HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MAY 27^th, 2003

The Howard County Council met, Tuesday, May 27^th, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 338 of the Howard County Administration Center. Those present were Council Vice President James Papacek and Council Members Dwight Singer, James Shearer, Leslie Ellison, Stanley Ortman and Jeffrey Stout. Also present were County Attorney Larry Murrell, Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip, and Auditor Martha Lake. Council President Richard Miller was unable to attend this meeting.

The meeting was called to order by Sheriff Marshall Talbert and conducted by Vice President James Papacek.

The minutes of the April 22^nd, 2003 meeting, having been previously reviewed, were approved as submitted on a motion made by Mr. Shearer, seconded and Mr. Singer and carried.

IN THE MATTER OF ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-19 ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:

Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-19 was read in full for the first time by Auditor Martha Lake, and read in full for the second time by Vice President James Papacek. Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-19 was presented and acted upon as follows:

APPROPRIATION ADDITIONS REQUESTED:

001 HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

005 HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
3726 Service Contracts $ 2,397.00 $ 2,397.00

Sheriff Marshall Talbert explained that one of the service contract bills was paid twice. The company sent a letter indicating they received a dual payment and returned a refund check in the amount of $2,397.00. Sheriff Talbert requested that this money be re-appropriated back to Line Item 3726.

Mr. Singer made a motion to allow $2,397.00 back into Line Item 3726 as requested. Mr. Ortman seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF THE MONTHLY COMMISSARY REPORT:

Sheriff Talbert presented the commissary report for the month of April 2003. The Sheriff’s Department has been careful with expenditures and as a result, the commissary funds are doing very well.

023 HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

3215.01 Flood Hazard Plan $ 566.05 $ 566.05

Auditor Martha Lake explained that two flood mitigation grants are currently in effect, one grant for planning and one for the purchase and demolition of properties. The county’s flood project began in 1999. The total project cost to date is approximately $400,000.00, which includes local match monies. When match money was appropriated for these grants, one match was paid from the Commissioners’ Contract Services Fund, and one was paid from a line item in the Commissioners’ Budget. Fund 061 housed the money that accommodated the whole project receipt/disbursement activity. (Also, another grant phase evolved for a project expansion needed to assist the total application of the flood efforts). It was difficult to keep track of which grant was being used. The Auditor’s Office and Plan Commission Director Glen Boise performed an audit. As a result, $20,000.00 is coming back into the General Fund from 061, but in order to show true figures as to how all monies should have been disbursed, $566.05 needs to be returned to Fund 061 from the General Fund. This is a cleaning of funds to show an audit trail proving that all of the funds were receipted and disbursed properly.

Mr. Shearer made a motion to appropriate $566.05 to Line Item 3215.01 as requested. Mr. Singer seconded the motion, which carried.

Total General Fund: $ 2,963.05 $ 2,963.05

011 HOWARD COUNTY REASSESSMENT FUND:
2360 Supplies $ 7,500.00 $ 7,500.00
Total Reassessment Fund: $ 7,500.00 $ 7,500.00

Howard County Assessor Ann Harrigan explained this request is a “clean up” of the reassessment project. The office staff is printing permanent file copies of property record cards and putting them in file jackets.

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate $7,500.00 to Line Item 2360, Supplies, as requested by Mrs. Harrigan. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shearer, which carried.

042 HOWARD COUNTY SARA RIGHT-TO-KNOW FUND:

2365 Hazmat Supplies $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00
Total Sara Right-To-Know Fund: $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00

Emergency Management Director Larry Smith advised that this money is to replace the equipment that EMA used for their trucks, particularly for the hazmat incidents in Russiaville and Greentown.

A motion was made by Mr. Ortman, seconded by Mr. Ellison and carried to appropriate $3,000.00 to Line Item 2365, Hazmat Supplies in Account 042.

