HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 4 1993WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
BUDGET HEARINGS
Thursday, November 4, 1993
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Ken Henderson at 9:20 a.m.
Also Present: Absent:
Bob Imhof Dennis Vander Yacht
Others Council Members present were: Marge Laidlaw and Barbara Brenner.
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Mark Challender, Director, gave an overview of the budget request.
Comments were made on the following: Reduction in dues and elimination of
local match; Challender's time is now allocated more heavily to Transportation; change
in duties; three percent reduction in budget request; possibility of slight reduction of
services; water quality issues; comparison of previous budgets; reduction of grant income;
reduction of approximately $10,000 from Whatcom County; projected ending balance;
Speakers: Henderson; Laidlaw.
LEOFF BOARD
Bob Imhof reported on this request.
Bob Woods mentioned that the pocket of money expected by the Assessor is no
longer viable. Sutberry said the money does not go back into the General Fund because
it is dedicated.
HORTICULTURAL INSPECTOR
Sutberry explained that this is a state funded position with an informal agreement.
INDIGENT BURIAL
Sutberry said there had been no cost involved in this area since it was turned over
by the State. There is a set amount allotted for cremation.
NORTHWEST REGIONAL COUNCIL
Budget on file; summary provided to Council Members.
BELLINGHAM VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU
Budget Hearings, November 4, 1993, Page 1
John Cooper, Director, spoke and showed overhead slides on the program. He
discussed travel, conventions with $1,026,250 income, tourism, 400 percent increase in
mail requests causing work for staff and volunteers. He stated that there are over 400
members. Dues account for 21% of the annual revenue. Private industry is now co-
sponsoring costs. Challenges are increased motel room base, increased competition from
other regions, weaker Canadian economy, lack of a convention center, seasonality of
business, perceived image of Bellingham, and limited resources. The Bureau is facing
the challenges in the following ways: placing greater emphasis on convention sales, focus
on state and multi -state associations, seminars and conventions, push for a convention
center, finished market research that gives vital information ton travelers to are, increase
advertising to key markets, emphasizing overnight visits, developing plans and strategies
for cooperative marketing packages, focusing marketing activities on off - season and new
markets, sponsor more familiarization tours and continue advertising. The spending by
visitors to Whatcom County is $136 million providing 2,226 jobs. Our county is ranked
7th of the 39 counties in Washington in terms of visitor spending.
Comments were made on the following: Increase in request for 1994.
Speakers: Woods; Laidlaw; Henderson.
FOURTH CORNER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
David Bell, Director, gave an overview of the budget request. He said there are
four program as follows: help new business set up in Whatcom County; help local
businesses as well as encourage manufacturing; community economic development; and
public policy issues that have ramifications on the communities economy.
$192,000 is the projected amount of the budget with $58,000 coming from the private
sector. The group works with 10 to 15 companies per year and this has resulted in many
new jobs for the county.
Comments were made on the following: How Whatcom County compares with
other counties; need for good roads need in the county; slow economy; investment
interest by Canadians; family businesses looking for family livability still interested in
locating here; potential at Cherry Point for an intermodal transfer; asset for the future in
having Cherry Point in place for industrial use; limitations of the Cherry Point industrial
zone are infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, etc.; very little land absorption in
Whatcom County but Custer project would create another growth node; interest income
is shown on the budget as higher than is generally being given; operating reserve income
interest is included in interest income; booklet showing manufacturers and sites; attempt
to encourage companies who also are interested in the quality of life.
Speakers: Woods; Bell; Henderson.
WOMENCARE
Anne Suloway, Administrative Coordinator, explained the budget request. She
mentioned the constant needs of a phone line, and heat for the building, She said 29
percent of the people they serve are from the County. Womencare has requested an
increase to $20,000 this year because they cannot function at the current level with the
Budget Hearings, November 4, 1993, Page 2
increased numbers they are serving. They need a staff person 24 hours a day to handle
emergencies. She said Womencare does rely heavily on volunteers. Suloway stated that
the need is great need for domestic violence services.
Comments were made on the following: Increase requested in the budget; monies
received from other sources; one -time capital needs; future move desired; cost of outside
housing; 21 days stay is normal; mandatory arrest law has precipitated more arrests;
possibility of funding through criminal justice system;
Speakers: Imhof; Laidlaw; Henderson.
Frank Winslow, Alzheimer, spoke on all social programs (Home Health,
Womencare, etc.). He resents the easy access by doctors to the treasury. He stated
unlimited money is being spent for people who do not want the services and must then
pay for them. He said he feels there are too many entitlements that must be examined.
Comments were made on the following: Cooperation with others in the
Volunteer Health Resource Network to utilize joint space, equipment, etc.; don't allocate
$10,000 to Visiting Nurse or $18,000 to RSVP; you can't spend money if Medicare
provides the service; criteria for those receiving money from the County;
Speakers: Winslow; Henderson; Woods.
NORTHWEST AIR POLLUTION AUTHORITY
They are funded through assessments and penalties.
BELLINGHAM WHATCOM COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
On fifth year of a five -year contract.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Medical Examiner is on a contract.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Sutberry discussed the contracts. The County has a formula for the funds but the
funds can be spent without interference.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
ATTEST:
6 w6ni.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Kenneth Henderson, ommittee Chair
Budget Hearings, November 4, 1993, Page 3