ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  -  MINUTES OF MEETING

REGULAR SESSION  -  FEBRUARY 11, 2002

 

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on February 11,  2002,  at  9:30 a.m. in the   Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa.    Mike Shelton, Chairman;   Wm. L. McDowell, Member, and  William F. Thorn, Member, attended.   By unanimous motion, the Board approved the  minutes from regular meetings held on January 28 and February 4, 2002.

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

Vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board as depicted  on voucher print out dated  2/11/02 with a time 8:20:13 showing the addition of voucher #520170 that failed to print on the first run and voucher  #241052 detailed on the first run but not shown.  The Board also by unanimous motion approved the January payroll.

 

         Voucher # (Warrant): #116960  -  #117275. . . . . . . . . . . .$426,553.73.

 

EMPLOYEE  AWARDS

 

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS                              

Carol McNeil            Health Department                       15 Years

Margot Carter           Prosecuting Attorney                      10 Years       

Paul Evans               Public Works/Bayview Road  Shop        5 Years

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH – JANUARY, 2002

Sonny Kostek,  Maintenance Department,  works as a Maintenance Tech and contributes to the

smooth running of the County.   His knowledge of the many mechanical systems  throughout the County  is without equal and he cheerfully responds to a myriad of trouble calls, and  can always be counted on to step up and help someone who is in need.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Don Mason, General Services Administration Department, was recognized for his volunteer efforts in the field of search and rescue performed outside his  normal work hours as a County employee.  A letter of recognition was presented to Mr. Mason recognizing his  contribution to Island county as a whole and those who benefit as a result of his efforts.

 

Resolution #C-08-02   Proclaiming  1 February to 16 March,  2002 Bicentennial of the United States Military Academy

 

Ashton Haynes appeared before the Board to call attention to the fact that the United States Military academy is celebrating its Bicentennial this year,  and graduates have and continue to  serve our Nation at home, abroad and currently in Afghanistan    He asked that the Board pass a proclamation, noting that a comparable proclamation  has been issued by the Governor of Washington  State. On behalf of the West Point Society of Puget Sound, Mr. Haynes made mention that the Society  will be donating to the Library a book entitled West Pointers in Early Washington”  which covers the   contributions of West Pointers in  early Washington State history,   starting with the first Territorial Governor, Isaac Ingalls Stevens.

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-08-02 proclaiming  1 February to 16 March, 2002  Bicentennial of the United States Military Academy.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

In the Matter of Proclaiming February 1     }

through March 16, 2002  as the                  }           P R O C L A M A T I O N

Bicentennial of the United States Military  }

Academy___________________________}           RESOLUTION    #C- 08 -02

 

     WHEREAS,   the United States Military Academy has achieved  200 years of leadership and service to the United States of America and to the principles of  “Duty, Honor, Country”; and

 

     WHEREAS,  distinguished graduates of the United States Military Academy have led our Nation’s Armed Forces  in peace and war, many of them giving their lives in the performance of duty to maintain our freedoms;  and

 

         WHEREAS,  graduates of West Point played a major role in developing the State of Washington and Island County, including Isaac Ingalls Stevens, USMA, Class of 1839, the first Territorial Governor; and

 

     WHEREAS,  graduates continue to serve Island County in business, industry, government,  security and support  for our community; and

 

     WHEREAS, graduates from our  community who are currently serving in the Armed Forces are deployed worldwide protecting and defending our Country now and into the future; and

 

     WHEREAS, our sons and daughters who are Cadets of the United States Corps or Cadets are being trained and educated to be our Nation’s next leaders and join the Long Gray Line as West Point moves into its third century of service.   

 

     Now, therefore,  we,  the Board of Island County Commissioners, hereby proclaim the period February 1 through March 16, 2002, to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States Military Academy in Island County and urge all citizens to join us in honoring  West Point, its Graduates and Cadets. 

 

     PROCLAIMED AND ADOPTED this 11th day of February, 2002. 

