HO WARD COUNTY COUNCIL REGULAR AND 2004 BUDGET MEETING –AUGUST 26TH, 27TH, 28TH AND SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2003

 

The Agenda for the Four Session Meeting proceeded as follows:

 

A Regular Council Meeting was held, and the 2004 Budget Sessions began on August 26th, 2003.  The first Session   recessed at 8:55 p.m., with a reconvention time of 8:30 a.m., on August 27th, 2003, at which time the individual presentations of Department Heads/Elected Officials began regarding their Year 2004 Budget requests.  The August 27th Session recessed at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened on August 28th, 8:30 a.m., with more Department Heads’ and Elected Officials’ presentations.  A recess was called at approximately 3:30 p.m.  On September 9th, the date of the Budget Adoption Hearing, the meeting reconvened at 8:30 a.m. and the Budget work began.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. 

 

An approximate one and one half hour lunch recess was called at each day meeting held.

 

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SESSION 1 – AUGUST 26TH, 2003

 

The Howard County Council met for a Regular Session and the first of the 2004 Budget Sessions on August 26th, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., in Room 338 of the Howard County Administration Center.  Those present were Council President Richard Miller, Vice President James Papacek, Council Members Dwight Singer, Jr., James Shearer, Leslie Ellison, Stanley Ortman, and Jeffrey Stout.  Also present were County Attorney Larry Murrell, Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip, Deputy Auditor Laurie Roper and Auditor Martha Lake.

 

The Meeting was called to order by Sheriff Marshall Talbert.  President Richard Miller presided over all sessions of this meeting (August 26th, 27th, 28th and September 9th).  The minutes of the July 22nd, 2003 Meeting, having been previously reviewed, were approved on a motion made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer, and carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF COUNCIL OPENING COMMENTS:

 

President Miller officially opened the Public Hearing regarding Howard County Budgets for Year 2004.  He asked the Auditor to read the County General Fund revenues expected in 2004 and also the total General Fund Budget Requests for 2004.  They were noted as follows:

 

HOWARD COUNTY 2004 GENERAL FUND FIGURES

                                                                                               

Estimated Miscellaneous Revenue   $  7,650,083                          

Estimated Property Tax Revenue      $11,000,000               

Total Estimated Revenue                    $18,650,083                            Total Original Budget Requests        $23,456,666                           

 

No comments in regard to the proposed budgets were heard from the public.  Also, as per inquiry by President Miller, there were no specific comments made by any of the Council Members.

 

The normal business was conducted as follows:

 

IN THE MATTER OF ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-35 -- ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:

 

Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-35 was read in full for the first time by Auditor Martha Lake, read in full for the second time by President Richard Miller.  Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-35 was presented and acted upon as follows:

 

APPROPRIATION ADDITIONS REQUESTED:

REQUESTED:                      APPROVED:       

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

005         HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
3263        Medical & Hospital Services                                             $  75,000.00                            $  75,000.00

Sheriff Marshall Talbert stated that the money appropriated for the 2003 budget for Medical & Hospital Services has been depleted because there was not enough money appropriated to carry the fund to the end of the calendar year.   The County spent approximately $150,000.00 during 2002 but only received $75,000.00 in appropriations for the year-2003.  There have been several serious injuries at the jail and medical costs have increased.  The additional appropriation is necessary to carry the Sheriff’s Department through to the end of the 2003-year.

Mr. Papacek commented this situation is a classic example of a mandated expense that the County does not have any control over.  Mr. Papacek made a motion to appropriate $75,000.00 to Line Item 3263 as requested.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.


009         HOWARD COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE:
3123        Ambulance Transport                                                         $    1,000.00                            $    1,000.00                           

Howard County Coroner Brad Bray said EMA charges $50.00 for each occurrence of transporting bodies.  It is not possible to determine how many transports will be necessary when composing the annual budget; however, this fund seems to diminish around the same time each year.

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer, and carried to appropriate $1,000.00 to Line Item 3123 Ambulance Transport in the Coroner’s Budget. 

 018        HOWARD COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:
1116        Overtime                                                                                $   1,403.64                             $    1,403.64

Earlier in the day Mr. Papacek spoke with Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison regarding this request.  The operation reimbursement money paid by various groups who use the Courthouse and grounds for a requested specific purpose is put into the General Fund.  Mr. Harrison asked that that reimbursed money be appropriated into the Overtime Fund, since paying personnel to be present is the primary consideration and cost.

