HomeMy WebLinkAboutM033182March 31:, 1982
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RECONVENE: The Board of Supervisors met at 10:00 a.m. pursuant to recess.
Present: Supervisors Dolan, Moseley, Saraceni and Chairman Wheeler.
Mike Pyeatt, interim administrative officer; Del Siemsen, county
counsel; and Clark A. Nelson, county clerk, by Cathy Pitts, assist-
ant clerk to the Board. Absent: Supervisor Fulton.
CLOSED SESSION: The Board recessed at 10:01 a.m. to hold a closed session on
meet and confer.
RECONVENE: The Board reconvened at 10:50 a.m. following a closed session
regarding meet and confer.
RECESS: 10:51 a.m.
RECONVENE: 11:19 a.m.
SUPERVISOR FULTON PRESENT AT THIS TIME
CLOSED SESSION: The Board recessed at 11:20 a.m. to hold a closed session.
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RECONVENE: The Board reconvened at 11:37 a.m. following a closed session.
BOARD OF SUPERVLSORS CONSIDERATION OF DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGETS
Board of Supervisors consideration of department proposed budgets
held at this time.
Mike Pyeatt, interim administrative officer, stated he would
preface his remarks on information given to the Board in the past.in the
handling of the budget for 1982-83 in reviewing department operations as they
exist today to implement reductions between now and June 30, 1982 to bring
forward the necessary fund balances. The process set before the Board a month
or so ago differes somewhat from the procedures the county has followed in
the past years. Previously, departments were requested to submit to the
Auditor and Administrative Officer a budget in January and after the Administra-
tive Office had reviewed the budgets the recommendations were sent back to the
Auditor's Office to tabulate for preparation into the proposed budget. That
proposed budget subsequently was presented to the Board and then adopted as
the operating budget from `July 1, until the budget process was complete and
the final budget was adopted. The process set forth differs in one area and
is they are b~imging 'the Board along with the Administrative Office and that
Auditor and the recommendations and the Board will be performing a dual role
in implementation of the,.. recommendations of the Administrative Office, Auditor,
and departments and will be preparing the proposed budget. That will follow
the process of the Auditor's tabulations and will have a proposed budget develop-
ed and the Board will once again, perhaps in June and then somewhat into July,
conduct the final budget hearings. They are essentially asking the Board to
implement the procedures on the work that has to be done between now and
June 30, 1982. The time frame that is set for the Board is May 15, 1982.
This would wrap up the budgets, and more importantly, review of departmental "
procedures. He foresaw reductions being made immediately.
Chairman Wheeler questioned Mr. Pyeatt relative to the budgets
that had been submitted to the Board for their consideration and in what order
he would like to have the Board proceed.
Mr. Pyeatt recommended that the inital one proceed from them in an
orderly manner. The amount of shortfall, budget unit and amount of reduction
will be placed on the board for ready access to the Board. They would intend
on having a weekly basis of typing the figures up and refining some of the'
figures as compiled by the Auditor. This will keep the Board up to date on
the shortfall. r
Supervisor Dolan asked if this would be an every Wednesday addition
to the Board meeting in develop3ng~.a proposed budget, which they hope will
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be a balanced budget by July 1. There will be reductions in existing
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operations now.
Mr. Pyeatt advised the Board that the Administrative Office did
not have the authority to effect layoffs. He saw layoffs being substantial
coming down the line. There is a $7-3/4 million deficit. There are different
methods of reviewing that deficit but geople and services will most definitely
be effected.
Jim Johansen, auditor, stated there were things happening regarding
the county financial situation and state legislation. He would attempt to
keep the Board informed as the situation changed. There is a provision in
the code that provides for motor vehicle in-lieu fees to the county and
the fact that if the county's discretionary revenue does not increase by
five percent then the motor vehicle in-lieu can be reduced. There is no
appropriation for the reduction of the reduction in these fees. Another
bill does not contain that provision, but the potential is there. The state
might reduce the reduction in motor vehicle in-lieu funds if the revenue
did not come up to a certain level. In some cases, the county did not meet
that criteria if they are able to use fund balances available and then the
discretionary revenues might be eligible for that reduction of the reduced
amount of money. Even though this is in the law, there is no appropriation
for it.
In order to get the budgets to the Board early, his office has
used estimates for salaries and benefit amounts shown in the budget.
Noxmally they calculate the individual merit increases and those are the
figures that are presented to the Board. That figure will be in schedule
when they have completed the tabulations for the final hearings. The same
is true for support service functions which show up in every budget, which
are communications, general insurance, household expenses and utilities.
For those line items, they have made estimates. If the Board were to take
an action on the janitorial service, for example, this would effect the
household expenses for each of the budget units.
VETERANS SERVICE 'OFFI~EA~BUDGET '
Consideration of the Veterans Service Officer budget held at
this time.
Hap Penn, veterans service officer, stated he noticed in the
package he received back there was an indication of the decision package
and he did not know if the memo to the Board from him had been received.