 

                                                  BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                             ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                 Mike Shelton,   Chairman

                                           Wm. L. McDowell, Member

                                              William F. Thorn,  Member  

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow, Clerk of the Board

 

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

By unanimous motion the Board appointed   Margaret Rosenkranz, Coupeville,  to serve on the Central Whidbey Historic Preservation Advisory Committee for a term to August  13, 2005, and Edward Siegel, Oak Harbor, to serve on the Island County Fair  Board to fill an existing  vacant position  representing the  area encompassed by the Oak Harbor School District boundary, for a term to  October 8, 2004.

 

Resolution #C-09 -02  Authorizing Temporary Closure of CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICES DURING  move to  Island County Courthouse

 

Renovation of the Island County Courthouse is nearing completion and departments will begin reoccupying and relocating  beginning February 25, 2002, and several offices have asked for authorization to temporarily  close the offices while the move takes place.  By unanimous motion, the Board  approved Resolution #C-09-02  authorizing temporary office closures for the   Assessor February 28 and  March 1;  Auditor February 22 and 25; Treasurer  March 14-15; General  Services Administration March 8 [excluding Public Defense; and  Human  Resources Department  March 7.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY        )       
CLOSURE OF THE ISLAND COUNTY ASSESSOR, AUDITOR, )     RESOLUTION  C-09-02
AND TREASURER OFFICES AND ISLAND COUNTY                 )
GENERAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES                     )
DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO MOVE INTO THE ISLAND     )
COUNTY COURTHOUSE                                                    )

                                                                                                 

 

      WHEREAS, the renovation of the Island County Courthouse is nearing completion and it is anticipated that certain Island County departments will begin reoccupying and relocating into the Courthouse beginning February 25, 2002,  and

 

WHEREAS, in order to move into their new office space in the Courthouse, several Island County Elected Officials and Departments have requested permission to temporarily close their respective offices on the following dates:

 

     Department                                                                             Dates closed

     Assessor                                                                    Thursday, February 28 & Friday, March 1

     

     Auditor (Elections, Licensing & Recording)                        Friday, February 22   12:00–4:30p.m.

                                                                                    & Monday, February 25   8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

     General Services Administration (excluding Public Defender)             Friday, March 8

 

              Human Resources                                                         Thursday, March 7

      Treasurer                                                                    Thursday, March 14 & Friday, March 15

 

      WHEREAS, closing the above offices and departments would allow better service to the public by allowing adequate time to organize and open again rather than attempting to work with makeshift systems prone to error or loss; and

 

      WHEREAS, RCW 36.16.100 states that “All county and precinct offices shall be kept open for the transaction of business during such days and hours as the board of county commissioners shall by resolution prescribe; NOW THEREFORE

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Island County Commissioners authorizes the temporary closure of the offices and departments as shown above during the time of moving into the Island County Courthouse.

 

ADOPTED this 11th day of February, 2002.

    Board of County Commissioners

            Island County Washington

            Mike Shelton, Chairman

            Wm. L. McDowell, Member

            William F. Thorn, Member

Attest:  Elaine Marlow, Clerk of the Board

 

 [Note:  The  Office of the County Commissioners is scheduled to  move Tuesday, March 5, from  the Kaul Building located at  502 N. Main, to the second floor of the Courthouse.   While the office will  remain open on  March 5th it will be on a   minimal basis.  The  main telephone number 679-7354 should be used that day for anyone trying to contact the office.]

 

Resolution #C-10 -02 Authorizing and Increasing Certain Petty Cash, Change, and Revolving Funds within Island County

 

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Resolution #C-10-02 Authorizing and Increasing Certain Petty Cash, Change, and Revolving Funds within Island County, in this case, allowing a $150 petty cash fund in the County Clerk’s Office.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING AND        )   RESOLUTION C-10 -02

INCREASING CERTAIN PETTY CASH, CHANGE,       )

AND REVOLVING FUNDS WITHIN ISLAND COUNTY)

 

         WHEREAS,  the Island County Board of County Commissioners has, by resolutions duly adopted, established petty cash funds, change funds, and revolving funds for Funds and Departments under its jurisdiction over a period of many years, and

 

         WHEREAS,  the adoption of C- 114 - 01 by the Board of Commissioners on Aug 27, 2001 established Policies and Procedures with respect to Petty Cash Funds, and

 

         WHEREAS,  the Island County Auditor’s Office has reviewed the Change Fund as shown on Exhibit A and recommends each fund be authorized as shown, NOW THEREFORE

 

         BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the fund shown on Exhibit A be authorized as shown.