Mr. Singer made a motion to allow $1,403.64 into Line Item 1116 in Account 018.  Seconded by Mr. Ortman, the motion carried.

Total Howard County General Fund                                                $ 77,403.64                          $   77,403.64       

    
006        
HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE BRIDGE FUND:

33714      B-29 -- CR 560W 120S                                                         $    1,000.00                            $    1,000.00

Total Cum. Bridge Fund:                                                   $    1,000.00                          $    1,000.00

County Highway Superintendent Ted Cain stated that Bridge No. 29, located at 560 West 120 South near Sugar Mill Subdivision, was badly damaged by the recent flooding.  Since the bridge needed to be closed for repairs, Mr. Cain decided to proceed with replacing the deck and concrete that was needed prior to the flood.  The cost of the work is approximately $30,000.00 plus an additional $20,000.00 resulting from the flood.  In view of the County’s financial issues, Mr. Cain plans to request only an additional $1,000 from the Council and transfer money from projects that will not get completed this year to supplement the cost.

Mr. Shearer made a motion, second by Mr. Singer, to appropriate $1,000.00 in Account 006 to Line Item 33714 as presented.  The motion carried

011         HOWARD COUNTY REASSESSMENT FUND:

3511        Professional Services                                                          $  10,000.00                            $   10,000.00
Total Reassessment Fund:                                                                $  10,000.00                         $   10,000.00

 

County Assessor Ann Harrigan stated that the reassessment has concluded but there is clean up work to complete.  The appeals process has been modified.  Prior to going before the Review Board, a negotiating process is required with the Township Assessor.  This task has been delegated to Mr. Jay Morris of Ad Valorem Solutions because he is familiar with the reassessment.  Mrs. Harrigan praised Mr. Morris’s accomplishments.  Most residential appeals have been completed.  The big process to come is completion of the commercial and business appeals.  The cost to finish the appeals process in the year-2003 is approximately $10,000.00.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to allocate $10,000.00 to Line Item 3511 in the Howard County Reassessment Fund.  Mr. Stout seconded the motion, which carried.

 

020         HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF ACCIDENT REPORT FUND:

4710        Equipment                                                                             $   2,833.00                             $    2,833.00

Total Accident Report Fund:                                                             $   2,833.00                           $    2,833.00

The Accident Report Fund is generated by the sale of accident reports.  Sheriff Talbert anticipates purchasing two (2) portable lap top computers.  Sheriff Deputy Jerry Asher will use one of the computers.  Deputy Asher is filling in for Deputy Don Howard who is on sick leave with a serious illness.  Due to Deputy Howard’s absence, Deputy Asher split his duties between working the road and administering the grants.  Deputy Ernest Shirey, Technical Crash Investigator, would use the second computer.

 

There were no questions and Mr. Ortman made a motion to appropriate $2,833.00 to Line Item 4710 in Account 020.  Seconded by Mr. Ellison, the motion carried.

 

Taking a moment to brief the Council in regard to current activities, Sheriff Talbert distributed copies of the Monthly July Commissary Report and Jail Reports for the month of July 2003.  He also reported that the GED issue has been resolved at the jail and the Department is going to continue with the program.  Classroom security for the Kokomo Center Township School Corporation needs to be provided.  Classes will be held during lock down period on Thursday and Friday of each week. 

 

105         HOWARD COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL ADULT PROBATION FUND:

1116        Part-time                                                                               $    5,000.00                            $    5,000.00
4720        Computer Equipment                                                           $  16,247.00                            $  16, 247.00

Total Supplemental Adult Probation Fund:                    $  21,247.00                         $   21,247.00

Chief Adult Probation Officer Gary Conwell recapped that former Judge Dennis Parry requested $4,500.00 to cover part-time pay until his successor takes office.  (See page 2, May 27th, 2003 minutes, “105  Howard County Adult Probation User Fees Fund” for related discussion)  Newly appointed Judge Krebes contacted Mr. Conwell regarding an extension of part-time money through the end of 2003.  On August 1st, 2003 here was a deficit of $40.00 in the part-time account. 