He submitted a report from the state at this time.
Mr. Pyeatt indicated that the information was sent to the Board.
One of the basis of the allocation of the state subvention to the Veterans
Service Officer should be corrected since the sheet indicates a subvention
of $12;184'and the actual amount for 1981-82 was $6,092 received. These
funds are indicated as 1980-81 planned subventions for 1981-82. The
$12,1$4 is reflected in the 1981-82 budget on page 274 under state grants.
That amount of money did not materialize for next fiscal year. The county
received a 50 percent reduction, which is $6,092.
Mr. Penn stated the subvention funds are based on the workload
for the number of personnel in the department. He set out Schedule 3,
page 1, which reflects what the office does and the type of activities.
The monthly welfare referrals is 29,504,'which:allows for the filing for
veterans or dependents going on welfare and that reduces the amount of
welfare paid out that is transferred to the Veterans Administration.
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Chairman Wheeler stated that she would like to discuss schedule 3,
page 1 as it relates to Glenn -County and the dash marks in the areas of -
claims processed. She wandered if 1+'ir. Penn had broken dorm how many veterans
come,to this county from Glenn County for service. Gllien Glenn County closed
their office they knew that Butte County was close enough and that Butte
would provide services for the people in Glenn County. She would like to
have those figures.
Mr. Penn advised that the information had been provided by his
office during the last budget session. He knew the veterans from Biggs and
Gridley went to Marysville for service. Some of the veterans in the canyon
go to Plumas County for service. The percentage is small overall of veterans
who travel to Butte County from Glenn County. If the office is closed there
could be some legal problems with the mandated welfare program. The Welfare
Department would have to fill out the forms or the veterans would have to
go to San Francisco for help if the office were closed. He also works with
the Social Security Administration and SST benefits. There might be some
legal problems with that program if the office were closed.
Mr. Pyeatt felt that if any legal problems existed with those
two groblems they would be with Social Security and Welfare Department.
To his knowledge there would no mandates for a Veterans Service Office.
It is a federal program that is not mandated upon the county and it is a
local option of the Board. The county is basically subsidizing the state and
federal government by providing the assistance. The county is paying the
administrative costs for the program. There is a small portion provided by
the state but none is provided by the federal government.
Mr. Penn stated that he was the advocate for the veterans of the
county and the county does pay for that. He set out the forms and benefits
he helps veterans with including state benefits, welfare, social security,
Veterans Administration benefits, Calvet and in some cases Department of
Defense benefits. If the county takes this service away from the veterans,
they will go to Yuba-Sutter and there would be problems there. The veterans
would be forced to drive to San Francisco and this is prohibitive for some
of the widows and elderly.
Supervisor Dolan stated that priority one package deals with the
addition of one position and she did not see how the Board could deal with
that. She understood how Mr. Penn could make a case for priority two. She
had some questigns relative to priority two on the memo relative to the
changing of office hours. Sh'e wanted to know what the reduction would be if
the office were located only in Oroville.
P1r. Penn advised that the household expenses would be reduced.
He had also considered a close down plan if the Board so desired.
Gerald Lively, deputy administrative officer, advised that at
the bottom of the page in the decision package, each request was to be
accompanied by the statutory requirements. As he understood the Veterans
Service Office, it was to facilitate the aid in applications for veterans'
benefits. He was not aware of any liability on the county's part or mandated
services far the Veterans Service Office or any other local obligation by
the county to provide the services.
Mr. Penn felt that the Board should ask County Counsel whether
the county would be liable for the CA5 and SSI programs.
Mr. Pyeatt stated that Counsel could be overloaded with providing
information to every department. That was the reason that the individual
departments were asked to provide the information. This was the first
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March 31, 1982
March 31, 1982
he had heard of these programs. He felt the statutory requirements and
information went out and could-have been addressed when the budget was
submitted.
Pir. Penn stated he could check with Ca1Vet on the CA5 program.
This is the welfare referral program that requires applicants to file with
any agency that might be required to provide funds to that applicant.
' Mr. Pyeatt advised that would be a mandate on the Welfare Department
and not on the Veterans Service Office.
Supervisor Dolan stated that the office helps fill out forms and
advises what type of form is necessary and the retaining of-that information.
She has contacted other counties and they do not have a full-time office but
designate someone in the county who is a veteran and the forms are filled out
by the clerical staff.
Chairman Wheeler advised there were agencies in the Chico offices
who are strictly voluntary, who are providing services to the county . The
basis of the recommendation has to do with the information provided to the
Board and that was identifying non-mandated programs. As far as the Veterans
Service Office is concerned, this is not a mandated program. If the federal
government saw the need for .the program locally, perhaps they should fund
the program. She did not feel it was right for them to place reliance on the
county to assist in the operation of federal and state programs.
Supervisor Dolan stated it was not even quite that good. They
are not assisting with the administration. The county is funding this
program with local discretionary money for someone to help veterans get
through the maze of another level of government.