 

         ADOPTED this 11 day of February, 2002. 

 

                                                     

Board of County Commissioners

Island County Washington

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:   Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board                              [Exhibit A on file with the Clerk of the Board]                                            

CONTRACT APPROVED FOR TOURISM FUNDS

 

The Board on November 19, 2001 approved   Island County Public Facilities  Fund 2% Hotel-Motel Lodging Tax-Tourism Promotion Project and Activities funded by the 2% tax revenues.  The last agency  receiving the funds has now  signed a contract with the County, and the Board  by unanimous motion approved Contract with Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce for Tourism Marketing Program to include funding for the Visitor Information Center, Whidbey on Wheels Program and Holland Happening Festival #RM-BOC-02-0002, in the amount of $11,000. 

 

Lease for additional office space for Health Department

 

The Board, by unanimous motion, gave authorization for the Chairman to sign a lease for additional office space for location of Health Department personnel in the Oak Harbor vicinity, once completion of search currently under way for rental space is accomplished and an  exact location has been finalized.

 

Request for Exemption from Competitive Solicitation Procurement Procedure

 

Request for Exemption from the Competitive Solicitation Procurement Procedure for Mental Health Services in the school districts, waiver under ICC 2.29.03(B)(12),   was approved by unanimous motion of the Board as outlined in a memorandum dated January 24, 2002 to the Board from Jackie Henderson,  Human Services Director. 

 

Resolution #C-11 -02 Establishing  THE Four

Springs Lake Preserve Fund

 

As prepared and presented by the Budget Director, the Board by unanimous motion approved Resolution #C-11-02 Establishing the Four Springs Lake Preserve Fund, related to Four Springs Lake Preserve property and improvements project for the purpose of a public park facility [Camano Island].

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                               

IN THE MATTER OF ESTABLISHING THE       )       RESOLUTION  C-11 -02

FOUR SPRINGS LAKE PRESERVE FUND        )   

                                                               

         WHEREAS, Island County owns the Four Springs Lake Preserve property and improvements (“Four Springs”) located on Camano Island for the purpose of a public park facility; and

 

WHEREAS, various local volunteer groups and citizens have generously donated their time, effort and moneys to be used for acquisition, development and improvement of the Four Springs Lake Preserve, and there is a need to ensure that donations are accounted for separately; and

 

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board of County Commissioners to establish activity fees and charges designed to recover a significant portion of the costs of maintaining and operating Four Springs, and that revenues received for the use of Four Springs are to be used for the administration, maintenance, operation and capital improvement of Four Springs and other Island County parks; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that the donations, revenues and expenditures for the Four Springs Lake Preserve property and improvements are accounted for properly, there is a need to establish a separate fund to be known as the Island County Four Springs Lake Preserve Fund; NOW THEREFORE

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that there is created and established in the Island County Treasurer and Island County Auditor records a fund known and designated as the Island County Four Springs Lake Preserve Fund.

 ADOPTED this 11 day of February, 2002.

 

                                                       Board of County Commissioners

                                                       Island County, Washington

                                                       Mike Shelton, Chairman

                                                       Wm. L. McDowell, Member

                                                       William F. Thorn, Member

      ATTEST:  Elaine Marlow, Clerk of the Board

 

Claim for damages R02-005CD Kristi S. Foster

 

Betty Kemp, GSA Director, presented recommendation of approval n the matter of Claim for damages #R02-005CD by Kristi S. Foster in the amount  of $1,748.89 for damages to vehicle as a result of sanding operation.  The Road Department  also recommended approval. 

