BOCC Budget 3/10/03

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0968dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 6/30/03"><U><B>BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 - 6/30/03</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 6/30/03"><U><B>BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 - 6/30/03</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=131 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0978dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Welcome to the Web Site of Clare Whitbeck</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to the Web Site of Clare Whitbec"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 12/3/02"><U>BOCC 12/3/02</U></A>   |   <A 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came a proclamation upon the retirement of Paul Wible, Director of Emergency Preparedness.  It was noted that he is a Hollywood native.  </div> <div> Next came a proposal to amend the County Ordinances to allow a property tax credit to the surviving spouse of a fallen rescue worker.  Comm Mattingly said this was brought to the attention of the Tri County Council that the enabling legislation for this ordinance had been enacting last year.  Several jurisdictions have taken up the opportunity.  Comm Raley asked about the term “fallen rescue worker”, is there a definition?  Norris said it is an individual who dies while participating in a fire or rescue operation, unless the death is the result of gross misconduct or substance abuse.  Bobby Ball of Ridge said he thinks this ordinance is commendable.  Fortunately St. Mary’s County has only had one member pass in the line of duty.  Ball would like to have to law broadened to include deaths not in the line of duty.  Heart attacks are a leading cause of death among fire fighters.  No one is tracking this information.  We need to think about the others who are giving their time to the citizens of the County.  The public hearing was closed and the record will be kept open for 10 days.  Norris noted that written comments can be submitted to PO Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.  </div> <div> <B>Next came youth and art month.  </B>  Two drama students from Chopticon brought their presentations to apply for a drama major in college.  A number of Chopticon Students are now working as professionals.  Jessica Duncan was first, and Katie Peak was the second student.  The BOCC gave them a proclamation in thanks.  Comm Mattingly congratulated the basketball team.  <B>Dr. Icenhower came to the table to present an update on the state of health in St. Mary’s County.  </B>Icenhower said he had two issues.  First is percolation tests.  They need to complete 1,400 tests.  Darrell Caldano is doing an excellent job.  All tests have been scheduled, and the schedule has been extended to the first of May.  The Health Department believes it can complete all 1,400 tests.  Applications were cut off by February 21.  They have had 45 additional applications after the cut off.  They will make every effort to clear the board.  The second item is the West Nile Virus.  The Health Department is expecting more cases this year.  There is no immunization for the West Nile Virus.  People have to protect themselves.  There will not be a collection of crows this year.  The Department knows West Nile Virus is here, so there is no point is conducting more tests.  The Department of Agriculture will be collecting mosquitos.  The question is whether to spray.  Homeowners can get together to do this.  The question is whether so spray.  People in Calvert County have said they don’t care what the mosquitos may carry, they don’t want the mosquitos.  The cost is about $50,000.   We may not know what to do.  They want to put down a larvacide.  The Health Department wants people to empty any container which contains water to prevent larvae from breeding.  He can order spray, but needs funding for it.  McKay wrinkled his brow and said it’s a difficult problem for us.  Wasn’t the problem concentrated in McIntosh Run?  Icenhower said State wide, the people who died were not where the dead crows were found.  Many people, he said, get minor systems.  We have no idea how many people have been exposed.  Those who were now have immunity.  Comm Mattingly asked about storm water management.  Those ponds are the perfect breeding ground.  Could we treat those ponds?  We are creating breeding grounds.  Icenhower said the Department of Agriculture is working with the Department of the Environment.  Maybe we should put some guppies in the pond.  The guppies are very effective.  Icenhower said his department is working on storm water ponds.  The ponds are wetlands for birds and fish and wildlife.  Jarboe asked where someone would get the mosquito fish.  Icenhower said the fish are probably one of the best and most effective ways of controlling mosquitos.  Raley asked a question about citizens who call about decisions from the Health Department.  He said it’s not clear that citizens are being told about their rights to an appeal process.  Could you do an internal review and see if there is an appeal process.  He said he was very aware of the individual in question.  He pushed it as far as he could.  Icenhower said his policy is to get the thing to pass if it’s legally possible.  In her case we did that, but we do it in all cases.  </div> <div> <B>County Administrator time as next.  </B>Art Shepard came to the table to discuss the $27,704 grant for the New Horizons Summer Camp.  They have been able to request and receive additional funds.  If there are special needs in a regular camp they have staff to do one on one for including youth.  There is no county match for this program.  Public schools provide transportation for the children.  They have a $50,000 budget which includes fees.  It’s the same amount as last year.  There are inclusion services in regular camps, asked McKay, and he was told yes.  This Saturday is the High Hopes Awareness day event.  The vote was 5-0 to approve the grant.  </div> <div> A recording system for circuit court to replace the court reporter.  Judge Kaminetz said we have been hemorrhaging  money in court reporting funds.  