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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance May 8 1990WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE May 8, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. by Committee Chairman Dan Warner in the Council Conference Room. Others present: Absent: Mary Vanderpol None. Marge Laidlaw (arrived late) 1. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SALARY INCREASE FOR NON -UNION EMPLOYEES (AB90 -149) Executive Shirley Van Zanten said if the full Council agrees to conceptually go along with the salary recommendation, the Executive's Office would commence paperwork and do a budget amendment for this and the union contract settlements. No paperwork was distributed, and none is on file. Discussion ensued. VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE SALARY INCREASES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EXECUTIVE. Motion carried. Warner asked about the addition of a person in Personnel; Van Zanten said that will be discussed at a later time. 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING COUNTY CODE SECTION 8.12, REVISING FEE SCHEDULE FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AT COUNTY SOLID WASTE SITES (AB90 -131) Van Zanten said the impetus for the change is the need for a rate change at Point Roberts to cover disposal and trucking costs. She explained other aspects of the proposals, including a provision for a rate increase at Cedarville in case'the recently - closed landfill is re- opened on an emergency basis. Discussion continued. Laidlaw arrived. County Solid Waste Manager Bob Jurica talked about the justification for various changes with Vanderpol. Warner asked for an update on the solid waste district and the disposal tax; Van Zanten, who had just returned from vacation that day, indicated she would give a report after she had time to study the matter. Vanderpol asked Jurica for his reaction to news that the Department of Ecology had approved the County's solid waste management plan; Jurica said it felt great, after six years of working on the plan with the agency. Warner said there seemed to be Committee consensus to send the ordinance.forward to the Council. Laidlaw noted that proof of retirement was required for senior citizen discount; Jurica said Laidlaw was correct, proof of age should be required instead. It was agreed that this amendment would be made. Laid-law questioned Jurica about the rates for demolition landfill, and he clarified various points. Warner noted this would be forwarded to the council with recommendation for approval. 3. ORDINANCE TO EXTEND THE DATE FOR COMMENCEMENT OF FORECLOSURE ACTION FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (AB90 -154 ) Cory said if people are two years delinquent in tax payments the County can foreclose. These foreclosures are within Road Improvement District No. 5, Coronado. The County must begin such action by June 15. VANDERPOL MOVED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL. Motion carried. Vanderpol asked how many RIDS the county has; Cory said there are 10 in place, some of which are maintenance RIDS. Vanderpol asked how the RID process could be streamlined. Cory said it is separate from the real property program, and it creates more work to have the RID process separate. She noted that some Council members are working on procedures. 4. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1990 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, ASSESSOR'S APPROPRIATION FOR DATA -ENTRY OF ZONING INFORMATION (AB90 -155) Budget Director Tom Sutberry said last year the Council budgeted money for data entry in the Planning Department budget, and it was not used. This year it is being more appropriately budgeted for the Assessor's Office, and the money will bring the data base on zoning up to date. Warner questioned the staff summary statement on the agenda bill. Sutberry responded, and'Van Zanten commented that the ordinance could have been avoided had the departments in question communicated better about the need to request continuing appropriation from last year's budget into this year's budget. There was consensus to send the ordinance forward with a recommendation for approval. 5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF COUNTY -OWNED PROPERTY THROUGH PUBLIC AUCTION (LAND NEAR CEDARVILLE, REQUEST BY COWDEN) (AB90 -105) Warner said they had hoped to hear from Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randy Watts today, but that he may report tonight. Mr. Cowden was present. Warner said the issue was whether by selling the property the County would be exposing itself to liability. After some discussion:. VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE SALE FOR A DO PASS. Motion carried. 5A. RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TREASURER TO NOT SELL CERTIFICATES OF DELINQUENCY Cory explained that state law now allows for the Treasurer to sell certificates each year to individuals who will pay delinquent taxes and interest on others' properties. After three to five years the County could foreclose on the property and the property would-be owned by the certificate holder. If a resolution ordering the Treasurer-not to sell the certificates is not on the books, people can come in and force the Treasurer to sell them. Warner discussed the matter with Cory. Vanderpol asked if the resolution must be done annually, or if it could be phrased in such a way to avoid the need to pass a resolution every year. VANDERPOL MOVED THAT THE RESOLUTION BE APPROVED, WITH A CHANGE IN THE WORDING SO IT WILL NOT HAVE TO BE DONE EACH YEAR. Warner said the language would be ....UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE and "... the Treasurer is hereby directed to further carry such delinquencies on the books of Whatcom County." The title would be changed as well, to read "until further notice." The amended resolution was approved. Laidlaw and Warner complimented Cory on explaining the complicated issue so well.. 7. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. 