Supervisor Fulton questioned Mr. Penn on the loss of $1 million
in revenue coming into Butte County.
Mr. Penn stated that if the veterans and dependents did not have
assistance in the filling out of the forms, they would lose their pensions.
Because he could not get to Paradise and Gridley, he has had to restore
around 90 to 100 pensions because of the income questionnaires.
Supervisor Fulton felt the situation must exist throughout the
country. There must be some counties who do not have a program. Did that
mean that every veteran was denied benefits unless they travel to San
Francisco.
Mr. Penn stated that was correct unless they had a counselor of some
type. The Veterans Administration deals with this if the veteran goes to
San Francisco.
Mr. Pyeatt stated Glenn County reinstated their Veterans Service
Office but it is not a full time job. The position is classified as civil
defense and veterans service officer. Glenn County was aware of Butte County's
feelings with the elimination of the program. They have reinstated to very
little service because Butte County will do the work. In package two that
was sent to the Board, there is a listing of all 58 counties and the middle
column shows the number of employees. Several counties do not have veteran
service officers.
Supervisor Dolan questioned what the cost would be if there were
one and one-half positions versus two positions for now. The office also
had one dozen work study students.
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Chairman Wheeler stated the Auditor could furnish the information
on the difference of positions after the lunch recess. .
Mr. Penn advised that he had seven workstudy students and was
trying to hire 250-hour contracts in Chico and two 250-hour contracts in
Oroville and looking for another 150-hour contract.
RECESS: 12:15 p.m.
RECONVENE: 1:33 p.m.
SUPERVISOR DOLAN ABSENT AT THIS TIME
PUBLIC HEARING: MACH PRODUCTTONS APPLICATION FOR OUTDOOR FESTIVAL
The public hearing on Mach Productions application for outdoor
festival license has been received for a country music festival to be held
July 3-5 in the Oroville area was held as advertised.
Tom Struthers, civil disaster coordinator, set out the background
on the application. The County Government Code requires a report and a public
heating be held. A meeting to coordinate the information had .been held with
various department heads. It was felt there would be considerable impact
and more information on the safety and health of the public should be obtained.
The meeting was attended by Parks and Recreation, Fish and Game, State Police,
Highway Patrol, representatives of City of Oroville as well as local ambulance
drivers, Director of Emergency at Medical Center in Oroville. Concerns were
addressed. A large crowd had been predicted on a weekend which has heavy
recreational participants in the area. One of the major concerns was
adequate medical health facilities. Butte County Sheriff Reserves could not
handle the group. The applicant indicated there would be no drugs or
alcohol, law enforcement does not agree. The potential is quite high.
The applicant has not received written permission from adjacent property
owners to use there ground. There is'a problem with egress and ingress
of traffic. Larkin Road is the only access road in the area. There was a
problem with sanitation. Because of there concerns, the public safety
presentatives from the State, County and local agencies felt the application
should be denied. It is beyond the applicants capabilities to handle at
this time of year. It is felt the heat would get to 1300 at the area.
county.
Supervisor Fulton questioned as to the fiscal impact on the
For. Struthers stated the traffic involvement would be one. The
Highway Patrol would pull out and control the perimeter. Fire sources would
be a direct expense.
SUPERVISOR DOLAN PRESENT AT THIS TIME
Dick Stenberg, undersheriff, stated their greatest fear was
health problems. There would be high temperatures in that pit area. It
has been estimated there would be 2,000 to 3,000 cars and 8,000 to 10,000
people in attendance. The hospital would have to increase staff. There is
traffic problems. Mr. McFarland has indicated they would hire from the
private sector for traffic and medical help.
Bill Cheff, public works department, stated their main concern
was with traffic. Prior to approval there should be a traffic plan. They
indicated they would sell tickets for parking.
Bettye Blair, planning director, indicated her report pointed
out an impact report would be discrestionary. Should the Board approve the
request, she requested they continue to allow for the preparation. One of
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March 31, 1982
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her concerns was housing. Where was the off-street parking ~o-be.- The traffic
would generate dust. Would the airport be closed. She felt people would wish
to use it. This site has insurmountable problems.
Dr. Richard Svihus, director of public health, noted the concerns
of first aid, evacuation, medical care and sanitation. There would be cases
of heat exhaustion, strokes and dehydration. One doctor and two nurses
could not handle the on-site problems. Oroville Ambulance and hospital could
not handle that size of crowd. A helicopter was to be used, but special
stretchers would be required. Unless the water trucks were resupplied each
day the water would not be adequate. It was felt there would not be enough
toilet facilities.
Hearing open to the public. Appearing:
584
1. Mr. Wilcox,5weeney Street, Thermalito, felt when the Fiddlers
were in Oroville recently he felt there would be no mare such activities in
Oroville. He questioned if the Board was reacting because of over guilt.
There was no p;oblems when the Fiddlers were in town. He would like to
see something attracted to this area.