105 HOWARD COUNTY ADULT PROBATION USER FEES FUND:
1116 Part-time $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00

3213 Travel $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00

3261 Education $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00

Total Adult Probation User Fees Fund: $ 10,500.00 $ 10,500.00

Superior Court III Judge Dennis Parry said the Council normally appropriates $10,000.00 to this fund but only $4,500.00 was appropriated during the last budget request. The Court Reporter was absent for five (5) weeks due to surgery and a part time clerical person worked 35 hours during those weeks. Judge Parry estimates that this amount of money will cover part-time pay until his successor takes office.

Chief Adult Probation Officer Gary Conwell reported that since he absorbed the Drug and Alcohol about a year ago, the account is now operating with a positive balance. The State requires all probation officers to have 12 hours of continuing education per year. Drug and Alcohol Counselors must have 60 hours every two (2) years. This has depleted the education and travel money in the budget.

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate a total of $10,500.00 to the line items listed above in Account 105. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

Mr. Papacek thanked Judge Parry for serving many years on the judge’s bench for Howard County.

The Council considers it an honor and privilege to have worked with Judge Parry as part of the county

government, and wished him the very best in his retirement.

138 HOWARD COUNTY C.A.S.A. PROGRAM FUND:
1115 Part-time $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00

1521 F.I.C.A. $ 500.00 $ 500.00
Total C.A.S.A. Fund: $ 7,000.00 $ 7,000.00

CASA Program Director Katina Murray said $11,709.00 was carried over from last year and she wishes to use $7,000.00 for a new Part-time Supervised Visit Coordinator. Ms. Murray hopes that the fees associated with supervised visits will be enough to fund the new position.

Mr. Shearer asked if a recommendation is needed from the P.A.C. for a new employee. Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip stated that the P.A.C. has no authority regarding the C.A.S.A. Program.

The record shows that Mr. Ellison abstained from voting. Mr. Shearer made a motion to appropriate $7,000.00 to the Line Items listed above. Mr. Ortman seconded the motion. Mr. Papacek vacated his chair to vote and the motion carried with five (5) positive votes.

150 HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND:
4305.01 Sheriff-Repair Building $ 22,150.00 $ 22,150.00
Total CCD Fund: $ 22,150.00 $ 22,150.00

Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison was not in attendance due to his vacation. Commissioner Paul Raver explained that the money is requested for the following two items:

a. $1,650.00 for the repair of the in-ground light fixtures in front of the Criminal Justice Center. The facility has four (4) outdoor lights encased in cement pillars that provide lighting at the front of the facility.

b. $20,500.00 to repair the cooling tower on the roof of the Government Building

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve the appropriation of $22,150.00 to Line Item 4305.01 Sheriff-Repair Building as presented. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

170 HOWARD COUNTY SOIL AND WATER GRANT FUND:
1111 Watershed Resource Technician $ 14,800.00 $ 14,800.00
1521 F.I.C.A. $ 1,132.20 $ 1,132.20

1522 P.E.R.F. $ 2,310.00 $ 2,310.00
Total Soil and Water Grant Fund: $ 18,242.20 $ 18,242.20

Mr. Scott Maple, Vice-Chairman of SWCD, explained a line item must be established in order for the money to go through a budget to set up a fund entitled “Soil & Water Grant”. The money is paid by the State and will partially fund a salary and benefits for a Watershed Resource Technician.

Auditor Martha Lake explained as long as it remains a reimbursable grant and providing that the County does not have any other funds operating in the red, the County would not be written up for the negative balance. Because the grant starts in February and the County starts in January, it is possible that this fund will not operate in the red.

Mr. Stout made a motion to appropriate $18,242.20 to the Line Items listed above. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, which carried.

