COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR, BRIAN D. COLE
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HOWARD C. BRITTON
COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAUL YORK
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSJune 21, 2000
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the June 21, 2000 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard Britton, and Commissioner Paul York.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes for the June 7, 2000 Session were available. Commissioner Britton provided corrections of typos to the Executive Assistant out of session. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Addition to Agenda:
- Basement Remodel
Documents to be signed:
Baker County/Powder Valley Water Control District Stream Gaging Memorandum of Agreement: An agreement between Baker County, acting through its Watermaster Department, and the Powder Valley Water Control District. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Memorandum of Agreement for Stream Gaging Support: An agreement between the State of Oregon and Baker County. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Personal Services Agreement B Troy Hale: An agreement between Baker County, acting through the Commission on Children and Families, and Troy Hale. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Personal Services Agreement B Jayne Henderson: An agreement between Baker County, acting through the Commission on Children and Families, and Jayne Henderson. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Personal Services Agreement B Elizabeth Estabrooks: An agreement between Baker County, acting through the Commission on Children and Families, and Elizabeth Estabrooks. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Personal Services Agreement B Alice Lentz: An agreement between Baker County, acting through the Commission on Children and Families, and Alice Lentz. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Personal Services Agreement B Jayne Henderson: An agreement between Baker County, acting through the Commission on Children and Families, and Jayne Henderson. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Interdepartmental Agreement: An agreement between Baker County Health Department and Baker County Commission on Children and Families. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Board of Commissioners Session, June 21, 2000 5
Professional Services Agreement B Medical Examiner: An agreement between Baker County and James E. Davis, M.D. Commissioner York asked if the County is still pursuing the possibility of the Health Department taking over the M.E. duties. Patrick Smith stated they are still looking at the Medical Examiner duties and the Jail medical as well. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Baker County/City of Halfway Memorandum of Water Monitoring Agreement: An agreement for reimbursement of $500 per fiscal year to Baker County. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement B Karen Cloudt: An agreement between Baker County and Karen Cloudt, R.N. Ms. Cloudt will fill the position of R.N. Coordinator for the Baker County Diabetes Study Project. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement: An agreement between the Oregon Health Sciences University, the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, and Baker County. Payment will be made in advance for a .1 FTE Public Health Nurse. Sarah Johnston has reviewed and approved the agreement. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-156: Cancellation of Wholly Uncollectible Personal and Real Property. The total amount will be $181.64. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Order. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-157: Appointing a Member to the Baker County Weed Control Committee. This appointment will be for Sid Johnson. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-158: Establishing the Burn Permit Season for 2000. The Order states the State Forestry will establish the Burn Season. There has been confusion in the past when the Burn Permit Season has been set by the Commissioners. Commissioner Britton stated that State Forestry will contact Judy Dunn when they establish the dates. A joint press release will go out at that time. Will check with County Counsel about revising the Ordinance to show this change permanently. Also will need to check with Sparta to see if they still want to be controlled. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Order. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2000-1037: Contingency Transfer to the County Clerk Department of the General Fund. Patrick Smith stated the projected costs for elections were not what they needed to be. Julia Woods anticipated two elections and there were four. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Order. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2000-1039: Appropriations Transfers within the Non-Departmental Department of the Consolidated Dispatch Fund. The Resolution would transfer money from the Computer Maintenance Agreement to the Dispatchers. Commissioner York moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2000-1040: Contingency Transfer to the Non-Departmental Department of the County Health Fund. Patrick Smith stated the transfer is necessary to cover expenses. The Health Department Beginning Fund Balance will be $0.00. Mr. Smith stated the transfer will pay the loan. It has to be done, cannot leave the loan payment on the books. Mr. Smith stated the Health Department will be watched closely between now and December. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Intergovernmental Agreement: An agreement between Baker County and the Baker County Library District. The agreement is for the management of the Law Library. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Amendment #2 to the Intergovernmental Cooperative agreement for Dispatch and Record Keeping Services: An agreement between Baker City and Baker County. Allows for renewal by both parties. Commissioner Cole spoke with Patrick Smith and Sarah Johnston about the concerns of the Commissioners. The Commissioners are concerned about the funding (timing of payments) and the concern that we are providing more services to the City than to the County. Commissioner Cole stated that Sarah Johnston advised him to go ahead and sign agreement subject to further information.
Patrick Smith stated it is up to the Sheriff=s Office to negotiate the agreement. The City is generating up to 85% of business. Mr. Smith isn=t sure where they are in the negotiations.
Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Commissioner Cole will cross out Aend of current fiscal year@ on agreement. Agreement will read AJuly 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001@. Motion carried unanimously.
Addendum #2 to Lease: A Lease Agreement between Baker County and the Warnock/Defrees Alliance. The County agrees to extend the Lease for an additional twelve-month period. The Lease is for property around the dredge tailings. Commissioner Britton stated the area should be reviewed and reported on by Jay Carr. The Lease does not involve a dollar amount. Commissioner York moved to approve the Lease. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Announcement:
Commissioner Cole received a note from Patrick Smith. Prior County Commissioner Wilbur Smith has passed away. The funeral is scheduled for June 21, 2000. Commissioner Britton stated Mr. Smith was a Commissioner from 1969 to 1976.
Transportation Funds: Vicky Valenzuela appeared before the Commissioners. Ms. Valenzuela stated the Transportation/Traffic Safety Committee had met on June 14, 2000. The Committee reviewed applications. Step Forward asked for $17,100, and Community Connections asked for $25,000. Ms. Valenzuela stated there was $38,000 to dispurse. Ms. Valenzuela stated that in the past the percentages have varied depending on need. Step Forward serves 18% of the elderly and disabled population. Community Connections serves 82% of the clients. Vicky Valenzuela stated Step Forward is not accessing all possible avenues for funding due to paperwork requirements. The Committee would like to see Step Forward access those funds. Ms. Valenzuela stated the Legislature has issued Directives to see what is being bought.
Commissioner Cole stated the recommendation is for $25,000 to Community Connections and $13,000 to Step Forward. He indicated a letter was received from Step Forward fully supporting the recommendations.
Commissioner Britton asked if the make-up of the Transportation/Traffic Committee is set by the Commissioners.
Vicky Valenzuela stated that the members have to be appointed. She stated that a STF quorum of at least three people appointed by the Commissioners, is required. Ms. Valenzuela will bring re-appointments before the Commissioners.
Commissioner Britton stated that the positions will need to be advertised.
Ms. Valenzuela will provide the information to the Executive Assistant for advertisement.
Commissioner Cole moved to approve the recommendation. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Addition to Agenda:
Basement Remodel: Dean Brickey asked if Patrick Smith will be moved upstairs. Mr. Smith answered that a decision has not been made yet.
Patrick Smith stated that as of June 20, 2000, all the necessary steel had been removed. Maintenance has been in close contact with OSHA. He stated the last cell block will be left for secure storage. Mr. Smith drew a diagram for the Commissioners. He stated originally the Watermaster was going to use their existing space and part of the new space. The Watermaster has decided they would like to give up current space and take all of the new space available. The upper and lower portion of the Watermaster Office would then be available. Mr. Smith believes the lower portion would be ideal for the Juvenile Department. The new location of the Juvenile Department would reduce juvenile offender traffic in the Courthouse. There would be a minimal cost for remodeling. He would like to move Administrative Services to the upper portion. Mr. Smith believes the total cost for remodel will be $40,000 to $60,000. He just needs approval from the Commissioners to proceed with the bid process.
Commissioner Cole stated the original bids were high.
Patrick Smith reminded the Commissioners, the original bids also included the removal of the steel. Maintenance has done the steel removal. Mr. Smith stated the new bids would be to level the floor, and create offices and a conference room.
Patrick Smith stated the Planning Department had been slotted to be moved downstairs. There is a possibility during the reorganization, to move the Planning Department into the Treasurers Office, and the Treasurer into the Planning Office. Mr. Smith still needs to talk further with the departments involved. He will also need to talk to Courthouse Historians. Would like to open wall between Clerks Office and what could be the Treasurers Office. The open area would provide one counter. He also sees the possibility of one counter with the Assessors Office and Planning.
The Commissioners agreed to open re-model for bids.
Building Fees: Larry Rockenbrant provided a composite of the proposed fee schedules to the Commissioners. He stated there are two changes. One is the issuance of permit, and the other is the supplemental permit. Mr. Rockenbrant stated these fee changes are only the first two programs they are looking at. The Building Department will be looking at the structural, plumbing, and electrical programs also.
Commissioner Cole stated he understands costs are greater outside the City. He stated the agreement between the County and the City is one cost regardless.
Commissioner York asked if the State rates are cheaper.
Mr. Rockenbrant stated the State increased their fees by 30%. The State is not that much cheaper, and also inconvenient.
Commissioner Britton confirmed with Mr. Rockenbrant that the Building Department operates using City General Fund dollars.
