Budget and Capital
Committee
April 10, 2006
3 p.m.
Scott Heyman Conference Room
Present: M. Koplinka-Loehr, N. Shinagawa, M. Sigler, R. Booth, P. Mackesey
Legislators: T. Joseph
Staff: N. Jayne, S. Whicher, J. Grogan, County Administration; P. Carey, DSS, A. Fitzpatrick, Personnel; K. Leinthall, Department of Probation and Community Justice, L. Holmes, COFA, M. Pottorff, Legislature Office; B. Grinnell-Crosby, A. Cole, Health Department; D. Squires, Finance
Guests: R. Carnrike, TCAT; News Media
Called to Order
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
The following resolution(s) were added to the agenda:
Authorizing FY 2006 Federal Section 5309 Grant - TCAT, Inc.
Authorizing 2006 Federal Section 5307 Grant - TCAT, Inc.
It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the minutes of March 27, 2006 with the change suggested by Mr. Booth. MINUTES APPROVED.
Mr. Whicher distributed copies of the April 7, 2006 NYSAC Weekly Wire in which it was stated that earlier in the week the Senate and Assembly passed legislation that gives localities the option to revisit the local share of sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases under $110. In the final hours of State budget negotiations, the Senate and Assembly rejected the Governor's proposal to continue the practice of offering two temporary tax free weeks and instead decided to allow the year-round sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110 to return on April 1st. Due to the short notice and potential budgetary impact to localities, the NYS Legislature would provide an immediate local option. If signed by the Governor, this bill would allow local governments to pass a resolution by May 15, 2006 eliminating the local portion of the clothing tax on June 1, 2006. In addition, the 10 counties and four cities that had previously approved resolutions committing them to a year-round sales tax exemption are given the option of deciding if they want to reinstate the local clothing tax until June 20, 2006.
Ms. Jayne said she had contacted City of Ithaca Mayor, Carolyn Peterson on this matter. The Mayor indicated that the City is not predisposed to making a mid-year change, yet would like to meet with the County to discuss this for consideration for implementation on January 1, 2007; it was noted that the membership of Common Council has changed since the last time this issue was raised.
Mr. Sigler would like to know the potential fiscal impact. Mr. Joseph said the best estimate provided so far has been $500,000 for a full year. He noted this is only a guess because sales tax does not get recorded in a way that can be broken down to provide a more precise figure.
No member of the Committee wished to bring forward a recommendation to move forward with this change mid-year. The Committee did, however, agree to begin discussions with the City about this for 2007.
Mr.
Sigler asked that if a meeting is scheduled to discuss this with the City of
Ithaca, that all municipalities be invited to attend. Mr. Whicher said he would bring this issue up at the next
Intermunicipal meeting on April 28, 2006 and allow 30 minutes for discussion,
inviting representatives from the City in advance. .
Resolution No. - AUTHORIZING ADDITION OF one hundred percent FUNDED 0.5 FTE REGISTERED NURSE POSITION –DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services needs to increase by 0.5 FTE the staff it dedicates to serving the growing number of Tompkins County residents who participate in the Expanded Non-Medical In-Home Services to the Elderly Program (EISEP), and
WHEREAS, the Department will receive a mix of Federal and State reimbursement which, combined, will cover one hundred percent of the additional costs associated with this increase, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has a qualified employee, presently working half-time in that title, who is willing to take on the additional workload and hours, now therefore be it
Resolved, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Capital Committees, That effective May 1, 2006 one of the Department of Social Services’ 0.5 FTE position Registered Nurse – Grade 14 (565) be increased to full-time (1.0 FTE, 35 hours/week.),
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized to make the following pro-rated 2006 budget adjustments to reflect this change:
Social Services Adjustments
REVENUE: A6010.44601 Federal – Medicaid $10,005
A6010.43602 State – Medicaid $10,005
APPROP: A6010.51000.565 Salary – Registered Nurse $14,396
A6010.58800 Fringes $ 5,614
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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RESOLUTION
NO. – 2005
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR
EMPLOYEES
MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr. Ms. Jayne distributed revised figures for the Facilities Division and the Health Department.