This unit can do all four courtrooms.  It can be expanded at little cost.  Montgomery County has 30 court rooms that have gone to this system.  It works almost as well as a live court reporter.  Bill Tench, Court Administrator, was there to answer questions.  Tench said it will be a pleasure to handle this system.  The District Courts are using this system as well.  It’s a server and back up.  It runs on two tracks.  If one goes down, the other continues.  There is an uninterruptible power supply.  The system records all the audio.  They can use the existing audio wiring in the court room.  The system is automatic and runs all the time.  The clerk will operate the system, i.e. use the hot key to tag events.  If a witness is sworn, an interested party can find that witness.  Montgomery county has not had one technical glitch.  One can burn a cd if someone wants a copy of the record.  The record for juvenile proceedings can be sealed.  It has a lot of features.  Little special training will be required.  The system is scalable, one server can serve 4 courtrooms.  The cost is about $30,000.  The vote was 5 - 0.  Mattingly asked about archives.  Kaminetz said the record will be a cd instead of a stack of paper.  McKay thanked them for the savings.  He noted that Raley and Abrams need a table.  </div> <div> <B>The State’s Attorney came to ask for additional money for expert witnesses.  </B>The request is for $10,000.  This is a fund like the snow removal fund.  We can go for years and not need this money then break the bank with one trial.  Comm Raley said he will approve it, and he asked that the State’s Attorney not be so mean spirited when he makes a request.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Cynthia Brown brought a brant from alcohol and drug prevention.  </B>  She was requesting a budget amendment.  McKay asked if the  Freedom Fest could be fully funded by private donations.  Brown said they have always received private donations.  McKay said they do not want to lose the program.  Brown said she is making more presentations.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Randy Schultz brought a proposal for a policy on equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.  </B> McKay said he was surprised that this was not already in our policy.  This is a requirement from the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.  McKay asked how many employees have a disability.  Schultz said they cannot ask employees, but they are encouraging employees to make their disabilities knows.  The vote was 5 - 0 (that was the second motion made by Comm Dement.  Schultz proposed a diversity of interest group to put together a long range plan to address the needs of those with disabilities.  The group will start this spring and bring suggestions to the table by the fall.  There were requests for exemptions from the hiring freeze.  Recs and Parks needs seasonal groundskeepers.  Comm Dement said he is familiar with the need for Recs and Parks.  Jarboe abstained from the vote which was 4 - 0.  Sheriff Zylak asks for the senior communications specialist is not in the ‘04 budget.  The Property Clerk position, said Lacer, should be filled. The senior (?) clerk is not in the ‘04 budget.  The senior coordinator is in the ‘04 budget and Lacer requests that it be filled.  The Senior Office Specialist is already recommended for approval.  Two of these three positions were recently vacated.  One is his HR person.  The three positions were approved - Staff Specialist, Senior Office Coordinator, and the Senior Office Specialist.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> <B>Nest came Commissioner time.   </B>Comm Jarboe said he was glad to see the Christie McDonald problem get resolved.  Minnie Russell brought other items forward.  Jarboe would like to see the items that Sue Veith is working on.  Right now we have a policy that people must leave a name.  People are using someone else’s name.  It may be time to adopt a written complaint policy so the person must appear.  <B>According to Robin Guyther, </B>80% of the complaints on the livability code were vendetta complaints, said Jarboe  Comm Raley attended the concert at St. Mary’s College.  He wants to support the River Concerts.  Dement was hosting a 40 team softball tournament.  Comm Mattingly said he went to the art display at the Board of Education and congratulated the students.  The Breton Bay Water Restoration Meeting will be this Wednesday at Leonardtown Middle School.  McKay suggested getting auctioneer Raley to participate in fund raisers.  McKay talked about a public-private partnership.  Maryland Day will take place this Sunday at 1:00 PM.  Tuesday at 11:00 they will be at the St. Clements Island Museum.  Next is a tour of the Dept of Public works.  They will be a little late.  He got authorization for an executive session for personnel.  </div> <div>      </div> <div> When I arrived, Elaine Kramer was discussing the fact that revenue is expected to increase by 4.7%.  She also stated the health insurance rates are expected to increase by 25% instead of the 20% estimated by Finance.  She isn’t expecting any increase in revenues.  Kramer said the recordation tax had been reexamined.  They had not recognized all the capital projects’ revenue and had used general fund revenue in its stead.  There is somewhat more revenue available because of that.  This budget excludes Office of Community Service grants.  Incorporates $2,300,000 of FY ‘02 fund balance.  They corrected the recordation tax.  This budget includes normal step increases and a COLA of 2%.  They learned that the Maryland State Police will not get a COLA.  They May 1 COLA for Sheriff is eliminated.  This will save about $160,000 in the FY ‘04 budget as well as some funds in FY ‘03.  They have increased the % contribution from 90-10 to 85-15.  Mattingly asked what is happening in Annapolis to contain these costs.  When does that stop asked Mattingly? What would be the effect of blending the Board of Ed with the County?  Kramer said there could be a call for additional premiums.  The eliminated seven positions, added a maintenance mechanic and court security offices.  