2. Mr. McFarland, applicant, stated he agreed the hospital in
Oroville could not handle this festival. At this time he withdrew his
request for the permit and withdrew from the problem.
RECESS: 1:56 p.m.
RECONVENE: 2:13 p.m.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONSIDERATION OF DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGETS
Board of Supervisors consideration„of department proposed budgets
held as continued.
VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER BUDGET
Mr. Penn presented a copy of a news release from the VA where
they are asking for private cantracts to handle the Viet veterans.
The government has millions of dollars in the budget for that purpose. He
handles many ancient orange, stress, disabled and cirrhosis cases. Possibly
this could be charged to VA. It could be handled in conjunction with Mental
Health.
Chairman Wheeler stated it would be necessary to study the
matter before making a determination on his proposal.
Mike Pyeatt, interim administrative officer, felt some of this
counseling could be handled through Mental Health or Family Services Assoc-
iation. It is a readjusting counseling services by someone licensed.
Jim Johansen, auditor-controller, stated for a Clerk III, full
time and a Clerk iI, half time, it would cost $20,000 annually including
benefits.
Supervisor Dolan discussed following the CAO's advise to eliminate
the Service Officer. It was discussed at length last year. This would be
the alternative, because the function is assisting in location of forms.
She felt they should persue this. It would be a cheaper alternative. It
does keep the service.
Glen Halsey, veteran, was aware of the Board's position. They
seemed surprised the veterans did not take advantage of their benefits. He
felt Mr. Penn was the most knowledgeable regarding benefits. Legislation
is changing daily, someone needs to keep on top of it. Y ou pay the price
of a war until every surviver is dead. People attempting to collect Welfare
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March 31, 1982
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March 31, 1982
:rust first check to see if they are elgible for any veteran benefits. He felt
every dollar that was spent for- the Veterans Service Officer was, brought back
into the county.
Chairman Wheeler stated it has been suggested maybe they should
find new direction to make major economic changes. They need to test the
water and see if they can use one full time and a one-half time individual.
They recognize the, needs the Service Officer provides. The departments
must work with them in a cooperative effort. They must find new direction
to turn around those kinds of services that government has provided in the
past. The problem is the total services they provide for„the entire county.
Many mandates have been placed upon local governments jurisdiction, they do
not have that type of funding. Why doesn't the federal government pay for
this office here? The state and federal level is responsible for this type
of service.
Mr. Halsey suggested they place a state lottery on the ballot.
It is being supported by individual veterans. Thirty percent would go to
the veterans, thirty percent to senior citizens for health and nurtrition
programs and twenty percent for student grants for higher education.
Mr: Johansen clarified the amount in the fourth column $68,000
udes the additbnal position requested. Which makes a difference between
$30,000 and the $50,000. The net cost would be $47,000 if they institute
one and one-half time positions.
', James Hayes, Paradise, was a veteran for 22 years. Mr. Penn keeps
** abreast of all the various benefits for them. He would rather see them close
one office than to reduce personnel.or altogether. Reduction of hours would
have to be worked out with Mr. Penn.
Gerald Lively, deputy administrative officer, stated he was a
veteran and had used the Veteran Service Officers office. Mr. Pyeatt was
a veteran. He would have difficulty getting to San Francisco to conduct
business. But Butte County is faced with a $7 3/4 million deficit.
Mr. Penn stated all avenues have been discussed with Mr. Hayes.
He was willing to take a 20 percent cut in pay and work four days a week.
If they consolidate the Oroville office it would save on housekeeping and
transportation.
Mr. Pyeatt stated they do not want to see the people who depend
n benefits damaged. The federal government and VA must not see there is a
roblem. He felt it could be handled in the Social Security office in Chico.
he Department of Agriculture has the Postal Service handle foodstamps.
Mr. Johansen indicated the 20 percent cut would be $5,700 including
nefits. If travel was reduced that would be another $2,000 to $3,000. He
It the assumption was that certain things require the signature which would
ve to be supervised..
Mr. Penn stated if they get a clerk, get a veteran. It takes
months to get miniinumly qualified.-in•.the~vaxious.forms.
It was moved by Supervisor Dolan, seconded by Supervisor Fulton,
designate an existing county employee, who is a veteran, for the Veteran
rvice Officer for signature purposes only; not moving this somewhere else
d giving supervisorial duties to someone else; having determinded that the
iorities of the office is for assistance in finding proper forms to fill
t and not handle any outreach or seek people out; a clerical function to
sist in the difficulty of filling out forms; have the office be in Oroville
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March 31, 198.2
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March 31, 1982
with arrangements made that certain days or month a representative would be in
Chico or other places.
Supervisor Dolah stated this is basically fulfilling the function,
which mostly is to assit in filling out forms and which one and to do an
annual recertification of forms. She prefaced to investigate and see if
there is any legal requirements or mandates before initiating the proposal.
She would like calls made to other counties to determine how they handle this
function. The classification would need supervisorail responsibilities in
the job description. Forty percent of county employees are veterans.