Larry Rockenbrant stated his department is projecting a $50,000 deficit. The two programs involved at this time, provide the smallest amount of revenue for the service provided. He stated the City Building Department has never generated enough funds to be self supporting. Mr. Rockenbrant stated the last time fees were changed was in 1979.
Commissioner York moved to approve the proposed fee schedule as presented. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion passed 2 aye and 1 nay. Commissioner Cole was opposed.
Bids for Gasoline Supply: Sheriff Terry Speelman appeared before the Commissioners. Sheriff Speelman stated requests were put out for bids to supply the gasoline for the Sheriff=s Office. The current supplier is Cenex. Sheriff Speelman stated the availability of fuel 24 hours a day is a requirement on the new bids. He stated they have received bids from Black Distributing, A& B Enterprises (Chevron on east side of freeway), and Texaco.
Sheriff Speelman opened the bids in the Commissioners presence. He stated the Sheriff=s Office asked the company=s to provide a margin between the rack (wholesale) price and what the Sheriff=s Office price would be.
- Black Distributing, 14.5 cents per gallon of unleaded gasoline
- A & B Enterprises (Chevron), 11.9 cents per gallon of unleaded gasoline
- Texaco, 7 cents per gallon of unleaded gasoline
Commissioner York moved to approve Order 2000-160,to accept 7 cents per gallon over the rack price. To be signed out of court. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion Topic:
Acceptance of Marble Creek Deed: Sarah Johnston stated there is portion of Marble Creek Road from Baisley Ditch to the Forest Service boundary that has been in dispute for years. The City pipeline runs through the right-of-way. The Borgen=s deeded that portion of Marble Creek to the County in exchange for a small settlement from the City and the placement of two cattle guards. County paid for one cattle guard, the City paid for the other, and the County installed both. Ms. Johnston stated she just needs the Commissioners acceptance of the deed. The road would then come into the County Road system.
Commissioner Britton asked about a previous dispute between the City and the Borgen=s.
Sarah Johnston stated the dispute is over. The Borgen=s have settled with the City.
Commissioner York moved to approve Resolution 2000-1041, Accepting a Road in Section 6 of T. 9S. R. 39E., W.M., and Adding it to the Baker County Road System. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. To be signed later in the afternoon.
Public Hearing - Haines Rural Fire District: Commissioner Cole stated a petition was received to form the Haines Rural Fire District. He stated Sarah Johnston has reviewed it for compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes. She has found that the required information is contained within the materials filed with the Board. He stated the County Clerk has validated the signatures and petition holds more than the required amount of qualifying signatures. Commissioner Cole opened the public hearing.
Robert Seymour, 15394 North Rock Creek Lane, Haines: Mr. Seymour addressed the Commissioners as the representative and chief petitioner.
Mr. Seymour provided a history of the Haines Fire Department. The Haines Rural Fire Protection Association and the City of Haines have combined resources to operate one Fire Department.
Mr. Seymour stated the Rural Association is funded by membership dues. He stated they have a 62% return on dues notices. The Association collects approximately $8,000 from its members. Mr. Seymour stated the same people fail to respond to the notices each year.
Board of Commissioners Session, June 21, 2000 10
Robert Seymour stated the Fire District would not be starting from scratch. They have a basic Fire Department. The City owns 1 2 trucks, and Rural owns 3 2 trucks (one truck is owned by both the City and Rural). The City owns the breathing apparatus, and the Rural owns the turn-out gear.
Mr. Seymour displayed a boundary map. He explained the boundaries to the Commissioners. The Fire District would not cover I-84 (no Highway access). The Highway Department has been advised to contact Baker or North Powder for assistance. Mr. Seymour stated the Fire District will also not cover property within the State Forestry lands. The Fire District will need to exclude those properties and contract individually.
Commissioner York wanted to verify that the City and Rural would combine.
Mr. Seymour stated that they would combine. The City would turn their equipment over to the Fire District. The Fire District would have a Board of Directors. The City Counsel would no longer have authority over it. Mr. Seymour stated the City Counsel is in favor of that.
Commissioner Cole asked about the name of the District.
Robert Seymour stated the proposed name is the Haines Fire Protection District. He stated they took the ARural@ out, because the City is included.
Gene Rose, 46842 Foothill Road, Haines: Mr. Rose stated they may annex instead of contract for the areas outside the District.
Commissioner Cole clarified that the tax would be $.85 per $1,000.
