Minutes - 2-21-14 Budget Kickoff Work Session

Home Browse Search

B K 00026 PG listing process. Many businesses have until March 15th to file, and the data entry work indicates approximately 6,700 personal property accounts remain to be processed. In addition, taxpayers have until June 1St to file for senior citizen and disabled veteran exemption programs. The department is in the process of totaling exemption applications and present -use applications at this time. Ms. Yow further stated a more accurate tax base will be provided by April 1St. Information comparing Business Personal property over the past 5 -years was provided, as well as how the top taxpayers are looking so far. Data on pending appeals for 2013 and sales ration information was also provided. Preliminary sales ratio numbers indicate that the County is very close to the current market value, which would be the expected result the year of a revaluation. A look over past years shows that the market has not been changing as rapidly as it once was. Sales ratio is an important indicator for planning a revaluation. No action was taken. At this time the Board took a 15 minute break. Upon returning from break, with all Commissioners present except Commissioner Knecht, the work session resumed. Assistant County Manager /Finance Director Lisa Minter presented the Monthly Financial Report for month ending January 31, 2014. Historical numbers and trends regarding various revenues and expenses were also presented and discussed. Ms. Minter presented a list of items from the FY 2013 -14 budget that were not funded but the Board wanted to reconsider in the FY 2014 -15 budget. Additional items for consideration in the FY 2014 -15 budget have been added to the list for the Board's consideration. Ms. Minter asked the Board for direction and guidelines to assist staff to follow during the upcoming budget process. The following items from the FY 2013 -14 budget that were not funded include: Phase I of pay and classification study $ 108,938 Exemption and Deferment Specialist (Tax Office) 47,462 Family Consumer Science Agent (Cooperative Extension) 27,594 Clerk of Court — storage and jury rooms ? ?? Two part-time dispatchers to full time 84,632 Horton Park upgrade 140,000 IT off -site storage 55,000 Civic Center doors 350,000 Storage for lawn mowers (Civic Center) 5,000 COLA — 1.8% 308,000 Health Insurance — 11.4% increase 215,000 SROs (estimated for 16 officers with no capital) 667,424 Four Social Services positions approved 2/17/14 59,549 1 % supplement for teachers 375,000 1 % supplement for non - classified school positions 100.000 $ 2,543,599 Commissioner Womack had questions in reference to health insurance; Commissioner Reives asked that the Board look at items of importance and see if some could be eliminated; Commissioner Frazier stated he felt the Civic Center doors was a safety issue and should be addressed; and Commissioner Reives asked what impact a 2% reduction across the board would do to departments. Ms. Minter shared with the Board information showing each department's current budget and the amount a 1%, 2% or 3% cut would amount to for each one. Commissioner Womack stated if the SROs were funded as presented, other cuts would have to be made in departments. Commissioner 2