HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 3 1988WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE
November 3, 1988
The meeting was called to order at 2 :00 p.m. by Committee Chairman Warner,
with members Hansey and Vanderpol present as well as Jackson from 2 :15 on. Also
present were Paul Rushing, Director of Public Works; Brad Bennett, Fiscal
Manager; Robert Jurica, Solid Waste Manager; Nat Dickinson, Purchasing Agent.
Paul Rushing outlined the proposed budget. Discussion about hiring a
union person as opposed to the less expensive way the job is now being filled;
allegedly there would be more accountability and loyalty to the County. Warner
asked about a surcharge at the incinerator. Bellingham may not want to
participate but smaller cities probably will. Users in the district would pay
a levy but those out of the district would pay a surcharge. Council can
institute a "Waste Disposal District" which would be the first in the State.
This would make those who produce the waste responsible for the disposal.
Brad Bennett highlighted the areas of change noted on the Overview
handout. Public Works will be computerizing and hooking into the main frame
thus additional computer equipment is required. This department will for the
next two years fund a computer specialist who will help them get on - line. After
the two years this person would be the PC specialist for the County and George
would work only on mainframe problems. Other additions will be for health care
and industrial insurance increases, contingency money for appraisals, etc., and
the purchase of a rater, microfiche and fax machine.
Discussion of an additional solid waste specialist, another half - position
secretary in each of Building Maintenance and M 8 0 as well as a custodian for
the jail. Hansey urged that part time people be kept below the level where
benefits would have to be provided.
It was asked if the Road department could fund another deputy and it was
noted that this was possible but would impact services to some degree. A new
deputy costs $65,000 the first year because a car must be purchased.
A study is currently being conducted on county -owned ferries. Because the
fuel tax fluctuates so greatly, Department of Transport should be asked to
guarantee 50% of operating cost.
River improvement is funded by levy and FCAP funds. Gravel can be taken
free by the County but the State approves permits and access to the river by
others.
The meeting adjourned at 3 :50 p.m.
ATTEST:
Ba bara Maher
Clerk of the Council
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Daniel M. Warner, member