 

The present computers in the Adult Probation Office and Drug and Alcohol Division are outdated and create problems due to frequent lock ups and loss of programs.  The cost to replace all 13 computers will be $16,247.00. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek to allocate a total of $21,247.00 to the Line Items listed above.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

150         HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND:

4329        Emergency Management                                                    $    8,775.00                            $   8,775.00

4723.01   Furn. & Equip. Courthouse                                                $  16,700.00                            $  16,700.00

Total CCD Fund:                                                                 $  25,475.00                         $  25,475.00

Commissioner President Bradley Bagwell explained the first line item is for replacing carpet and installing tile in the Emergency Management Office area that sustained flood damage. The flood also damaged the radio dispatch and console so $16,700.00 was borrowed from the Courthouse Furniture and Equipment Fund to expedite emergency replacement of the radio equipment.

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate $8,775.00 to Line Item 4329 and $16,700.00 to Line Item 4723.01 for a total amount of $25,475.00 as requested.  Mr. Stout seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

 

165         HOWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT – I.S.D.H. MOSQUITO FUND:
2360        Supplies -- Larviciding Products, Briquets, Etc.             $    2,100.00                            $    2,100.00                           

Total Health Dept. –ISDH Mosquito Fund:                     $    2,100.00                          $    2,100.00

 

(See page 4, July 22nd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of the Department of Health Issue” for related discussion)

 

Administrator Kristine Conyers was unable to attend the meeting and provided letters explaining her request. 

 

At the previous Council meeting, Mrs. Conyers talked about receiving annual Preventive Block Grant money in the amount of $1,000.00 to be used toward mosquito control and education.  In addition, the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Cooperative Agreement has made an extra $1,100.00 available.  Added together, the grant monies total $2,100.00.  These are reimbursable funds that are generated from the Indiana State Department of Health to control mosquitoes and reduce numbers of human cases of West Nile Virus Encephalitis.  The Health Department plans to spend the grant money for mosquito larvicide and education. 

 

Mr. Ortman made a motion to appropriate $2,100.00 to Line Item 2360 as requested.  Mr. Ellison seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

515         HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF MISDEMEANANT FUND:

4710        Equipment                                                                             $  8,395.00                              $    8,395.00

Total Misdemeanant Fund:                                                                $  8,395.00                            $    8,395.00

Sheriff Talbert advised $66,500.00 was received in the County Misdemeanant Fund.  The Sheriff would like to use the money to make improvements to the facility and equipment.  Sheriff Talbert requested $8,395.00 out of the Misdemeanant Fund to purchase a risograph.  An optional service agreement per year is available at a cost of $625.00.  The risograph would be a cost effective tool to save money on printing large quantities of forms.  The County Clerk and Treasurer allowed the Sheriff’s Department to view the risographs located in their areas.  Sheriff Talbert proposes to purchase the new risograph from Shearer Printing and Office Solutions.   

 

The record shows that Mr. Shearer abstained from voting.  Mr. Stout made a motion to appropriate $8,395.00 to Line Item 4710 to purchase the equipment, which includes shipping costs.  Mr. Singer seconded the motion, which carried.

 

TOTAL ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

ALL FUNDS:                                                                                        $148,453.64                        $  148,453.64

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF RESOLUTION NO. 2003-HCC-14 -- TRANSFERS:

 

Resolution No. 2003-HCC-14 addressing requested transfers was presented and read in full for Council information and review.  The following actions were taken:

TRANSFERS:                                                                       AMOUNT:

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:  

 

003          HOWARD COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE:

1114        Job Share                               1115         Part-time                               $    3,000.00                            $    3,000.00

Howard County Treasurer Ann Wells explained that job share pay is calculated at a salary and a half divided by three (3) people.  The positions do not include any benefits or insurance.  Mrs. Wells proposes to transfer $3,000.00 from Job Share to Part-time in order to take care of the fall property tax settlement.

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve the transfer of $3,000.00 from Line Item 1114 Job Share to Line Item 1115 Part-time.  Mr. Ellison seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

018          HOWARD COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:
3220        Utilities                                  2330        Institutional                          $   3,500.00                             $    3,500.00

 

Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison had spoken to Mr. Papacek regarding this transfer.  The Institutional account is depleted therefore Mr. Harrison proposes to transfer $3,500.00 from Utilities to purchase supplies.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfer $3,500.00 from Line Item 3220 to Line Item 2330 as requested.  Seconded by Mr. Singer, the motion carried.