6. DISCUSSION OF COUNTY COUNCIL TRAVEL POLICY (AB90 -166) (PAPERWORK TO BE DISTRIBUTED PRIOR TO THE MEETING) There was extensive discussion of the Council's limited travel budget, which is quickly being depleted this year, among Warner, Vanderpol, Laidlaw, and Jackson. There was discussion of restrictions on use of Council funds for in- county expenditures. Vanderpol said he doesn't turn in expenses at all times. But if he were going to all that many conferences, he would like to be reimbursed for it. He thought $7,000 for a total travel budget would be much more reasonable than this year's budget of $2,500. Warner said sometimes Western Washington University (his employer) pays for County- related courses or events because it is continuing education. Vanderpol said people who are "in" to attending conferences should be encouraged to go. Jackson read the County Code, arguing that reimbursement for travel to state conferences is authorized and therefore she should be allowed to go without question. Warner said such travel would be allowed as money is available; for example, next year each Council member will have $1,000 to spend on travel as they see fit. Vanderpol said Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randy Watts should be asked to rule on Jackson's interpretation of the County Code. Warner asked the Clerk to write a memo to Watts asking him whether attendance at Washington State Association of Counties meetings are interpreted as being automatically approved under WCC 2.64.055 (A.1 -3). Jackson said maybe WSAC activities should be budgeted for along with dues to the WSAC. She said it doesn't make sense for Council Members to belong to an organization but not all Council Members can be present for votes at Association meetings. Laidlaw suggested repeatedly that the $2,500 budgeted for this year be divided by seven, and any Council can spend only as much as that amount, not more. Warner said a supplemental budget. to "beef up" the travel fund.would be better. Vanderpol spoke forcefully against a supplemental budget. Warner asked about the County's continuing education budget, and whether it could be used for Planning Commission members to attend a conference; Sutberry said there is no prohibition, but someone must make a specific request to the Administration for such an expenditure. Warner suggested the request go to the Executive's Office via Commission members or the Planning Department. Discussion ensued. WARNER MOVED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REQUEST OF THE ADMINISTRATION MONEY FOR TRAINING SESSIONS, THAT MONEY TO COME FROM THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND. THE PLANNING DIRECTOR WOULD REQUEST THE RESOURCES FOR THAT TRAVEL. Sutberry said for-County employees, the Executive must approve travel out -of- county. Warner said paperwork should be drawn up by Taylor just as though he were doing it for a member of his staff. It was decided that this was appropriate. WARNER MOVED THAT $3,500 ADDITIONAL TRAVEL MONEY BE APPROPRIATED TO THE COUNCIL BUDGET FOR JUNE THROUGH DECEMBER. Warner said this would provide $500 for each person; Vanderpol said he didn't know if that was a good idea. There was discussion of the word "authorized" as used in the County Code section cited by Jackson. Jackson said the Code as currently written said she doesn't have to ask anyone for authorization. Vanderpol said whether something is authorized doesn't matter, if no money exists in the budget. Laidlaw spoke in favor of each Council member having a certain amount of money to spend, and if someone runs out of money they would have to bargain with another Council member for some of his.or her allotment. Vanderpol said he didn't like that idea; such transfers should be decided by the Council, otherwise the transferring is "too free- wheeling." Discussion continued. Warner said the Council should prepare a supplemental budget enhancing the travel budget by $3,500 as of July 1.. Vanderpol spoke against the notion. Laidlaw said the Council should divide the $2,500 by seven. Warner said because the Council took $500 from that account to be transferred and used to fund the Western growth.conference, only $2,000 would be available for Council's use. Jackson noted she had made plans to attend two more conferences. Laidlaw said she has signed up for a spring conference, and first -come, first - served is not fair. Warner said that's why a supplemental is needed. There was discussion. WARNER MOVED TO REQUEST THE STAFF FOR 19911S BUDGET TO PUT $7000 IN THE TRAVEL FUND, SO THAT EACH PERSON WOULD BE ENTITLED TO USE $1,000. AFTER THE $1,000 ALLOTMENT HAS BEEN USED, THE PERSON MUST COME TO THE COUNCIL FOR AUTHORIZATION OF FURTHER FUNDS. Discussion ensued. Vanderpol said under the existing budget each person would be authorized to spend up to $300 (note: The actual amount available to each Council member would be $285) until the budget item is depleted. Anyone who has spent their $300.would need to come back to the Council and request to be reimbursed beyond that, and this policy would only hold as long as money exists in the budget line. Warner noted that the word "authorized" in.the code doesn't mean "guaranteed;" therefore, in his opinion, this policy does not conflict with the Code. Motion carried; there was consensus of the Committee to approve of the 1990 travel policy as stated above. The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk Daniel M. Warner, Member COUNCIL TRAVEL POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: FOR 1990• (Original budget of $2,500, less $500 for WWU,.divided by 7 = $285 per Council Member) Every Council Member is entitled to a maximum expenditure of $285 for County - related education and conferences. If he or she wants more than that amount, they must ask the full Council for approval. Each person is entitled to use their allotment on a first -come, first - served basis until the money runs out. (Note: Emily has used about $450, plus $355 in pre - travel. expenditures . submitted today, to date; Marge has used about $150; Don has used less than $200. Keep in mind that not everyone is going to get their $285. In fact, with the money left (and not including Emily) each Council member can spend from $124 to $183.) FOR 1991• Warner moved to request the staff to include $7,000 for travel in the 1991 budget so that each Council member would be entitled to use $1,000. After a person uses his or her allotment, he or she will approach the Council for further authorization. (This was typed up for Warner's information on 5/8/90)