Budget Year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004
195 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS – PROJECT INCOME:

1111 Director $ 20,626.00 $ 20,626.00

1112 Assistant Director $ 34,755.00 $ 34,755.00

1113 Technical Assistant $ 11,571.00 $ 11,571.00

1114 Home Detention Coord. $ 28,110.00 $ 28,110.00

1115 Comm. Service Coord. $ 14,680.00 $ 14,680.00

1116 Day Reporting Coord. $ 1,352.00 $ 1,352.00
1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 30,162.00 $ 30,162.00

1119 Caseworker (FT) $ 13,500.00 $ 13,500.00

1121 Pt. Time/Overtime $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
1200 Worker’s Comp. $ 1,724.00 $ 1,724.00
1300 Unemp. Comp. $ 2,585.00 $ 2,585.00

1500 F.I.C.A. $ 13,186.00 $ 13,186.00
1520 Insurance $ 14,343.00 $ 14,343.00
1580 P.E.R.F. $ 14,220.00 $ 14,220.00

2010 Office Supplies $ 2,700.00 $ 2,700.00
2060 Vehicle Supplies $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00
2990 MRT Books $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00

2990 Misc. Supplies $ 300.00 $ 300.00

2990 Drug Test Supplies $ 150.00 $ 150.00

2020 Food $ 200.00 $ 200.00
2130 Wearing Apparel $ 650.00 $ 650.00

3350 Prof. Contracts $ 9,000.00 $ 9,000.00
3170 Pagers $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00

3180 Vehicle Phones $ 4,750.00 $ 4,750.00

3100 Printing $ 400.00 $ 400.00

3250 Insurance $ 150.00 $ 150.00

3200 Telephones $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00
3300 Maintenance $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00

3010 Postage $ 500.00 $ 500.00
3060 Dues & Subs. $ 120.00 $ 120.00

3400 Travel & Training $ 500.00 $ 500.00
3990 Drug Lab Fees $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
4010 Office Equip. $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00

4010 Vehicles $ 23,500.00 $ 23,500.00
4400 Home Monitoring Equip. $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00
Total Community Corrections Project Income Fund: $ 324,044.00 $324,044.00

Fund 195 and Fund 510 are both used to accommodate the Community Corrections Operation

Community Corrections Director Steve Maus said the Howard County Community Corrections Advisory Board and the County Commissioners have approved these items. None of the money is out of the County General Fund; it is generated from project income, or user fees.

Mr. Shearer asked why one Field Officer was making much more money that the other two under the same account number. Mr. Maus said each Field Officer’s salary is $30,162.00. A portion of the salary for two of the Field Officers comes out of the Grant Account out of Project Income.

Mr. Stout made a motion to appropriate a total of $324,044.00 to the Line Items listed above. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

500 HOWARD COUNTY ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT INCOME TAX FUND:
3217 Corridor Study $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00
3223 Kokomo Technology Center $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00
4727.01 Sieberling Mansion Elec. Upgrade $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00

Total EDIT Fund $ 81,000.00 $ 81,000.00

Commissioner Paul Raver presented the following information for the Council:

The Corridor Study refers to the U.S. 31 Coalition. The $6,000.00 is a contribution of for the years 2002 and 2003 based upon the Board’s recommendation of $3,000.00 per year. This is a one-time commitment; future contributions have not yet been discussed. Commissioner President Brad Bagwell serves on the advisory board. By being a part of the financial structure, it secures the County a seat on the Board regarding the development of the U.S. 31 corridor.

Commissioner Bagwell also serves on the Kokomo Technology Center Board. Kokomo Technology Center is currently establishing a business incubator that allows entrepreneurs to start a business in a facility without many of the usual start up costs associated with new business. Commissioner Harbaugh serves on the Kokomo Howard County Economic Development Commission. The Commissioners feel that the County should be part of the process in hopes that the entire community will benefit from it.

The Seiberling Mansion Electrical Upgrade resulted from some serious deficiencies in the wiring at the north side of the building, discovered during the show home preparation activities.

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate $6,000.00 to Line Item 3217, $50,000.00 to Line Item 3223, and $25,000.00 to Line Item 4727.01 for a total of $81,000.00 out of the EDIT Fund. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

Commissioner Raver announced that Terstep Company, General Contractor, is hosting a luncheon at 12:00 p.m. for employees of the Courthouse in appreciation of their patience and cooperation during the renovation project that occurred over the last year. Council members were invited to attend the luncheon and tour the Courthouse. Mr. Singer commended Mr. Raver’s time and efforts in being the liaison for the County during the renovations to the Courthouse.