Robert Seymour confirmed the $.85 is the proposed amount. The proposed tax base will be $22,740, not set until the Assessor says so.
Mr. Seymour stated they are planning on contracting out the paperwork involved to the City Bookkeeper. They are not planning on hiring a Fire Chief. He stated there are funds available for starting Fire Districts. Mr. Seymour stated unless they are a special Fire District, the funds are not available.
Commissioner Cole asked for additional comments from the audience. When none were received, Commissioner Cole closed the public hearing.
Order 2000-159: An Order Approving a Petition for Formation of a Rural Fire Protection District in Haines and the Surrounding Area, and Calling for an Election to Submit to the Electors the Question of Forming the District with a Permanent Rate Limit for Operating Taxes for the Proposed District. Commissioner Cole read the Order. Commissioner York moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Ballot Title: Haines Fire Protection District; Permanent Rate Limit. Commissioner York moved to approve and refer to the voters on the November 7, 2000 ballot. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing - Budget Adoption: Commissioner Cole opened the public hearing and called for a staff report from Patrick Smith.
Patrick Smith stated the purpose of his staff report was to identify the changes that had been made since the approved budget. He stated the County will be able to continue service and will not risk the County financially. Mr. Smith stated the Contingency and Ending Fund Balance for the end of the fiscal year is $975,135. The budget is complete and is fiscally conservative.
The Baker County Budget Committee met on several occasions. The Committee approved the budget with a vote of five in favor and one opposed on May 23, 2000. The Committee gave clear direction that a reduction in recurring costs was necessary. Based on that direction, Mr. Smith stated the following positions were reduced or removed from the budget:
- 1 full-time Patrol Deputy from the Sheriff=s Office
- 1 full-time Correctional Officer from the Sheriff=s Office
- 1 full-time Administrative Assistant from the Administrative Services Department
- Reduction from full-time to part-time Office Manager in Parole and Probation
- Reduction from full-time to part-time Juvenile Counselor in the Juvenile Department
- Reduction from full-time to part-time Deputy District Attorney in the District Attorney=s Office
Mr. Smith provided a background on the Beginning Fund Balance of the past several years.
1996-1997, adopted Beginning Fund Balance $1,199,764, actual Beginning Fund Balance $1,638,133
1997-1998, adopted Beginning Fund Balance $1,250,000, actual Beginning Fund Balance $1,605,000
1998-1999, adopted Beginning Fund Balance $1.2 million, actual Beginning Fund Balance $1.7 million
1999-2000, adopted Beginning Fund Balance $1.9 million, actual Beginning Fund Balance $1.921 million
Mr. Smith stated until the audit is complete, the numbers cannot be completely accurate. Patrick Smith stated the Beginning Fund Balance is important to get the County through the first four months of the new fiscal year. Mr. Smith stated that, for the first four months of the fiscal year, anticipated expenditures for 2000-2001are $1,764,381, revenues $910,526. He stated the necessary Beginning Fund Balance would need to be $853,855 in order to meet fiscal needs. Mr. Smith stated the budget before the Commissioners shows a Beginning Fund Balance of $975,000, and the projected needs are $854,000.
Mr. Smith gave a summary of changes to the Commissioners. He stated there were some areas in the budget that needed accounting clean-up (moving numbers, changed title, changed code), for better accounting practices. Mr. Smith stated the budgeted amount was increased based on the preliminary information from the Classification Study. He emphasized that the adjustment of the amount in no way predisposes the approval of the Commissioners on the Classification Study. Mr. Smith indicated the Health Insurance costs have had two changes since the proposed budget. CCIS announced a 2% increase that pays for the Agent=s commission. Mr. Smith stated the current cost budgeted for the agent is $12,000 annually. With the change, the amount will be $10,320 annually, paid directly from CCIS to the agent. The second change to the Health Insurance costs is the Opt-out option. Mr. Smith stated eight employees have elected this option. The savings to the County is approximately $27,000.
Patrick Smith stated that pursuant to the direction from the Commissioners, the following positions have been re-instated:
- Juvenile Department, part-time Counselor restored to full-time
- Sheriff=s Department, restoring of a road Deputy
- Administrative Services, restoring Department Assistant 2 position to part-time
- Parole and Probation, part-time Office Manager restored to full-time
Mr. Smith stated there is no change in the District Attorney=s Office or in the Sheriff=s Department Corrections position.
Mr. Smith stated there are changes in copier costs. Currently Bill Lee is working with Ryder Brothers to best meet the Courthouse needs.