 

020          HOWARD HAVEN HOME:
1111        Superintendent                     1117        Part-time                                $   8,000.00                             $    8,000.00

1114        Housekeeper/Cook              1118        Overtime                                $   3,000.00                             $    3,000.00
1114        Housekeeper/Cook              1111.01   Co-Managers                        $   8,500.00                             $    8,500.00
1115        Labor/Maintenance             1111.01   Co Managers                        $   8,500.00                             $    8,500.00

Interim Co-Managers Joyce Colburn and Deborah France represented the transfer requests.  Ms. Colburn said another part-time person has been hired and asked to transfer $8,000.00 from Line Item 1111 to 1117 Part-time.  She stated that a lot of responsibility goes along with the position and requested approval to increase the part-time pay from $6.00 to $7.00 per hour. 

 

Regarding the transfer request from Line Item 1114 to 1118, Ms. Colburn and Ms. France advised they needed to work occasional overtime hours.  Both women have been carrying out their former duties simultaneously while managing the facility.  They are trying to reduce the number of overtime hours worked each week as they become more familiar and understand the responsibilities of their new positions.  The remaining transfers into Line Item 1111.01 will be used to pay their newly appointed positions as Interim Co-Managers.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfers in the line items listed above.  Mr. Stout seconded the motion, which carried.

 

Mr. Stout made a motion to make the salary retroactive to August 4th, 2003, when the Interim Co-Managers started their positions.  Seconded by Mr. Singer, the motion carried.

 

A motion to increase the part-time hourly pay from $6.00 to $7.00 in Account 1117 was made by Mr. Papacek.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Stout.  As a point of order, Mr. Miller asked the Co-Managers if there was enough money for the increase in part-time pay.  Ms. Colburn and Ms. France confirmed that there was enough money.  The vote unanimously carried.

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDED SALARY ORDINANCE NO. 2002-HCC-36 – AMENDING THE SALARY ORDINANCE FOR 2003:

After the reading of Amended Salary Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-36, a motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer, and carried to approve the Ordinance as read. 

 

POSITION/NUMBER/SALARY                                                      REQUEST:            APPROVED:             YTD:

 

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

003          HOWARD COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE:

1114        Job Share    (3) $40,950.00                                                   -$  3,000.00             -$  3,000.00             $37,950.00             

1115        Part-time    $9,000.00                                                                            +$ 3,000.00             +$  3,000.00            $12,000.00

 

018          HOWARD COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:
1116        Overtime   $8,500 +$900.00=$9,400.00                                               +$ 1,403.64             +$  1,403.64            $10,803.64

020          HOWARD  HAVEN HOME:
1111        Superintendent     1@$28,320.00                                                        -$   8,000.00            -$    8,000.00           $20,320.00

1111.01   Co-Managers        New 2@$22,500 ea.  (Effec. 8/4/03)   +$17,000.00            +$ 17,000.00           $17,000.00
1114        Housekeeper/Cook  2@$21,201.00=$42,402.00                                -$ 11,500.00            -$  11,500.00           $30,902.00

1115        Labor/Maintenance 1@$20,031.00                                                    -$   8,500.00            -$    8,500.00           $11,531.00
1117        Part-time                  $4,000.00                                                              +$  8,000.00            +$   8,000.00           $12,000.00

1118        Overtime                  $6,000.00                                                              +$  3,000.00            +$   3,000.00           $  9,000.00

105         HOWARD COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL ADULT PROBATION FUND:

1116        Part-time                $ 4,500.00                                                               +$  5,000.00            +$   5,000.00           $ 9,500.00

 

IN THE MATTER OF HOWARD HAVEN HOME ISSUES:

 

Interim Co-Managers Joyce Colburn and Deborah France presented an update regarding the events at Howard Haven:  

 

           Resident Status:  Within the next four weeks the facility will house at least eleven (11) residents.  Ms. Colburn and Ms. France anticipate the facility to house a maximum of twenty (20) residents by the end of the 2003 calendar year and to have put together a waiting list for future applicants.