Mr. Lively cautioned if an individual is designated as signator
and is presently working in another office, they should be insulated from
the traffic that the VSO office has.
Supervisor Dolan stated the intake, forms and files would be where
ever the clerical staff was. The intake would not be done by the person
assigned to be the signator.
Iamended motion:
With a preface that the proposal be investigated. To determine
if it is legal. The priority of the office is assistance in forms so they
do not lose benefits. The services will continue to be provided.
Supervisor Dolan stated that staff could investigate and find
if the work can be handled be less staff than proposed.
Chairman Wheeler stated if there are not legal problems it will
be implemented and it will not need to be brought through this process again.
The determination is to be brought back to the Board.
Vote on motion:
AYES: Supervisors Dolan, Fulton, Moseley, Saraceni and
Chairman Wheeler
Motion carried.
Chairman Wheeler stated earlier, she mentioned they need to access
the federal government and write some letters that if they provide a service
for other areas then they should also provide this office here. They should
find out why they do not maintain the office. She informed Mr. Halsey maybe
they should write a letter together.
Mr. Halsey stated he understood where they were coming from. He
did not necessarily agree with their action. Hopefully they will take it
one step further. It appears they voted saying it was a valuable service.
They should tell the federal government they should provide the administration.
They do not have the money to pay for it. They should get it out to the
elected officials in Congress and the Senate.
On motion of Supervisor Dolan, seconded by Supervisor Wheeler
and unanimously carried, to send letters to our elected Congressman and
Senators affirming they feel the Veteran Service Office is a valued service,
but the local government is unable to afford the service and they would like
some source of funding.
Chairman Wheeler stated a copy of the letters would be forwarded
to Mr. Halsey.
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March 31, 1982
March 31, 1982
1DITOR-CONTROLLERS BUDGET
The Auditor-Controllers budget .was considered at this time.
-Mike Pyeatt, interim administrative officer, stated they had sent
Board members a two page report. It indicated the roll filled by the Auditor
which is an elected position. There are minimal reductions in the extra help.
Mr. Johansen presented a good organization chart of his budget and decision
package. He indicated they could reduce the $500 from extra help.
Gerald Lively, deputy administrative officer, stated he reviewed
the budget and based on the circumstances of the past two years where he has
had added duties they are virtually understaffed. There axe no positions
requested. There duties involve redevelopment agences now. There has been
an increase with city assessment districts and county service areas.
Chairman Wheeler was concerned about the costs the county provides
for these areas. CSAC is meeting on Friday to discuss legislation and to
define blighted to off set the financing of the local government. We are
occuring costs and not being compensated for it. This should bg done before
the bonds are written.
Mr. Johansen stated they are calculating the costs and recovering
those costs. This means more than just one time development. These will be
on-going. Mr. Johansen set out the figures from his budget at this time.
He did not feel they could work without the help of Data Processing. They
handle welfare checks and CETA payroll.
On motion of Supervisor Moseley, seconded by Supervisor Dolan
and unanimously carried, in the Auditor-Controller Budget 050-001 to eliminate
$500 from Account 12 Extra Help as per memo from Administrative staff was
approved.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Consideration of the Administrative Office was held at this time.
Gerald Lively, deputy administrative officer, stated the larger
budgets such as Sheriff, Fire Department, Library and Public Works would be
considered on April 14, 1982.
Chairman Wheeler indicated they would be holding budget sessions
on April 14, 21 and 28, 1982.
Mike Pyeatt, interim administrative officer, set out the back-
ground on the package presented to the Board. They indicated various mandates
in the county code and their other responsibilities which are delegated on
the office. Mr. Pyeatt went through the report page by page. On page 10
and 11 he discussed the Activity and desirable activities but unable to perform.
It is felt to handle all of the duties they would need 2 1/2 positions. They
are not asking for those positions. He was concerned about Training which is
listed on page 13. There office has ceased to participate. The Probation
Department does have funding. It would be helpful if they would conduct
follow-up workshops for local staff. They are hoping the Board will recognize
the responsibilities that are associated with the reductions. They set out
priorities for consideration. They are strictly talking about the Admin-
istrative Office budget. The Assistant/Deputy County Administrative Officer
position is presently vacant.
Jim Rackerby, personnel director, indicated the salary was $32,000
and including benefits the total was $41,000.
Mr. Pyeatt had set out several priorities. The Assistant position
Ihas been changed through an ordinance. The one-half time position is divided
(between their office and Purchasing.
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March 31, 1982
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March 31, 1982
~LOSED SESSION: The Board recessed at 3:40 p.m. to hold a closed session
on meet and confer.
RECONVENE: The Board reconvened at 4:36 p.m. after holding a closed session
on meet and confer. There were no announcements at this time.
RECESS: 4:37 p.m.
RECONVENE: 4:51 p.m.
Mr. Pyeatt stated on page 15 and 16 under Section II it explains
in detail the funds requested by line item. After last years budget they
evaluated the telephone systems and eliminated 2 to 3 telephone lines.