New departments were formed under the Health Department. These departments will help Administrative Services better track the funding and grants within the Health Department.
Mr. Smith stated the Weed Department change reflects the latest conversation with Dave Clemens in which Baker County contracts from Union County for Weed Supervisor.
Additional changes involved moving the County Counsel and Personnel Officer into Administrative Services Department. The move does not represent any increases in the budget.
Mr. Smith stated the Public Safety budget also has changes. The agreement with FLETC did not include benefits. The cost of benefits are now in the budget.
Commissioner Cole stated the changes are fairly consistent with the initial proposed budget. He stated his budget did not cut positions, there were to have been some reduced hours in the Health Department. Commissioner Cole stated the Budget Committee was concerned with the Trend Line. He asked for Patrick Smith=s thoughts on the Trend Line.
Mr. Smith stated there are two ways to look at the trend. Currently Baker County is on a twelve month fiscal cycle. The trend is no more than twelve months for any given period. Mr. Smith stated the budget before the Commissioners is conservative. He believes they should look at the budget every 90 days at a minimum.
End of Staff Report
Robert Borgen: Mr. Borgen asked for clarification on the cuts on Law Enforcement. Commissioner Cole clarified that the only cut would be in the Jail. The patrol deputy was restored. Mr. Borgen stated that out in the rural areas there isn=t any, or very little Law Enforcement. He stated all the County funds go for administration. The Sheriff=s Office isn=t funded anymore. He stated there are a lot of people out in the rural area now, but not enough support. Mr. Borgen asked if it takes that many administrative people to run the County. He was upset at the hiring of Patrick Smith. He is concerned about possible medical problems that Mr. Smith may have, and who will pay for it.
Julia Woods: Mrs. Woods asked to verify that the new position in Administrative Services will be half-time and not full-time. Patrick Smith stated it is not a new position. Was occupied by Ginger Whitney. Will fill it half-time. Mrs. Woods stated, that is the same way the Clerk=s Office position was cut to half-time.
Josie Hermann: Ms. Hermann asked about the Classification Study. She understands that the reclassification for the un-represented employees is already built into the budget. Mr. Smith stated the results of the Classification Study (as they know it) has been built in for all employees. She stated the Union has not received any documentation on the Classification Study. She asked about the raises of some of the employees in the Study. Ms. Hermann is concerned that when the County looks at the budget in December, the raises will effect lay-offs again. Josie Hermann also stated that any reduction in the hours at the Health Department is against the contract. Mr. Smith stated that legal and personnel are looking into that.
Wanda Brady: Ms. Brady asked for clarification on the 90 day review of the budget. She was concerned that the same positions would be considered for cuts each time. Mr. Smith confirmed that they will look at the budget every 90 days. Any changes needed will be brought before the Commissioners and the Budget Committee.
Alice Durflinger: Ms. Durflinger asked when the Classification Study would be out. Patrick Smith stated his understanding from Debbie Hoopes was the Classification Study was sent electronically to the Union in the a.m. June 21, 2000. The final document will go before the Commissioners when it is received from Snyder Consulting.
Commissioner Cole asked Patrick Smith to let the Commissioners know if the Union has not received the Classification Study.
Jan Edge: Ms. Edge asked what services are being cut to keep the positions in the departments effected. Mr. Smith stated the Department Heads would be better able to answer the question on programs.
Debbie Bennett: Ms. Bennett, representing the Juvenile Department, stated there would not be any program cuts.
Sherry Quigley: Ms. Quigley stated that Parole and Probation made significant cuts in order to save Wanda Brady=s position. She stated money was cut out of Alcohol and Drug programs, Mental Health programs, maintenance, travel, and training.
Wanda Brady: Indigent funds were drastically cut. Ms. Brady stated she understands what Thom Van Artsdalen was doing . She believes that it is a concern to the whole community, and that people will be sleeping under bridges. Mr. Smith stated Mr. Van Artsdalen=s concern was that he would rather give the money to an employee than to an offender.
Josie Hermann: She asked how much Administrative Services increased. Mr. Smith stated that with the move in positions (counsel and personnel in, technology out) it is hard to say. Ms. Hermann stated she believes Patrick Smith has skated around the issue of increases in Administrative Services. She believes there would be a substantial increase in Administrative Services. Patrick Smith ran through the numbers.