Budget Year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004
510 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS – GRANT FUND:

1111 Director $ 23,289.00 $ 23,289.00

1113 Technical Assist. $ 23,184.00 $ 23,184.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 21,357.00 $ 21,357.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 21,357.00 $ 21,357.00

1115 Community Service Coord. $ 12,350.00 $ 12,350.00

1116 Day Reporting Coord. $ 27,040.00 $ 27,040.00

1117 Transition Coord. $ 29,484.00 $ 29,484.00

1119 Caseworker ((FT) $ 13,500.00 $ 13,500.00

1200 Worker’s Comp. $ 1,465.00 $ 1,465.00

1300 Unemp. Comp. $ 2,199.00 $ 2,199.00

1500 F.I.C.A $ 11,210.00 $ 11,210.00

1520 Insurance $ 39,465.00 $ 39,465.00

1580 P.E.R.F $ 12,089.00 $ 12,089.00

2010 Office Supplies $ 3,545.00 $ 3,545.00

2060 Vehicle Supplies $ 4,450.00 $ 4,450.00

2300 Drug Test Supplies $ 450.00 $ 450.00

2020 Food $ 500.00 $ 500.00

2130 Wearing Apparel $ 250.00 $ 250.00

2990 Misc. Supplies $ 1,350.00 $ 1,350.00

3350 Prof. Contracts $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00

3170 Pagers $ 250.00 $ 250.00

3100 Printing $ 440.00 $ 440.00

3200 Telephone $ 3,840.00 $ 3,840.00

3300 Maintenance $ 2,507.00 $ 2,507.00

3010 Postage $ 627.00 $ 627.00
3060 Subs. & Dues $ 20.00 $ 20.00
3400 Travel & Training $ 620.00 $ 620.00
3500 LSI-R $ 3,082.00 $ 3,082.00
4050 Vehicles $ 7,000.00 $ 7,000.00
4990 Misc. Equip. $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00
Total Community Corrections Grant Fund: $273,420.00 $ 273,420.00

Community Corrections Director Steve Maus said these line items are out of the grant that was submitted to the Department of Corrections. Mr. Maus explained that Line Item 3500 LSI-R or “Level of Service Inventory Revised” is an assessment tool used to assess the risk needs of clients on in-home detention.

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve a total of $273,420.00 to the Line Items listed above. Mr. Ortman seconded the motion, which carried.

515 HOWARD COUNTY MISDEMEANANT FUND:
3726 Service Grants $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00

Total Misdemeanant Fund: $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00

Sheriff Marshall Talbert explained there is money left in the Misdemeanant Fund received each September from the State. The Sheriff’s Department would like to use $10,000.00 from the Misdemeanant Grant to pay for some service contracts that are due. Sheriff Talbert reminded the Council this money is not out of the General Fund.

A motion was made by Mr. Stout, seconded by Mr. Shearer and carried to appropriate $10,000.00 to Line Item 3726 as requested by Sheriff Talbert.

TOTAL ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

ALL FUNDS: $759,819.25 $ 759,819.25

IN THE MATTER OF RESOLUTION NO. 2003-HCC-09 -- TRANSFERS:

Resolution No. 2003-HCC-09 addressing requested transfers was presented and read in full for Council information and review. The following actions were taken:

TRANSFERS: AMOUNT:

FROM: TO: REQUESTED: ALLOWED:

510 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS GRANT FUND:

1116 Day Reporting Coord. 1118 Field Officer $ 129.84 $ 129.84

1116 Day Reporting Coord. 1580 PE.R.F. $ 1,700.00 $ 1,700.00

1520 Insurance 1500 F.I.C.A. $ 1,800.00 $ 1,800.00

Community Corrections Director Steve Maus said money came up short for one of the Field Officers. There was excess money available when a Day Reporting Coordinator took an extended Family Medical Leave of Absence. These are clean-up items from his July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003 budget.