 

The Board by unanimous  motion approved the Claim of  Kristi S. Foster as recommended, in the amount  of $1,748.89. 

 

REsolution #C-12-02   Treating Offenders Performing Community Services As Employees And/Or Workers Under Title 51 RCW, Industrial Insurance

 

Betty Kemp, along with Michael Merringer, Juvenile Court Services, presented a Resolution  in the matter of treating offenders performing community services as employees and/or workers under Title 51 RCW, Industrial Insurance.  As they explained this  relates to a program for a  work group consisting of juveniles who have  been sentenced by the court to perform community service, a  program implemented by the  Juvenile Department.  The matter was a topic of discussion at a recent  staff session with the Board, and the proposed resolution  has been reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office.  Mr. Merringer reported  good news as far as the cash match, in that he is able to utilize other state monies for the cash match instead of having to take it from current expense.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-12-02  In The Matter of Treating Offenders Performing Community Services As Employees And/Or Workers Under Title 51 RCW, Industrial Insurance.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                              

IN THE MATTER OF TREATING OFFENDERS)

PERFORMING COMMUNITY SERVICES AS    )   RESOLUTION NO.    C-12-02

EMPLOYEES AND/OR WORKERS UNDER       )

TITLE 51 RCW, INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE      )

                                              

         WHEREAS, the Board of Island County Commissioners  has determined that Island County may purchase liability insurance and workers’ compensation for offenders performing court-ordered community service; and

 

         WHEREAS, RCW 36.16.139 and RCW 51.12.045 give the legislative authority of a county authority to elect to treat offenders as employees and/or workers  under Title 51 RCW; and

 

          WHEREAS, RCW 51.12.045 states that offenders performing community services pursuant to court order or under RCW 13.40.080, may be deemed employees and/or workers  under this title at the option of the state, county, city town or nonprofit organization  under whose authorization  the services are performed.  Any premiums or assessments due under this title for community  services work shall be the obligation of and to be paid for by the state agency, county, city, town, or nonprofit organization for which the  offender performed the community services.   Coverage commences when a state agency, county, city, town, or nonprofit organization has give notice to the director that it wishes to cover offenders performing community services before the occurrence of an injury or contraction of an occupational disease; NOW, THEREFORE,

 

          BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that offenders performing community services pursuant to court order or under RCW 13.40.080, whose community services work is supervised by an Island County employee, are deemed to be County employees and/or workers for the purpose of the Workers Compensation Laws under Title 51 RCW.  The Island County Risk Manager shall give notice of this resolution to the Director of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

 

Dated this 11 day of February, 2002.

                                                            BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                            ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                            Mike Shelton, Chairman

                                                            Wm. L. McDowell, Member

                                                            William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:  Elaine Marlow        

Clerk of the Board           

 

Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant

 

By unanimous motion the Board approved Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBG) #0163-03861 between the State of Washington DSHS and Island County [#RM-JUV-00-0066],   in the amount of $18,165.00 for the period 9/1/01 – 9/1/02. 

 

Mr. Merringer confirmed this was a  continuation of the current program  “Alternatives to Detention Community Work Crew” a program for kids who have been sentenced to detention  and can be placed on a supervised work crew to perform community  service in the county.  In this case, this is a Federal grant, and the cash match can be taken out of state monies.

 

Resolution #C-13-02/R-03-02 Initiating CRP 02-02,  North Camano Drive/Arrowhead Road Intersection Improvements

 

As presented and recommended for approval by Bill Oakes,  Public Works Director,  the  Board, by unanimous motion, approved Resolution #C-13-02/R-03-02 initiating County Road Project  CRP 02-02, Work Order 172,  North Camano Drive/Arrowhead Road Intersection Improvements, for a  total appropriation of  $770,000.00.