Sheriff Terry Speelman: Sheriff Speelman stated the figures make it sound like the Sheriff=s Office has grown over the last three years. He would like the Commissioners to go back to where deputies were cut. The deputies were brought back under federal guidelines. The County has since picked up the wages. The Sheriff stated the population remains static, yet there are new houses out there in the County. More people are moving outside the City limits. Sheriff Speelman stated people used to take care of their own problems, now they call the Sheriff. The Sheriff=s Office receives 350 calls a month for service. Sheriff Speelman stated he appreciates having the Deputy re-instated. He is disappointed about the loss of the Corrections Officer position. Sheriff Speelman believes the loss increases liability in the Jail. Sheriff Speelman stated the Commissioners have always been supportive of the Sheriff=s Office.
Commissioner Cole stated that the Commissioners responsibilities are to make sure the Departments have the resources they need to do the job. It is the Department Heads responsibility to propose the information so the Commissioners can make the decision. The situation needs to be dealt with in the frame work of a team. Commissioner Cole stated that talking about what other departments received is not teamwork.
Julie Woods: Ms. Woods stated the Commissioners are coming up short. She believes the position in the Clerk=s Office should be full-time. Ms. Woods stated that she was told the Commissioners would look at it. She doesn=t believe it=s fair, and she believes the Commissioners have not given her the resources to get the job done. Ms. Woods stated the work will not get done if the Clerk=s Office has two recall elections going at the same time.
Jan Edge: Ms. Edge stated her intent was not to come to the hearing and attack somebody. She believes the answer she received was Abalance the budget@. She still wanted to know what programs would be cut. Commissioner Cole stated Debbie Bennett and employees from Parole and Probation answered her question. Mr. Smith stated the departments were responsible for the specific reductions made.
Commissioner Cole stated his job as Budget Officer is to propose a balanced budget. This was done in April. The budget was voted on and passed 5 to 1. The Committee gave instruction to find $150,000 in additional cuts. Patrick Smith has provided additional information on the Beginning Fund Balance for the next year. Commissioner Cole stated that we are not far off from where we started.
Wanda Brady: Ms. Brady asked Commissioner Cole how much of a salary increase he has received since taking office. Commissioner Cole stated he started at $41,900, his current salary is $48,200. Next year his salary will be $50,800. Ms. Brady stated she understands how the pay raises are decided. She asked the Commissioners why they are accepting the raises if the County is hurting for money.
Josie Hermann: Ms. Hermann questioned the 12% and 13% pay raise for Department Heads and Elected Officials as compared to the 3%, 2.5%, and 2.5%. Commissioner Cole informed Ms. Hermann that the Department Heads and Elected Officials do not receive 5% step increases. Commissioner Britton pointed out that the Commissioners have never increased wages above what has been recommended by the Compensation Board.
Robert Borgen: Mr. Borgen wanted to know what compensation Commissioner Cole would be receiving from the City for his Economic Development work. Commissioner Cole stated he will not receive compensation from the City of Baker City, he is a full-time Commission Chairman. The City of Baker City will transfer $32,000 to the County. Beginning July 1, 2000, the function of Economic Development will be done by the County. An Economic Development Assistant position will be funded by the City.
Commissioner Cole asked for additional public comment. Upon receiving none, Commissioner Cole closed the Public Hearing.
Patrick Smith stated the document before the Commissioners represents an extensive amount of work. It is the intent of Administrative Services to monitor the budget closely. Still planning on supplemental in December.
Commissioner York stated he would like to know what is needed by September if possible. He stated that more revenue needs to be found. In the past years when we had money, we have purchased items we wouldn=t have otherwise. Commissioner York stated we need to keep a close eye on that.
Resolution 2000-1035: Adopting the 2000-2001 Budget. Commissioner Britton read the Funds. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2000-1036: Declaring the Ad Valorem Property Tax and Categorizing the Property Tax Limitation for Baker County for 2000-2001. Commissioner Cole read the Resolution. Commissioner York moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Lime Plant: Sarah Johnston stated the clean-up at the Lime Plant has been amazing. She stated the County is required to sign, place barriers, and clean-up the dump on Langley Road. Started cleaning up the dump last Tuesday. Blocked off lower portion of plant. Unable to block off upper portion, has been a public thoroughfare. The dump of the tires cost $12,000 more than anticipated. Ms. Johnston stated that it may take a couple thousand more to finish the job.
Baker County Planning Commission Meeting: Ms. Johnston stated the Commission will be discussing the proposed building on Hughes Lane. Dick Haynes wants an entrance for each lot. Sarah Johnston, Ken Helgerson, Grant Young, and Bill Searles would like to attend and ask for a continuance.
Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Dunn
Executive Assistant to the Board of Commissioners