Equipment is reduced.  Raley asked if this includes 6% for the bond rating.  There are 17 top priority positions.  You haven’t seen the enterprise and revolving fund accounts.  They will bring those forward once the draft is approved. </div> <div> Raley noted that staff is recommending two reclassifications, and DFC’s for the sheriff.  He went on to say they are doing a partial raise for the State’s Attorney.  There are five grant funded new positions for housing.  </div> <div> Randy Schultz presented the results of a survey of Southern Maryland governments.  ST. Mary’s has a lower percentage of employee contribution.  Our retirement is based on the State’s program except one year we didn’t go with the State and thus have a better deal of County retirees.  Dental benefits for our employees are paid for by employees entirely.  We have the lowest contribution but also the lowest benefit package.  They are pursuing alternative health care.  He went on to say there are beliefs in the industry that the new expensive drugs are going to prevent surgery.  We’ll see.  Kramer said the county would save $272,000.  That doesn’t incorporate the impact on retiree’s and the library.  It was noted that the traditional plan is at 15% and there are eight employees there.   We only have 13 people on the HMO.  McKay asked if the change would increase the employees’ deduction 15 - 20.  Schultz said it would increase the cost to employees by $50/month.  Raley asked about the COLA and was told it would be $550,000 for the year as opposed to $130,000 for an April increase.  Kramer noted there is some benefit on the health insurance because it is pretaxed money.  Raley asked if there were a COLA in April, normal step increases, change to 15%, what would be the effect on net pay?  There was no answer.  Lacer noted that many employees don’t take insurance.  Lacer noted that you can work for 16 years and pay only 10% of your health insurance costs.  McKay said they should look at making the changes effective for new hires and new retirees.  As long as you keep working it would not change.  </div> <div> He thinks 20 - 30% is reasonable for new hires.  Mattingly said it doesn’t make sense to give a step increase and then raise the health insurance so that employees have less take home.  A lot of people chose county government because of the benefits.  He went on to say that “County employees shouldn’t feel stepped on.  Jarboe said they need to find the $250,000 plus.  Maybe privatization, maybe certain entities are asking for things they can’t justify.  He thinks taking care of health care needs is very important.  Mattingly asked why there is a 133% increase in communications.  Raley said he is very reluctant to move from the 10% figure.   McKay said he wants to keep health benefits at 10% and looking at the COLA.  Jarboe asked about the $60,000 for security for this building.  Jarboe thinks the watermen as throwing oyster seed away and we could use that $25,000.  He wants the revitalization of Lexington Park could be privatized.  The Navy Alliance wants $24,000 for tourism and that could be privatized.  He wants the Chamber’s $25,000 for tourism put out for bids and privatized.  McKay said we want to hold spending increases to 2%.  Community services is getting a 4.8% increase. McKay said the emergency services agency is asking for $35,000 for professional services.  Marcey House is getting a 98.9% increase most which is for professional services.  Department of Information Technology will grow by 7%, most of which is supplies.  Facilities Managements gets a 6.9% increase.  The airport will cause a 94% increase.  The transit services grew 8.3% why?  Kramer said there is a phasing in on grants (i.e. the whole grant isn’t in the previous year.  In the communications center there is a 22% increase.  There is a 46% increase in the radio communications center as well as a large increase in equipment.  Kramer said that’s maintenance and the local government share of equipment costs.  The Sheriff has a 15% increase.  Kramer said they can identify the key elements that are in the budget and the reasons for the increases.  Mattingly asked if there were a vacant position in the PIO office and was told it is vacant and has been eliminated.  Lacer suggested that the County Administrator, County Commissioners, and PIO Office should be looked at as a unit.  Yes, said McKay.  There’s a 2.8% reduction.   There were questions about some increased costs in places and answers by and large were reorganizations.  Mattingly said he remembers the discussion in the new communications center.  If that kind of increase is caused by using cell phones, we should have kept everyone on the main telephone system.  Cell phones are an expensive tool to use.  A cell phone may work for a supervisor, but everyone should have one.  Dement said that’s why he doesn’t have one. Raley asked if there were any reclassifications in the Board of Education submittal and was told no and there were 86 new FTE’s.  Jarboe asked why we are funding the St. Mary’s College River Concert Series.  It was noted the outside organizations now amount to $1,000,000.  Lacer said, “The Board articulated reasons.”  After several questions, Kramer said she would ask if there are serious unintended consequences and the next session in March 17.  Lacer said he thought they wanted to keep insurance at 90%.  He wanted to know if new hire should come in at a different rate.  Mattingly asked about the undesignated reserve and was told up to $650,000 from $150,000.  There are risks in having such a low overtime ratio when staffing is being reduced.  Kramer said the sweep of accounts is less fruitful depending on how tightly you budget.  Kramer expressed her concern that overtime is underbudgeted.  It’s a risky approach to balancing the budgeting.  Jarboe asked if there could be a false alarm fee.  There was discussion about that and Kramer said she would pursue it.  Kramer said she could develop a schedule for choice and do pluses and minuses.  Let us know what you want us to look at and dollarize.  There is no funding for the pool at Great Mills.  Jarboe said there should be two scenarios.   </div> </td> </tr></table></body>