 

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ISLAND COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT, NORTH CAMANO  DRIVE/

ARROWHEAD  ROAD INTERSECTION

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Local Agency Agreement Washington State Department of Transportation and Island County for North Camano Drive/Arrowhead  Road Intersection project, for estimated county funds in the amount of $5,560.00 and estimated Federal funds in the amount of $50,040.00.

 

Washington State Department of Transportation/Island County  Local Agency Agreement FOR North Camano drive/Arrowhead

Road Intersection

 

The Board by unanimous motion also approved Local Agency Agreement between   Washington State Department of  Transportation and Island County -  Local Agency Federal Aid Project Prospectus for the North Camano Drive/Arrowhead Road Intersection project, for estimated County funds in the amount of $22,400 and estimated Federal funds in the amount of  $200,000.00.

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 1  -  Perteet Engineering, Inc.

& Island County  -  Terry’s Corner Park-N-Ride

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved and authorized the Chairman’s signature on Supplemental Agreement No. 1  [PW0220-09], Terry’s Corner Park-N-Ride Agreement [PW-002030] with  Perteet Engineering, Inc., .representing a revised  completion date to December 31, 2002; revised Exhibit B, Scope of Services to provide drainage options, assessment of alternatives and recommendations for Terry’s Corner Park-N-Ride, and increase in maximum amount payable by $72,025, for a revised total of $516,792.

 

HEARINGS HELD:   FRANCHISE RENEWAL APPLICATIONS:  #39R BY CAMANO CO-OPERATIVE WATER & POWER COMPANY AND #135(2)R BY LAKEVIEW TERRACE TRUST, INC.

 

A Public Hearing was held as advertised at 10:20 a.m.  to consider Franchise  #39R by  Camano Co-operative Water & Power Company, to renew an existing water distribution system in, along, under and/or across County road known as Cove  place within the  Plat of Camano Cove, Division No. 1, Sec. 23, Twp 31N., R 2E., Camano Island, and Franchise #135(2)R by Lakeview Terrace Trust, Inc., for renewal of an existing  water distribution system in, along, under and/or across portions of County roads known as Apollo Road, Bayview Road,  April Drive, Stockholm Place, Mercer Drive, Lake View Way, Island Way, Hi Crest  Road and Foxfire Lane within the Plat of Lakeview Terrace, Division No. 1, Sec. 8, Twp 29N, R 3E.

 

Mr.  Oakes confirmed staff recommendation of approval  noting no  plans for either system to expand current systems.    The County  Engineer’s memorandums dated  1/16/02 and 1/22/02 indicated that  all departments requested to comment responded with no objections to the proposal, and that the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reviewed and approved the documents as to form and had also been approved by Risk Management. 

 

When the Chairman called for  public comments, no one  in the audience expressed a desire to speak either for or against either of the franchise renewals.   By unanimous motion, the Board approved Franchise #39R by  Camano Co-operative Water & Power Company and  Franchise #135(2)R, Lakeview Terrace Trust, Inc.

 

Budget Workshop

 

The Board met with Elected Officials and Appointed Department heads at 1:30 p.m. as scheduled, for an initial  budget workshop.  All Elected Officials and Appointed Heads were present or represented through staff. 

 

Chairman Shelton said the plan  at this time was  to begin on  March 11th    with budget  workshops with individual departments to  be held on  the  first three Mondays of each month at  1:30 p.m.   There will be some workshops  scheduled the second and  fourth Wednesdays as needed.     The purpose of today’s  workshop was to  discuss perimeters about what is to be achieved through the  budget workshops with the individual departments.   He estimated the  budget shortfall for 2003 to be in excess of $2 million dollars, which would equate to  about an 11% cut on top of the cuts made this year.  The County can  only deliver a government  based upon the amount  of money it has to spend and there seems to be nothing on the horizon to indicate that interest rates will dramatically improve this year.  The budget problem is shared between the Board, Elected Officials and Department Heads, the County’s “Management Team”, and  he hoped through the process to find a commonality of interests in order to  move forward and operate Island County in the best way possible within  budgetary constraints.   Zero based budgeting has been mentioned, a process that each department would have to go through and justify   dollars, numbers and line items, and discuss programs and whether those would continue or not.  Zero based  budgeting would be an added burden as far as time and effort.