 

-       Mr. Bob Cardwell and Mrs. Fannie Belle Kendrick have already moved into the facility under the ARCH Program.  Another ARCH applicant, Mrs. Rebecca Roberson, plans to move in as soon as her application is processed during the first week in September.  Kathleen (No last name available at this time) submitted an ARCH application.  Two (2) Vietnam Veterans from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marion toured the facility and were pleased with what they saw.  Both gentlemen have submitted ARCH Applications in anticipation of moving in.  One person already participating on the ARCH Program plans to transfer from Grant County as soon as the paperwork has been completed.

 

-       Mrs. Gretchen Matise will move in during the first week in September on a self-pay basis.

 

           Support Network:  Forty-two letters were sent out to churches and organizations requesting support, donations and to help with activities such as crafts, music, and hairstyling.  Various community agencies are generating many types of support.  A huge food donation was received with additional donations pledged on a weekly basis.

 

           County Home Association Meeting:  Ms. Colburn and Ms. France went to their first County Home Association meeting in Boone County on August 15th.  Ms. Teri Hively, Director at the Lafayette County Home and head of the County Homes in Indiana, is President of the County Home Association.   Ms. Colburn and Ms. France also met with State Representatives from the ARCH Program who advised that money for additional beds will be available in September.

 

           Medical Issues:  Potential residents are required to go through medical screening and assessment before their applications are approved.  A Registered Nurse administers medications into a weekly planner for the residents.  Ms. Colburn and Ms. France contacted the State Department of Health for information regarding medical regulations and procedures.

 

           Promoting Howard Haven:  Ms. France advised that live interviews were broadcast on local radio stations to promote the facility.  Ms. Jennifer Sinka, having earned a degree in marketing, designed a brochure to advertise Howard Haven at no charge.

 

           Accommodations for Couples:  Ms. France and Ms. Colburn propose to vacate two staff bedrooms and relocate to the second floor.   The staff bedrooms, having complete bathrooms, are being considered to house married couples that do not wish to reside separately.  A couple has already expressed an interest in residing in the facility on a self-pay basis. 

 

Mr. Singer commended the efforts and of Ms. Colburn and Ms. France.  A round of applause followed.  Concluding the discussion, Ellen Bowen, Cynthia Dyer, Oscar Harris Sr., Bob McGimpsey, Julie Smith and several others in the audience were present to show interest and support for Howard Haven County Home.

 

IN MATTER OF REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS:

 

Public Defender William Menges presented the following issue for Council information.

 

Upon Judge Parry’s recent resignation, the Governor of the State of Indiana appointed Michael Krebes to become the new Judge of Howard Superior Court I.  Mr. Krebes will be sworn in on August 29th and start in Court on September 2nd.  Mr. Krebes originally planned to have existing Court Reporter Susie Rayl, who is retiring, remain a couple of weeks to train his secretary, Lacee Garber, the duties of court reporter.  In order to accomplish that, Mr. Krebes proposed laying off the temporary part-time employee.  Mr. Menges stated that the Public Defender’s Office deals with courts on a daily basis.  It would be detrimental to the Court, Public Defender, and other practicing attorneys in Kokomo to lose the part-time person. 

 

Mr. Menges explored several options to resolve this matter.  It is a complicated issue in that Susie Rayl has accumulated vacation and comp time and the budget for Superior I is about $5,000 short.  Part of the problem was resolved earlier this evening with the transfer of $5,000 requested by Chief Adult Probation Officer Gary Conwell.  However the shortage in Superior I Court budget does not include the $5,000 shortage. 

 

Mr. Krebes’ weekly salary as Deputy Public Defender is going to end on August 29th.  Lacee Garber’s part-time salary through the Public Defender’s Office will also cease.  Mr. Menges does not anticipate filling the Deputy Public Defender position until the middle of October, which will free up some money in the budget.  Mr. Menges has talked to the County Auditor about a proposal to decrease his salary appropriation and increase Superior Court I salary to accommodate the transition of employees.  Mr. Menges stated he was not requesting any action on the issue at this time.  He just wanted to inform the Council about his proposal. 

 

IN THE MATTER OF HOWARD COUNTY PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE 2004 BUDGET REQUEST:

Due to the fact that Extension Educator and Director Susan Neher would not be available on the 27th or 28th to present her 2004 budget requests, the Council took the time to hear her presentation tonight.  All other Department Heads and Elected Officials will speak to the Council in regard to their 2004 requests during the next two hearing days. 

