FINANCE COMMITTEE

Laura Stanek, Chairman                       Larry Bargy                              Robert McLeod

Friday, September 2, 2005

Present:            Laura Stanek, Larry Bargy, Robert McLeod

Also present:    Jack White, Laura Sexton

Absent:            None

            The meeting convened at 12:30 p.m. in the County Clerk ’s office for the purpose of examining the 2006 budget requests.

            Doug McCann appeared on behalf of Circuit Court probation and talked about the request for telephone expense in that budget.  It was decided to let the request remain as is.

            There was discussion on the revenue for the 911 operating budget.  It was decided to address the matter in November.

            Dan Bean, Undersheriff, explained that the Snowmobile grant consisted of up to 85% reimbursement by the state with the rest being county responsibility.  The snowmobile purchase would be 100% reimbursed by the State.  It was also noted that there will be approximately an $8,000 beginning fund balance in the Snowmobile Fund (Fund #276).  It was decided to leave the Snowmobile Grant Fund budget as is.

            Janet Person explained the need for funds for the Water Quality Technician.  The matter will be addressed again for the 2007 budget.

            A letter from Third Level requested $1,000 for a 2-1-1 System in the 2006 budget.  Action was deferred until a later time.

            There was discussion on the billing of the townships for computer database services.

            The Chairman presented the following:

                        1)         Sound system for the Commissioners Room - $15,500

                        2)         Renewal of virus software         $2,500

            It was decided to add both of the above items to the 2006 General Fund budget request.

1.         It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Bargy it be recommended to the Board of Commissioners Fund #221, Internet Access Project Fund, be closed, the amount remaining in the fund be transferred to the General Fund, and internet access expenses continue to be paid from the Computer Department in the General Fund.  All voted yes.

            Sherry Comben, County Treasurer, inquired about the Dog census as it would affect how many dog licenses she will buy.  She was informed there would be not dog census in 2006.

            There was further discussion with the County Treasurer and the Equalization Director on billing of the township for computer database services.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Bargy the County Clerk be requested to divide the 2004 revenue from the townships for computer services among the townships according to each township’s percentage of the total county parcel count as a possible means to determine future township charges for computer database services; this information to be available at the September 6, 2005 Finance meeting.  All voted yes.

            Eileen Wallick requested that construction of new basketball court at Barnes Park at an approximate cost of $8,000 be added to the 2006 proposed General Fund budget.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Bargy $8,000 for a basketball court at Barnes Park be added to the 2006 General Fund budget.  All voted yes.

            The County Treasurer provided the committee with a report on the Tax Payment Fund interest and collection fees.

            The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.