrol is no
longer able to maintain its manpower due to budget cuts. A number of counties have
therefore been looking at using road funds for traffic enforcement. The road fund is
cash rich, although not as rich now as it once was. He emphasized the need for road
maintenance, which is a long -term program.
Then followed a presentation on the report for the Department of Community
Development, Local Transportation System needs, mentioning preservation
programming, fees and maintenance /reconstruction. Laidlaw, Woods, Henderson and
Harris had questions regarding the budget and Monsen commented.
Brad Bennett spoke to the issue of increased fuel costs, as well as to those
addressed /not addressed in this year's budget.
noon.
Since Imhof left early, there was no quorum, and the meeting was adjourned at
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
�ile 4.
Eliz eth Bennett, Recording Secr ta Ken Henderson, Council Member
Finance Minutes, 11/2/93, Page 4