As a side comment, Ms. Neher stated that the Extension Office has utilized a risograph for approximately ten years and it requires very little maintenance.

 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE ANNUAL UPDATE CODIFICATION OF THE 2002 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

 

The Council members received the Codification of Ordinances upgrade pages through December 2002 to place in their existing binders.  

 

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES – VOLUNTARY PRE-TAX CONTRIBUTIONS:

 

Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented Resolution No. 2003-HCC-16, A Resolution for Employer Participation in the Pick-up of Additional Employee Contributions to the Council for consideration. 

 

Mrs. McKillip received information from PERF regarding additional voluntary pre-tax contributions.  Indiana Code 5-10.2-3-2 authorized employers pursuant to Section 414(h) (2) of the internal revenue code to pick up and pay employee contributions to an employee’s annuity savings account in addition to the mandatory employee contribution to the Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF).  The program would become effective on September 1st, 2003.  Employees may participate in the program once they have completed five years of service.  All county employees will be receiving notification from PERF regarding this change. 

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2003-HCC-16, effective September 1st, 2003, as presented.  Mr. Papacek seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE NEW E-911 PHASE II WIRELESS MAPPING SYSTEM:

 

Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby and ThinkMap personnel presented a viewing to the Council of the new ThinkMap E-911 Mapping Program and existing data.  The system quickly maps the location of 911calls for accurate and timely accessibility. The council asked many questions and was impressed by the clarity and detail of the emergency information.

 

Sheriff Marshall Talbert highly praised the new E-911 Mapping System.  The system has been installed in patrol cars.  It can provide a photo image of a house when Sheriff Deputies are on their way to a call.  The SWAT Team can view the outlay of buildings and surrounding areas.  Some of the patrol cars have road maps of surrounding counties available.  This information is very advantageous during a cross county pursuit.

 

There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, at 8:55 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer and carried to recess this meeting until 8:30 a.m., August 27th, 2003

 

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RECONVENE -- AUGUST 27th, 2003

 

The meeting was re-opened by President Miller at 8:30 a.m.  There were no remonstrators, nor was anyone present to object to the proposed 2004 Howard County Budget.

 

The following Office Holders and Department Heads made appearance at the times scheduled to present detailed justification of their budget requests for 2004:

 

Time                       Account                                 Office/Department                                              Representative

 

8:30 a.m. 004-000                                   Family & Children                                                Glynn Hipp

8:45 a.m. 001-002                                   County Museum                                                  Kelly Thompson

9:00 a.m. 001-020                                   County Home                                                       Debby France $

Joyce Colburn

9:15 a.m. 001-003                                   County Treasurer                                                 Ann Wells

9:30a.m.                  001-004                                   County Recorder                                                  Linda Koontz

                                144                                          Recorder Perpetuation Fund                                     

9:45 a.m. 001-010                                   County Assessor                                                 Ann Harrigan

                                                                                Reassessment                                                              

10:00 a.m.               001-011                                   Center Twp. Assessor                                        Sheila Pullen

10:15 a.m.               001-001                                   County Clerk                                                         Mona Myers

                                001-016                                   Election Board                                                                   

10:30 a.m.               001-017                                   Voter Registration                                                Carol Shallenberger
                                                                                                                                                                Darlene Elliott

10:45 a.m.               001-021                                   Plan Commission                                                  Glen Boise

 

(Break for lunch—)

 

1:00 p.m. 001-005                                   County Sheriff                                                      Marshall Talbert

1:15 p.m. 001-023                                   Commissioners                                                     John B. Harbaugh &

                                001-027, 150, 500   Civic Center, EDIT                                               Paul Raver

1:30 p.m. 001-032                                   Soil & Water Conservation                                Scott Maple

1:45 p.m. 001-035,037,038                     Kinsey Youth Center                                           Jan Weaver

2:00 p.m. 001-007                                   County Extension                                                                Heard on 8/26

2:15 p.m. 001-024                                   Taylor Twp. Assessor                                        Not Available

2:30 p.m. 001-002                                   County Auditor                                                    Martha Lake

                                                                                108 Plat Book Fund, 046 Electronic Date Fund                            

2:45 p.m. 001-028                                   Weights & Measures                                          Charlie Hackett

                               

(Recessed at approximately 3:00 p.m.)