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve the transfers as requested in the line items listed above. Mr. Ortman seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF SALARY ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-20 – AMENDING THE EXISTING SALARY ORDINANCE FOR 2003:

A motion was made by Mr. Singer, seconded by Mr. Ortman, and carried to approve Amended Salary Ordinance 2003-HCC-20 as read. The amended salaries, any changed position titles and all other pertinent information is shown as follows:

# POSITIONS/SALARY REQUEST: APPROVED: YTD:

POSITION/NUMBER/SALARY REQUEST: APPROVED: YTD:

105 HOWARD COUNTY ADULT PROBATION USER FEES FUND:
1116 Part-time -0- $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00

138 HOWARD COUNTY C.A.S.A. PROGRAM FUND:
1115 Part-time $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00

Budget Year February 1, 2003 through January 31^st, 2004

170 HOWARD COUNTY SOIL AND WATER GRANT FUND:
1111 Watershed Resource Technician -0- $ 14,800.00 $14,800.00 $14,800.00

Budget YearJuly 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004

195 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS – PROJECT INCOME:

1111 Director $ 20,626.00 $20,625.00 $20,626.00

1112 Assistant Director $ 34,755.00 $34,755.00 $34,755.00

1113 Technical Assistant $ 11,571.00 $11,571.00 $11,571.00

1114 Home Detention Coord. $ 28,110.00 $28,110.00 $28,110.00

1115 Comm. Service Coord. $ 14,680.00 $14,680.00 $14,680.00

1116 Day Reporting Coord. $ 1,352.00 $ 1,352.00 $ 1,352.00
1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00 $ 8,805.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 30,162.00 $30,162.00 $30,162.00

1119 Caseworker (FT) $ 13,500.00 $13,500.00 $13,500.00
1121 Pt. Time/Overtime $ 40,000.00 $40,000.00 $40,000.00

Budget Year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004

510 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS – GRANT FUND:

1111 Director $ 23,289.00 $23,289.00 $23,289.00

1113 Technical Assist. $ 23,184.00 $23,184.00 $23,184.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 21,357.00 $21,357.00 $21,357.00

1118 Field Officer (FT) $ 21,357.00 $21,357.00 $21,357.00

1115 Community Service Coord. $ 12,350.00 $12,350.00 $12,350.00

1116 Day Reporting Coord. $ 27,040.00 $27,040.00 $27,040.00

1117 Transition Coord. $ 29,484.00 $29,484.00 $29,484.00

1119 Caseworker ((FT) $ 13,500.00 $13,500.00 $13,500.00

Budget Year July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003
510 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS – GRANT FUND:

1116 Day Reporting Coordinator 1@$27,040 -$1,829.84 -$ 1,829.84 $25,210.16

1118 Field Officer 2@$$21,356=$42,714 +$ 129.84 +$ 129.84 $42,843.84

IN THE MATTER OF SENATE BILL 400 UPDATE:

County Welfare Director Glynn Hipp, together with Honorable Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray presented an update to the Council regarding the current status of both numbers and finances of the Family and Children Fund Budget.

According to 1997 legislation, the County Juvenile Judge, along with the County Welfare Director must meet with the County Fiscal Body, twice annually, to review the expenditures from the Family and Children Fund. The legislation also allows for the enactment of an “early intervention team” plan.

Probation took some steps to try to reduce costs such as using foster families more frequently instead of institutions. This method reduced the number of children in institutions from about 27 to 23. Probation currently has 4 children in foster care and the Division of Family and Children has 45.

Federal reimbursement is received based upon the financial eligibility of the children and families. The eligibility work for Federal reimbursements was moved from the Child Welfare section to the Public Assistance section because they are more experienced with those types of procedures. As a result, the reimbursement increased by almost $200,000.00 last year. Due to these changes, the operating balance will still be able to pay the bills at the end of June. Mr. Hipp said if the revenues come in as anticipated and tax disbursements are received, a loan or floating bond will not be necessary.

Due to the economy, public assistance caseloads increased to 3,300 families, nearing a record set in the mid-1980’s of 3,500. There are approximately 900 families on TANIF. There are about 8,000 people on Medicaid Programs. In order to rebuild the operating balance, Mr. Hipp predicts that he will need to request the maximum amount of levy for the next two years. In the interim, the intervention team will be looking at various ways and projects to cut expenses. The following programs are already being underway:

^\ Juvenile Probation has instituted a Drug Court for juveniles. In the past there was an issue with recidivism when some juveniles released from the Fairbanks Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program had to return because they did not receive the support that they needed in the community. The local Mental Health Center has improvised a follow up treatment program for those juveniles in an effort to prevent the recidivism.