General Insurance was computed by the Auditor. The $900 allocated under
vehicle maintenance is for the vehicle which the CAO uses. It is an estimated
amount, the car was not new. He could give a report on the care for the
vehicle.
Supervisor Dolan stated she would rather eliminate other things
than the fiscal control and fiscal planning.
Discussion was held regarding developing a management modual
to study fiscal control.
Mr. Lively felt they could study and control the transfers from t
the reserve more carefully. They could determine line items which were getting
close to deficits within the departments.
Supervisor Dolan noted that Board projects took a lot of peoples
time in the office.
i4r. Lively indicated out of 48 items on the Board agenda one-third
generated a study effect. The office coordinated technicalities for the two
libraries being constructed.
Mr. Pyeatt stated Priority I shows a reduction o£ Administrative
Analyist position. Priority II another position and one-half time position.
If they went to II they would be down 2~ positions.
Supervisor Dolan stated she Like Priority I. She felt the fiscal
planning and fiscal coordination was high priority.
Mr. Pyeatt stated a lot of projects do accumulate and take up a
lot of time. If they continue to maintain all projects, they will have to
be taken by someone else in another department. Flith the reductions there
will have to be some taken by other departments for the responsibility.
Supervisor Fulton realized they just cannot take seven people
and eliminate one person and not expect change in services oz lowering of
work. Someone has to pay the price.
blr. Pyeatt explained that financial planning and fiscal control
were priorities of the job and the person does this on a daily or weekly
basis on all of it.
Supervisor Dolan stated it meant they would not be updating the
directory. The policy and procedure manual would not be done.
Mr. Lively stated there was no attempt on the decision packages
to state that each of the duties was eguivalent. Some of the duties take
one percent of the person's time. Because they are eliminating a position
that does not mean all fiscal control will be eliminated.
Page 359.
March 31, 1982
[+larch 31, 1982
82- Supervisor Dolan stated that financial planning and fiscal control
b' and contract administration are obsolutes. She would just as soon Adminis-
tration said they could not help her with the project and for her to get an
intern.
Mr. Pyeatt stated that sure they would find the time to help her
with the particular item.
Supervisor Dolan stated that they could not help her because they
are dealing with fiscal control and planning.
', Mr. Pyeatt referred to page ten of the current activities where
they were trying to relate the activities performed by a position and
relating it back to page ten as far as the activity being performed now
under column four, as it relates to an analyst's time of 30 percent for
Administrative Office projects and so on and so forth.
Supervisor Dolan stated that the only place on page ten that
', fiscal control and financial planning is listed is under unable to perform
activities location.
Mr. Lively stated that was with the current staff and the decision
package shows one staff person less. Under the current configuration is the
', actual amount of what-they are doing now and there is not outstanding budget
entry into the budget today.
Supervisor Fulton wondered if the one vacant position was included
', in the six and one-half positions already allocated and if they eliminate
', one position would that reduce the number of employees from seven to five
', and one-half and take $55,871 from the budget.
', Mr. Pyeatt stated that what they were asking for from their
judgment was to take priority number one first.
', Supervisor Dolan stated that $55,000 and two positions is in
priority number one.
Mr. Pyeatt asked that the Board look at priority number 3 and
then address priority number 1. He had a different organizational concept.
Chairman Flheeler stated that the office did not have that position
now. Did the Administrative Office want to do away with one position and
still maintain the vacant position?
Ilr. Pyeatt advised that the Board amended the salary ordinance
', to allow for flexibility with the assistant administrative officer position.
', He realized that the position was vacant. However, the salary ordinance
amendment allowed for that position to be either an assistant or deputy
position and the position. could be filled at the deputy level.
Chairman S7heeler stated that the office had one position of deputy
nistrative officer classification and why would they want another.
Mr. Pyeatt responded that this would allow flexibility within the
office and allow for mobility. He would like to maintain the flexibility
rathern than hire at the assistant administrative officer level, which would
allow flexibility to have the position at a deputy administrative officer
Level and allow for flexibility and upward mobility. They have done this
aith the same position of deputy administrative officer or administrative
analyst ITi. Mr. Musselman is presently at the administrative analyst III
Level and could be placed in that slot but it allows for mobility. Basically,
Page 360. "
March 31, 1982
•__ __ _________March=3~, 19_82_====_____=_ _____
that is how the vacant position relates to priority number one relative to
the administrative analyst I,_II, or III position. That is how they developed
the priority process. This equates to a position being a listed position that
is vacant and it would take about one day to initiate the process to fill it.
Supervisor Saraceni questioned if the person were moved up a step
then would there be more productivity received from that person.
Mr. Pyeatt stated he would not have to move up a step, if the
Board were contemplating reductions. These people have been in the office
fox years and are experienced with the county. To maintain the experience,
if a position is lost, he would rather have it the entry level rather than
the position he is depending on for his backup and there would be a benefit
to the overall county process.