 

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SESSION 3 -- RECONVENE – AUGUST 28th, 2003

 

The meeting was re-opened by President Miller at 830 a.m.  There were no remonstrators, nor was anyone present to object to the proposed 2004 Howard County Budget.

 

The following Office Holders and Department Heads made appearance at the times scheduled to present detailed justification of their budget requests for 2004:

 

8:30 a.m. 001-031                                   Information Systems                                           Terry Tribby

8:45 a.m. 001-006                                   County Surveyor                                                 Beryl Grimme                        

9:00 a.m. 138-000                                   CASA                                                                    Katina Murray

9:15 a.m. 001-009                                   Coroner                                                                  Bradley Bray

9:30 a.m. 001-033                                   Superior Court III                                 Douglas Tate

9:45 a.m. 002-000                                   Highway                                                                Ted Cain

006-000                                   Cumulative Bridge                                                     

007-000                                   Local Road & Street                                                                         

10:00 a.m.               001-013                                   Circuit Court                                                         Lynn Murray

                                104-000                                   Juvenile Probation                                               Donald Travis

                                194-000                                   Project Income Juvenile                             

                                001-030                                   County Public Defender                                     William Menges

10:15 a.m.               001-014                                   Superior Court I                                                    Michael Krebes

10:30 a.m.               001-008                                   Superior Court II                                                  Stephen Jessup

10:45 a.m.               001-015                                   Veterans Service                                                  Allen Polsgrove

 

(Break for lunch--Kinsey Youth Center)

 

1:00 p.m. 001-034                                   Adult Probation                                                   Gary Conwell       

                                105-000                                   Adult Probation User Fees                                       

                                185-000                                   Drug & Alcohol                                                          

1:15 p.m. 010-000                                   Health Department                                               Kris Conyers

                                                                                All Health Grants                                                                

1:30 p.m. ---------                                    Transportation Department                                Larry Ives                                   

1:45 p.m. 001-012                                   County Prosecutor                                              James Fleming

                                001-036                                   Title IVD                                                                       
                                                                                 125 IVD Incentive, 198 Law Enforcement,             
                                                                                186 PreTrial Diversion, 508 Stop Grant                   

2:15 p.m. 001-018                                   County Maintenance                                          Thomas Harrison

2:30 p.m. 001-029                                   Emergency Management                                    Larry Smith

2:45 p.m. 001-043                                   Harrison Township Assessor                            Joyce Ancil

3:00 p.m. 109-000                                   Convention & Visitors                                        Peggy Hobson

 

IN THE MATTER OF COUNCIL MEMBER SELECTED TO SIT ON DISASTER RELOCATION COMMITTEE:

In order to accommodate the work of the Howard County Disaster Preparedness Committee, another smaller group is being established to meet, discuss and determine usable locations to which county offices could relocate in order to conduct necessary business in the event of a disaster which had damaged or destroyed existing operation locations.  It was the consensus of the Council that Councilman Stanley Ortman would represent the Council on the Disaster Relocation Committee.

(Recessed at approximately 3:30 p.m.)

 

SESSION 4 -- RECONVENE SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2003 –FINAL SESSION --BUDGET ADOPTION 

 

This session in the series of sessions was called to order by President Richard Miller.  All Council members were present, (Councilman Papacek arrived shortly after lunch), along with the County Attorney, County Personnel Administrator, Chief Deputy Auditor and Auditor.  The meeting began at 8:30 a.m.  At the suggestion of President Miller, the group united in a moment of silence to address the various needs and concerns as the day began.  President Miller then led the Council in prayer.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION AND DECISIONS RECORDED PER THIS ADOPTION HEARING:

 

After considerable discussion, perusal of information, and final assessment of funds available, the various matters of business were addressed as follows:

 

1.             Due to the fact that County General Funds are so limited, the County Ad-Hoc Committee had met on several occasions to explore and make recommendations regarding ways to increase revenue.  The Council took the following actions:   

  

                                a.             The Cumulative Bridge Fund Levy for 2004 will be set at $560,000.

 

b.             The Reassessment Fund levy will be stopped for 2004; revenue normally going to the Reassessment fund will be offset to the General Fund.