Mr. Whicher reported he met a second time with department heads and asked for their Rollover estimates and learned that the use of most of the Rollover funds that might have been allocated for '05 salary settlements have been planned for by departments. Many departments have already made obligations for Rollover funds or will use the funds to cover anticipated department budget overruns. He recommended that the resolution be adopted as proposed as it goes along with the current Fiscal Policy. He also noted that per the existing Fiscal Policy the Legislature retains the right to approve the use of all Rollover funds.
Mr. Booth feels that these specific Rollover Funds that could be used for covering the salary adjustment should be used instead of going to the General Fund, to allow for greater flexibility of County resources.
Ms. Mackesey said she believes there was a great misunderstanding as to what was meant by "hold department harmless" and how the salary increases were going to be paid for; because she feels department morale is important she will support this resolution at this time. She noted she is unsure about her position on the use of Certified Departmental Rollover Funds and the overall policy in the long-term.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr stated that in the future the Legislature should communicate a clear plan in advance to all departments on how to handle anticipated contract settlements.
Mr. Booth said later this year he would like to examine the question of whether to keep all salary and benefit monies in the General Fund. He said this is a large amount of money each year and it can provide flexibility the County needs. Ms. Leinthall noted that keeping all salary and benefit funds in department budgets will allow some departments to generate State aid reimbursement. Mr. Whicher said all departments collect reimbursements differently; however, he agreed that removing these funds from the Department of Probation and Community Justice would impact the Department's revenue.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said the Legislature could take a look at the sources of Rollover and could discuss whether or not to allow Rollover to be generated from salaries and fringe benefits, at a future point, but that is not for discussion today.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4, Noes - 1 (Booth). MOTION CARRIED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 117 of 2005, “Establishment of Guidelines and Fiscal Targets for All County Budgeting Units for the Preparation of the 2006 Budget,” stated that all salary changes and associated fringe costs or savings will be p aid through or received by the General Fund, and
WHEREAS, the bargaining agreement between Tompkins County and the White Collar Union, for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007, was ratified, and
WHEREAS, Management and Confidential 2005 salary adjustments were already included in the 2006 fiscal targets, and
WHEREAS, the bargaining agreement between Tompkins County and the Blue Collar Union for the years 2005. 2006, and 2007, was ratified, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That effective April 19, 2006, the departmental accounts listed on the attached departmental summary document for fiscal year 2005 be increased by the amounts indicated from the following revenue accounts:
REVENUE: General Fund Balance, Highway Fund Balance, Airport Fund Balance,
Sold Waste Fund Balance, Workforce Development Fund Balance
RESOLVED, further, That this does not increase the department’s fiscal target and does not negatively effect the department’s rollover.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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RESOLUTION NO. – APPROPRIATION
FROM CONTINGENT FUND – CITY OF
ITHACA – MUNICIPAL SALES
TAX AGREEMENT
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey. Mr. Joseph provided the Committee with an overview of the history of the sales tax agreement. He said when the County instituted the additional one percent sales tax there was a debate about whether the County should keep or share revenue with the towns and the City, and noted the City was able to block State enabling authorization if they did not get their share. It was different the first year; however, since then the arrangement has been that the County retains 3/4 of the revenue from outside the City and towns get 1/4. The City ultimately retains an additional 1/4% of the revenue generated from the additional one percent; however, all of that 1/4% is allocated to various agencies and services as outlined in the Sales Tax Agreement.
Mr. Joseph noted that in the Sales Tax Agreement it states the amount allocated for transit services will be based on the City's share of the adopted budget of the Transit Center; however, the amount is what it was in 1998. He also noted the agreement contains no expiration date and although he has suggested to do away with the agreement on several occasions, the City has not wanted to.
Mr.
Booth said he believes there are two issues that need to be addressed: the bottom line of what the total
amount is and how the figures for disbursement of the monies are
calculated. Mr. Whicher said he
will work with Mr. Squires and Mr. Joseph to produce an explanation as to how
the figures in the Agreement are calculated.