Supervisor Dolan stated that as a practical real effect in terms
of bodies, whether they eliminate the office staffed the way it is, is that
the reason priority number three is a savings of $55,000 is because of the
added secretarial position.
Mr. Pyeatt stated that about four weeks ago the Board allowed for
the hiring of the assistant administrative officer position at a lower level.
The reason for it was to set forth the priority of what reductions will occur.
Priority number one would be hwat is now vacant in the office.
Supervisor Dolan stated that the net result would be the elimination
of the position that is now vacant and wanted to know what the savings was.
Chairman Wheeler stated the savings would be $24,620 and would
eliminate one person's cost.
Mr. Pyeatt stated that under priority number one there would be
a savings for one professional position and then on page two of that priority
would be the other reductions relative to maintenance of equipment, office
expense, special department expense and transportation and travel. This is
taking the whole thing and that is how the organization is that he has set up.
Chairman Wheeler stated that if the Board adopted priority number
one, items 1 through 13 would in effect be abolished. The Board was told this
would not abolish the work on financial planning and fiscal control.
Mr. Pyeatt stated that every professional position from the assist-
ant, deputy and administrative analyst, everything is part of the job. When
they lose a position that is part of losing a percentage of the job.
Supervisor Fulton stated that when the Board eliminates a position
they will lose a little of everything. Nothing can be exempt from that.
Chairman Wheeler asked if they were going to be voting on priority
number one, the fact is that items 1 through 13 is that staff are no longer
going to be doing a little bit of this any longer?
Mr. Pyeatt stated that was what the Board asked for. When you take
away the resources, the activity performed by that body can no longer be
performed.
Supervisor Dolan felt it would be fine if they did not update
the directory of committees every year and they did not update the policy
and procedural manual but they could not eliminate the fiscal long range
planning and control.
March 31, 1982
8 2-
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_ ,March. 31, 1.82 _ ~ _ _ _ _ _ _
rlr. Lively advised that z4eaningful long range planning ability
~nld be less. }
Chairman Wheeler .asked where the lire body in this position was
going because-there was a vacant position in the department.
' l~Ir. Pyeatt indicated it was his intent to not fill that vacant
position immediately. He could justify the position and could go out and
recruit to b-ring in a person to train tYiem at that level, but they could not
perform the substantial work that presently exists today and the work would
just not take place. That is why fie has-not filled ttie position. There is
work that is not being done and_it is stacking up.
Mr. Lively felt they were talking about status. quo work and the
other thing they were discussing was long range planning, which is not being
done. When discussion is held about putting together the agenda and the
special projects that come off the agenda after a Board meeting, this takes
about 40 to 60 percent of staff time. If they. are being asked to perform
extra fiscal control, budget transfers and deficiency notices, it would
be difficult to perform those duties.
Mr. Pyeatt stated all they were trying to do was make the Board
aware of what would happen if a position were eliminated.
Chairman Wheeler felt the decisions pertaining to this office would
have long range effects on the economic stability of the county. She did not
feel the Board was ready to make a decision on this matter at this time.
Supervisor Saraceni agreed with Supervisor Fulton that they
would have to sacrifice a little of everything, and when the cuts are made,
they will have to work on something completely necessary now.
Mr. Pyeatt felt that their budget and the two departmental budgets
that proceeded theirs was not a great deal different than the budgets to
come before the Board. The county and departments axe-not fat and if the
Board makes reductions, they will have to make reductions in services.
Supervisor Saraceni felt that any appointments that needed to
be made could be made by the Board members.
supervisor Dolan felt they could not do more with less people
and if they could not say that for themselves, how could they say this to
the other departments. She knew something had to be reduced.
It was moved by Supervisor Dolan, secondedi~by Supervisor Fulton
that the position that is vacant now be eliminated.
Supervisor Fulton questioned whether this. meant implementation of
priority number one as well.
Motion amended to reflect: addition of implementation of priority
number one as proposed by the Administrative Office staff as follows:
Deletion of Assistant/Deputy County Administrative Officer
Reduce maintenance of equipment, $250.
Reduce office expense $500.
Reduce special. department expense, $500.
Reduce transportation and trave, $1,0.0.0..
Supervisor Dolan understood there would be some ability for long
range planning.
Page 362.
March. 31, 1982
8 2-
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_March_31, 1982 ___ ___~~_______
Supervisor Saraceni stated that.if the Board approyed the motion,
then this would b.e elimination-of the: position-that has not been filled and
the only savings: is-what the department has .been running on already. ,He
questioned whether the request`.for filling a position had been in that
department.
Mr. ~'yeatt advised that the position requested to b.e filled was
in the Purchasing Department and was not a part of this budget.
Supervisor Saraceni felt that this was not 20 percent reduction
from the budget, if they are operating on the people presently in the
department. They Board is eliminating a position and the department is
running the same as they have been running.
Supervisor -olan advised that the department would be running at
the level they have been operating under since the retirement of the
Administrative Officer.