 

                                c.             Most computer related expenses will be transferred to the CCD Fund.

               

d.                   The MS4 Contract Service line item will be transferred into the EDIT Fund.

e.                    Other user fees and supplemental funds will be used as much as possible, including the Recorder Perpetuation Fund, in order to protect General Funds.

 

2.             Elected Officials and Department Heads with budgets in the County General Fund, after submitting their initial

2004 requests, were asked to re-submit their requests for 2004 using 2003 approved figures with an 8%

reduction.    It was acknowledged by the Council that Elected Officials and Department Heads cooperated and worked hard along with the Council. 

 

3.             It was reported that the Ad Hoc Committee consisting of three Council Members, a Commissioner, the County Attorney, the Chief Deputy Auditor, and the Auditor, met with local State Legislators on August 21st,  2003 to evaluate issues and concerns and possible ways to relieve some of the fiscal pressures on Howard County operations.

 

4.             Discussion ensued regarding possibly doing some attrition in order to control costs, but no formal action was taken at this time. 

 

5.             The County Haven Home Budget was approved for 2004, since revenues are increasing due to added residents.

 

6.             To satisfy the federal mandate regarding MS4 in Howard County, $15,000 was appropriated into line item 001-006-1116 to pay an individual to work on that project.

 

7.            Vice President James Papacek requested a letter be written to the County’s nurses advising them that the issue

regarding their salary increase requests would be addressed when the County is more financially able to do so.

 

8.             At the end of this session, the final County General Budget figure was approximately $500,000 more than the 2003 approved budget.   This included appropriating 2.3 million for Health Insurance, a 25% increase over last year; realistically funding other insurance line items; and substantially funding the Care of Inmates In Institutions line item. Also Probation Officers salaries were increased as legislated for 2004.
 

9.             The Economical Development Income Tax Budget, previously approved by the Board Commissioners, was reduced by the Council in the following line items:                                 

                                                                From                                                       To

500-3215 $50,000                                                   $40,000

500-3217 Main St. Assoc.                                   $20,000                                                   $15,000

                500-3218 US 31 Corridor Study                          $  6,000                                                   $  5,000

                500-3219 K/HC Chamber of Commerce             $10,000                                                   $  9,000

                500-3222 Co. Comprehensive Plan                     $50,000                                                   $40,000
500-4722 Civic Center Capital Outlay                $65,000                                                   $35,000

               

For information purposes, the Council requested public presentations be made by each of these recipients.

 

Many other funds and line were cut due to limited revenues. 

 

10 .          Mr. Papacek initiated a discussion in regard to the possibility of giving full-time employees an Employee

Appreciation Bonus in the amount of $500 in 2004, and giving permanent part-time $250.00.  Discussion followed.  Figures were calculated to determine the number dollars needed in the General Fund to support such a bonus.  The amount was estimated to be $200,000.

 

The Council, by consensus, opted to not receive the bonus, as did Commissioners Raver and Harbaugh on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.  The County Attorney also chose to not be given the bonus.  It was the consensus of the Council that the Probation Officers would be excluded since they had each received a raise due to state statute. 

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve an employee appreciation bonus payable in January 2004; $500 to full-time employees; $250 to permanent part-time employees.  Those not receiving the bonus would be the Council Members, the Board of Commissioners, the County Attorney, and the County Probation Officers.    The motion was seconded by Mr. Shearer and unanimously carried. 

 

11.           Discussion ensued regarding the Capital Expenditure requests offset by the Council to the

Cumulative Capital Development Fund.  This was done with the understanding that they will be addressed by the Commissioners in January 2004.  Commissioner Paul Raver requested that the individual departmental requests be presented by each department head or elected official to the Board of Commissioners in January for Board action.       

 

12.           Councilman Jeffrey Stout requested that all requested line item transfers be listed and brought to the Council,

even those in the same category, between now and the end of this year.  The other Council members agreed with this idea.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer and carried to approve the budget as amended for      

2004.  The motion unanimously carried.  The necessary documents were signed.

 

 

There being no further business before the Council at this time, a motion was made by Mr. Papacek and seconded by Mr. Ellison to adjourn.  The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:30 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, August 26th, 27, 28th and Sept. 9th, 2003