Mr. Whicher said there will be a NYS proposal brought to municipalities in a couple of years on how to pay for Medicaid and feels it would make sense at that time to have a discussion with all municipalities. He suggested that the Legislature allow the current arrangement to stay in place until that time.
Ms. Mackesey noted that part of this money for the City goes directly toward paying human services agencies which she feels is very important. She said this insures that there is stability in those agencies and she feels there is great value in that, as the work of those agencies saves millions of dollars.
A voice vote on approving the resolution and submitting to the full Legislature resulted as follows: Ayes - 5, Noes - 0. MOTION CARRIED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 87 of 1993, gave authorization for the County to enter into an agreement with the City of Ithaca for the distribution of sales tax proceeds, and
WHEREAS, the County pays for selected services provided by the City in an amount that increases or decreases yearly based on the percentage change in actual sales tax collected in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, actual collections within the City of Ithaca increased by 13.5 percent in 2005, and
WHEREAS, adjustments necessary to pay the various agencies requires an appropriation from the Contingent Fund, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the Director of Finance be authorized to make the following budget appropriation:
BUDGET APPROPRIATION:
From:
Unallocated Revenues A9999.41110 $133,841
To: Budget 2006
Due Change
CDRC A6313.54400 $ 16,799 $ 20,378 $ 3,579
OAR A6315.54400 $ 5,204 $ 5,909 $ 705
HSC Agencies A6305.54400 $206,726 $234,726 $ 28,000
County/City
Program Change A6901.54666 $227,629 $329,186
$101,557
TOTAL CHANGE $133,841
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZING 2006 FEDERAL SECTION 5307 GRANT –
TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED
AREA TRANSIT, INC.
It
was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote to approve the following resolution and submit to the full
Legislature.
WHEREAS, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects pursuant to Section 5307 of Chapter 53, Title 49 of the United States Code (formerly Section 9, Federal Transit Act of 1964), and
WHEREAS,
the County of Tompkins is the designated recipient by the Governor of New York
State of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 Urban Formula
transit funds and will apply on behalf of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit
(TCAT, Inc.) to receive and use said funds, less reimbursement for
County-designated costs for FTA grant administration and oversight in 2006, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins desires to
submit a request for a grant of funds to the Federal Transit Administration, in
the amount of $1,371,936 to be used for operating assistance, including grant
administration and oversight; and for capital and planning projects for 2006 as
approved by the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council and included in
the 2004-2006 Transportation Improvement Program as amended and listed as
follows:
|
Project |
FTA 5307 Funding |
NYSDOT |
TCAT |
TOTAL |
|
Preventative Maintenance |
$534,000 |
$66,800 |
$66,800 |
$668,000 |
|
ADP Hardware/Software |
$1,400 |
175 |
175 |
1,750 |
|
Communications & Office Equipment |
32,000 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
40,000 |
|
Security Equipment |
$800 |
100 |
100 |
1,000 |
|
Shop Equipment |
$2,400 |
300 |
300 |
3,000 |
|
Short Term Transit Planning |
$20,000 |
2,500 |
2,500 |
25,000 |
|
Operating Assistance |
780,936 |
$2,800,000 |
4,729,659 |
8,310,595 |
|
Total |
$1,371,936 |
$2,873,875 |
$4,803,534 |
$9,049,345 |
, now therefore be it
RESOLVED,
on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee,
That the Tompkins County Legislature authorizes the County Contracts
Coordinator to execute and file applications on behalf of the County of
Tompkins with the United States Department of Transportation and the New York
State Department of Transportation for the 2006 Section 5307 Grant, in the
amount of $1,371,936,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Contracts Coordinator is authorized to sign:
1. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and the State of New York for the Project.
2. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and any third-party subcontractors necessary to complete the project, if applicable.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Explanation: Federal transit funding in the amount of $1,371,936 includes $780,936 in operating assistance with the remainder ($591,000) for capital & planning projects for TCAT in 2006.
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZING
FY 2006 FEDERAL SECTION 5309 GRANT –
TOMPKINS
CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT, INC.
It
was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote to approve the following resolution and submit to the full
Legislature.