Supervisor Saraceni was willing. to reduce the department a little
more. He would make his own appointments and work with staff to do some of
the work that has been asked of the department in order to have additional
savings.
Supervisor -olan advised that was what the Board had been to 1d.
The department has been achieving savings for the 1981-82 budget and they
are not being built into a staffing pattern. Money will be saved because
the position is permanently gone. The county will fee the effect immediately
of all the items listed in priority number one.
Supervisor Fulton. stated that on the informational packet, there
were two columns with one the actual expenditures for 1980-81. In discussions
with the Administrative Officer yesterday, if the Board took the budget from
$62 million back to the $54 million, they would have a balanced budget.
Mr. Pyeatt advised that the $7-3/4 million deficit is actually
looking at the amount of money approved For 1981-82 and bringing that Figure
forward with certain assumptions.
Mr. Lively stated if they addressed across the board reductions
and did not address whether one department was fat and one was lean they
could move across the board, to $54 million.
Mr. Johansen stated there was a $7 million shortfall projected for
the requirements ,of the 1982-83 budget of about $67 million with available
financing of about $62 million. He felt it was misleading to say go back
to the 1980-81 budget. The available financing could increase as it has
to do with welfare, and, in fact, the project requirements for the $67 million
has projected available financing of $60 million.
Supervisor Fulton asked if it would be fair to say that the
requested 1982-83 liudget figure would come out to $67 million in requirements,
which means there should be an additional third column in the informational
packet.
Mr. Johansen advised that was what was budgeted and will not be
the actual expenditures.
Mr. Pyeatt stated-that basically column 4 is the requested column
and he did not know what the cumulative total of all departments would be.
In projecting that, they have extended the figures approved in the 1981-82
budget and projected the amount to be about $67 million.
'Page 363.
March 31, 1982
8 2-
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_ _ _ _March 31,.1982 _
Mr. Johansen advised they would be running a tabulation and doing
estimates for the budget units. They do not have those figures and are still
at the $67 million approximate figure. In looking at and preparing the
increased revenue loss, that figure looks about right. They will have the
figures more refined for the Board at a later date.
Vote on motion;
AYES: Supervisors Dolan, Fulton, 2°Ioseley and Chairman Wheeler
NOES: Supervisor Saraceni
Motion carried.
Supervisor Moseley questioned how they were ever going to get
anything done when the department heads said the same thing?
Chairman Wheeler felt that for the department heack to say anthing
else would be admitting their department had been fat for five years.
Supervisor Saraceni questioned how they were going to come up
with the funding:'~if they approve something they .do not have funds for during
the first part of this budget deliberations.
Chairman Wheeler felt the Board had just begun their deliberations
and they need to affirm that it was the intent of the Board than when action
is taken on a budget, if there are layoffs dealing with individuals, then
an ordinance is to be brought back immediately for action to eliminate the
positions.
Supervisor Moseley questioned how many lay offs had been implemented
by the Board. There have been positions eliminated but there have been no
Iayoffs.
Supervisor Saraceni questioned how many people were eliminated
from action taken by the Board at this meeting. If they have effectively
not made any differences, then the Board is again fooling themselves:
Supervisor Dolan stated the Board did Zook at the percentage of
shortfall and positions that are a percentage of the work force. It is
small. Tf they look at what was done to the Veterans Service Office, they
cut that department almost in half. They did not make the motion to
eliminate the function but did take action.
Supervisor Saraceni felt they altered the amount in the department,
b.ut did not alter the other departments.
Supervisor Fulton questioned whether they would be fine, if the
departmental budgets were kept the same.-
Supervisor Dolan answered the .question from Supervisor Fulton
that because they do not have the anticipated revenue, they could not
keep every budget the same.
Supervisor Saraceni felt that the county would have been in worse
shape if they, had not voted to keep the gosition open and the deficiency is
less because of that decision. If they do not make moves ahead, there will
be problems.
Chairman Wheeler directed that staff continue to bring department
budgets to the Board for analysis of the. costs and maintenance. There are
complaints among Board members about the fact the Board is not making major
decisions and the individual me~¢itse~s would have their day on April 14, 1982
when they separate the girls from the boys. '
Page 364. March 31, 1982
8 2-
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_ March 31, 1982
It was moved by SuperyisorTDolan, seconded by Chairman Wheeler
that all of them agreed there is a crisis.
My Pyeatt advised their office would be sending the budgets to the
Board as-soon as they analyze them and tfie important thing was to make the
cuts as soon as they-come forward.
Budget consideration continued to April 7, 1982 at 10:00 a.m.
for those budgets not finished from the list presented for March 31,_1982.
ADJOURNi~3ENT
There being nothing further before the Board at this time, the
meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p:m. to reconvene on Tuesday, April 6, 1982
at 9:00 a. m.
ATTEST: CLARK A.NELSON, COUNTY CLERIC
RECORDER and ex-officio Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors
~~
By
Page -365
rman, Board of Supervisors
March .31, 1982