BUDGET COMMITTEE

May 20, 2009

 

** NOT APPROVED **


 Committee Members Present

T. Hopkins, D. Fanton, W. Dibble, W. Hall, T. O’Grady

 

Others Present

A. Alsworth, L. Ballengee, P. Cockle, D. Horan, J. Margeson, D. Roeske, T. Ross, P. Schmelzer, R. Starks, W. Tompkins, W. Goetschius

 

Approval of Minutes

            The April 15, 2009 Budget Committee minutes were approved on a motion by Legislator O’Grady, seconded by Legislator Dibble and carried.

 

 

FIRST QUARTER DEPARTMENTAL FINANCIAL REPORTS:

 

Social Services Department

            Social Services Commissioner Patricia Schmelzer distributed copies of their first quarter financial report ending March 31, 2009 to committee members.   Ms. Schmelzer stated the FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) share of reimbursement of Medicaid is estimated.  Two payments from New York State Medicaid Program for October – December 2008 of $318,937, and January 9 – March 9, 2009 of $252,818 were received.  These are projected at 80% of payment; the State will reconcile the difference on the Counties actual costs by September.  Our weekly share is as follows:

                                    April through March 2008 - $168,727

                                    April through March 2009 - $173,436

                                    April through March 2010 - $155,233*

                                    *There is no 3% increase for 2010, it would have been $178,144

 

Ms. Schmelzer discussed the lack of a 3% increase for next year with the committee.  There was discussion on how this issue will be addressed. 

 

Ms. Schmelzer stated the LAF (Local Administration Fund) moved to Flexible Fund for Family Services.  The state has removed their share of costs which is projected at a loss of approximately $382,913.  The County Child Welfare threshold has increased.  The Administration cost is estimated from $436,358 to possibly $1,491,665.  This amount is the threshold the County has to meet in costs before the State will reimburse the County.  The actual amount has not been released yet.  The actual cost report has to be submitted to the State before any revenue will be reimbursed.  Over all appropriations and revenues are accurate and very close to projections.

 

Sheriff/Jail

            Due to a misunderstanding, the Sheriff Department did not submit a report at this time.  They were instructed to submit their report at the next scheduled meeting.

 

Health Department

Health Department Director Lori Ballengee distributed copies of their first quarter financial report as of April 30, 2009 to committee members.   Ms. Ballengee stated due to delays in transition/closure of the nursing programs, the Long Term Care and Public Health Nursing are over budget.  They were only budgeted for three months with no personal services budgeted.  Accountant Pamela Cockle stated the State Aid Claim will be completed by the end of the month.  As they have not yet exhausted their base grant of $550,000, the claim will cover all expenses, after revenue offset, under General Public Health.  Optional programs will be covered at 36% except the nursing programs.  The first quarter State Aid claim for Family Planning is not reflected in the revenue figures as it is not yet complete.  The claim will be submitted by the end of the week.  The Medical Examiners revenue will meet budgeted projections.  The only expense reimbursable is the Medical Examiner (Monroe County) for autopsy services per contract.  Overall revenue accounts and appropriations are very close to projections.

 

Public Works

 

Department of Public Works Superintendant David Roeske distributed copies of their first quarter financial report through May 11, 2009 to committee members.  Mr. Roeske stated the revenue accounts are close to projections except the recycling revenue which will fall short. 

 

The appropriation accounts are close to projections except in the Jail Maintenance and Repairs Accounts which will fall short due to the unanticipated costs in Jail locks, and security camera system and fire alarm inspections.  Mr. Roeske stated two department employees will be attending inspection classes to be qualified to inspect the systems which will cut the cost of contracting out these services once the training is completed. 

 

Probation Department

 

Probation Department Director Robert Starks distributed copies of their first quarter financial report through March 31, 2009.  Mr. Starks stated the revenue and appropriation accounts are accurate and very close to projections.  The State aid claims are in the process of being filed through March 2009 for reimbursement.

 

Mr. Starks stated the Shared Services Grant employee has resigned and the position has not been filled at this time.

 

There was discussion on the drop of State Aid to the Probation Department.         

 

Sales Tax Report

 

            County Treasurer Terri Ross distributed copies of a Sales Tax Report reflecting receipts through May 13, 2009, totaling $5,983,045.82 and interest totaling $957.89.  Overall sales tax revenues are down approximately 10.95% compared to last years figures, which is a difference of $735,293.40.

 

 

1st Quarter Financial Report – 2009 County Budget

County Treasurer Terri Ross distributed a Budget Performance Report of the first quarter for the period ending May 18, 2009 for the General Fund of the 2009 Budget.  As of May 18, 2009 we have expended $38,541,194 or 37 percent of the budgeted amount.  We have received total revenue of $56,742,177 or 54 percent of projected revenue amount for the 2009 Budget.

 

Public Safety and Training Facility Debt Reserve Fund

On June 14, 2004, the Board of Legislators adopted Resolution No. 118-04 establishing the Public Safety and Training Facility Debt Reserve Fund.  There has been discussion on how future revenue received from housing non-local inmates will be administered to this fund.  On May 11, 2009  Resolution Intro. No. 76-09 was presented to the Board of Legislators for their approval.  This Resolution stated that effective immediately, all past and future revenue received from housing non-local inmates shall be paid into the Public Safety and Training Facility Debt Reserve Fund as created by Resolution Number 118-04.  This resolution was tabled and referred to the Budget Committee to redefine the administration of these funds.  Committee Chairman Hopkins stated the Resolution requires amending because you can not appropriate funds in a reserve account to be used for operating expenses.  This fund can only be used for debt service.  This issue will be discussed further at the next scheduled meeting.

 

2010 Budget Process

County Administrator John Margeson stated he and the Deputy Budget Officer will meet with Department Heads shortly to begin the 2010 budget process.  Mr. Margeson will give the committee the 2010 Budget process schedule at their next meeting.

 

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Dibble and carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Alice Alsworth, Confidential Secretary

County Administrator’s Office