^\ A joint project will be implemented in November 2003 between the Mental Health Center, Juvenile Probation, and the Division of Family and Children. Some children especially need to be institutionalized. This includes, but is not limited to, a chronic fire setter, a molested child or child that has a history of molesting. These children that need 24-hour surveillance pose a risk to a regular foster home. A Request for Proposals was sent out to companies that provide therapeutic foster care. Four responses have been received and are being evaluated. Children moved out of an institutional facility to therapeutic foster care will have a better environment and it is less expensive than the institutional costs.

Mr. Hipp said there is one upcoming issue that might affect the tax levy for the Family and Children Fund. It is a part of the State Budget Bill that requires a creation of a Children’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Services Fund. It sets part of the money aside from the Family and Children Fund to be matched for Medicaid for children placed in institutions. On a positive note, it is possible that Federal reimbursement will be received (via Medicaid) for some of the children who do not qualify for any other Federal reimbursement. Conversely, private physicians will be allowed to place children in institutions provided the children meet all of the requirements and conditions. Mr. Hipp stated, at this time it is difficult to predict the effect that these changes will have.

Mr. Papacek asked if there are an adequate number of individuals that serve as foster parents. Mr. Hipp replied that Howard County has approximately 12 foster parents but it would be better to have at least 25 available.

IN THE MATTER OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUE:

Health Administrator Kristine Conyers submitted a request to increase the amount of cash in the change drawers. Since First National Bank moved the Health Department has difficulty retaining changeable bills, especially in the afternoon. Therefore a request was made for an appropriation of $40.00 from the Health Department Fund to increase money in change for drawers in the Vital Records and Nursing offices as follows:

Current Change Increase To Authorization Of:

Vital Records $20.00 $50.00 + $30.00

Nursing Office $10.00 $20.00 + $10.00

$40.00

Mr. Singer made a motion to authorize the Health Department to increase the amount of cash/change drawer funds for Vital Records and the Nursing Office as outlined above. Mr. Ellison seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF CUMULATIVE BRIDGE FUND:

Mr. Singer made a motion to set the maximum levy amount of the Cumulative Bridge Fund at $550,000.00 and ratify and confirm Mr. Miller’s signature on the letter to the Department of Local Government Finance. Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

1. Sheriff Marshall Talbert informed the Council that an inspection of the County Officers and equipment would be conducted on May 29^th, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. The purpose of the inspection is to make sure the equipment is being maintained in serviceable condition at acceptable levels. It has been a number of years since this type of inspection has been conducted. Sheriff Talbert invited the Council members to stop by and witness the procedure.

2. New Vehicles for Sheriff’s Department: The Chevrolet Impala and Prisoner Transport Van were parked outside in the County Parking Lot for the Council’s review.

3. Council members received an invitation to an open house on Saturday, June 28^th, 2003 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. for the new Parry Law Office and Dispute Resolution Center at 210 N. Main St.

4. The new tax rates for 2003 and the net assessed values, approved by the State that set the tax rates, were distributed to Council members. Similar information from last year was provided in order to compare the differences. Auditor Martha Lake advised that Howard County’s assessed values increased about $1 billion. Tax rates have decreased. Changes were made to property tax replacement credit, and the homestead credit. Personal property tax replacement credit was not affected.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Shearer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Ortman, the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL:

_________________________________________

Richard H. Miller, President

_________________________________________

James Papacek, Vice President

_________________________________________

James Shearer, Councilman

_________________________________________

Dwight Singer, Jr., Councilman

_________________________________________

Leslie Ellison, Councilman

_________________________________________

Stanley Ortman, Councilman

_________________________________________

Jeffrey Stout, Councilman

ATTEST:

__________________________

MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR

County Council Minutes, May 27^th, 2003