 

Commissioner Thorn observed the  downhill slide as far as revenues.  He too looked at those attending today’s workshop as  senior management along with the Board.    His focus was on the need to  look at the county  organization, programs and processes; a  quasi-zero  based budgeting, a new game, starting from scratch.

 

Commissioner McDowell agreed with Commissioners  Shelton and Thorn, and did not want things to deteriorate to “don’t touch mine” ;  attendance today represents a lot of talent and he hoped to be able to  come up with solutions to work on cuts that must be made.

 

Tom Baenen hoped when beginning the budget process that a long look would be taken at  budgeting beyond one year  to better assess and address shortfalls as they occur as soon as possible.  Everything, regardless of office or department, should be on the  table in this review if it is  zero based budgeting.  Over-all county government needs to be included.  There needs to be some way in the  process the burden of making decisions and leading is shared a little more broadly in the budgeting process.  He was  willing to be the first to meet with the Board  in budget workshop on a modified zero budget basis – the guinea pig initially.  

 

Maxine Sauter advised that there was a bill in the Legislature which  would reduce the penalties and interest the County  receives from 12% to 7%,  and she thought that could  amount to as much as a $400,000  reduction to Island County.

 

Don Meehan suggested it would make sense to  look at programs; ultimately the Board has the hard decisions as far as how the budget will look in the end, and it is good for the Board to know all the things the individual  departments do.  The Board needs to hear about the whole program.  As a department head he wants to come and share with the Board several different draconian scenarios for his budget. 

 

Greg Banks suggested that zero based  budgeting with individual departments would miss looking at the whole  structure  of county government.  The first thing would be   information gathering about what the county does, how and why departments  do what they do,  what it costs, along with what it costs  for the County to have other people do things for the County.  He would not be opposed to the County hiring an outside  management consultant as they do in private business.   Making cuts is where the  level of services comes in and the Board needs to know what the departments do, etc.  Questions he suggested that the Board might ask a department, his case for example, would be:   what happens if you don’t do that; could  you do it at a lower  level; can you treat some class of crimes as not criminal and what happens if you do that?  

 

After the  information gathering stage, there has to be some target, a ballpark as to what kind of impact cuts will have on individual departments.  An 8% cut in his department  could be completely different than what he would do if he had to make a  12% cut.  He asked if the Board was  going to look at increasing revenues to the extent they can  using banked levy capacity.  Also there is a bill pending that may allow counties to enact a utility tax.  He was interested to know if the  Board of County Commissioners would be making a  presentation as well, and the Chairman confirmed that would occur.

 

Mike Hawley  made the point that while zero  based budgeting  may look good, it is  a lot of work.   Organizations do not grow up in a vacuum but adapt to the environment and change to fit that environment.  He thought the County organization was actually the most efficient there is for this particular environment.  He noted his department was already operating so thinly  that any further cuts may result in not having full time deputies on duty or  capping jail population at 30.    Vehicle purchases this year were cut from 9 to 7; next year he will need 11 just to keep the cars rotating.  He has some 30 – 35 computers  at least 7 years’ old that need to be replaced; software from I-COM will not work in those computers next year.  Not only is  funding shrinking, demands are growing.   The Sheriff does not plan to fill two existing openings with the anticipation of having to lay off, and asked direction from the Board as far as possible County-wide freeze on hiring.

 

Suzanne Sinclair was interested in how much the Board was  willing  to  invest, for example, for a  new accounting system which would deliver financial reports to managers desks and  save a lot of clerical time; it  is expensive and  hard to quantify.    This is an opportunity to “drop baggage” that has been carried around to look at what is being done. There is a level of service associated with mandated services that can be adjusted but perhaps not eliminated altogether.  The Board may have specific questions about a process not understood for a department and  she thought it would be helpful that the Board in advance ask those questions.  She will come with the idea  about w