WHEREAS, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects pursuant to Section 5309 of Chapter 53, Title 49 of the United States Code (formerly Section 9, Federal Transit Act of 1964), and
WHEREAS,
the County of Tompkins is the designated recipient, by the Governor of New York
State, of Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities funds and will apply on behalf of
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT, Inc.) to receive and use said
funds, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins desires to submit a request for a grant of funds to the Federal Transit Administration, in the amount of $853,073 for the purchase of one forty-foot, low-floor, hybrid electric bus; construction of the City Center Project Phase I; and purchase of smartcard fare collection equipment for TCAT buses. The projects were approved by the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council and included in the 2004-2006 Transportation Improvement Program, as amended, now therefore be it
RESOLVED,
on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee,
That the Tompkins County Legislature authorizes the County Contracts
Coordinator to execute and file an application on behalf of the County of
Tompkins with the United States Department of Transportation and the New York
State Department of Transportation for the FY 2006 Section 5309 Grant, in the
amount of $853,073, and a budget as shown:
|
Project |
FTA 5309 |
New York State |
TCAT |
Total |
|
Hybrid Electric Bus |
$242,945 |
$212,868 |
$30,368 |
$486,181 |
|
City Center Project |
$446,128 |
$55,766 |
$55,766 |
$557,660 |
|
Smartcard Fare Collection |
$164,000 |
$20,500 |
$20,500 |
$205,000 |
|
Total |
$853,073 |
$289,134 |
$106,634 |
$1,248,841 |
RESOLVED, further, the County Contracts Coordinator is authorized to sign:
1. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and the State of New York for the Project
2. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and any third-party subcontractors necessary to complete the project, if applicable.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Explanation: The capital grant applies for $853,073 in Federal Transit Administration Section 5309 funds for 2006. The funds will be used to purchase one hybrid diesel-electric 40 ft., low floor bus, which will be the third hybrid electric bus to be ordered by TCAT this year. The City Center Project is a joint project with the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County to reconstruct the TCAT bus stops at the Seneca Street – Commons and Cayuga/State Street. This project is a significant reconstruction of sidewalks, curbing, shelters, and installation of bus stop information signs, trees, and other streetscape elements. The smartcard TCAT fare collection system will use contactless smartcards for counting approximately 86% of TCAT riders, and improve accuracy for earning state transit operating assistance, at $.405 per passenger. Public notice of this capital grant was published on March 13, 2006. No public comments were received during the comment period.
The
Committee reviewed information contained in the agenda packet in preparation
for the Legislative Retreat to be held on April 27, 2006 for the purpose of
having useful information to guide the
process of arriving at a tax levy "charge" to the County
Administrator/organization. Mr.
Booth requested that the information packet for the retreat include a sales tax
and property tax comparison of other counties on a per capita basis. He also
requested a summary sheet showing the growth rate over the last several years
(e.g. Library, TCAD) of programs that do not fall into any County department
.
The Committee was satisfied with the information presented.
Mr. Whicher explained the difference between the directive the Legislature gives departments with regard to 2007 Fiscal Targets in June and the Charge to the County Administrator, which will most likely be finalized at the May 2 Legislature meeting.
The Fiscal Target directive is a specific statement to department of how much of the Fiscal Target is going to change and whether fiscal targets include salary adjustments. These Fiscal Targets are what departments will use to prepare 2007 budget requests.
The Charge to the County Administrator relates to what percentage change in the tax levy the Legislature determines to be acceptable in meeting organizational needs balanced with the property tax burden; following a report by the County Administrator, the Legislature will charge the County Administrator to develop a budget with a specific tax levy target.
20-Year
Capital Plan
The item was deferred to the next meeting.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said based on comments made at previous meetings of this Committee, some draft wording for a revised Fiscal Policy is being presented for our review that incorporates the comments and suggestions made.
Mr. Joseph suggested removing the "Cost Savers" section from the Fiscal Policy as he feels they only apply to circumstances where across-the-board cuts are being made. Mr. Sigler said he would like that section to remain in the Policy. The Committee requested Administration to determine a reasonable timeline to proceed with these recommended changes over the next few months.
Mr.
Koplinka-Loehr announced he will not be in attendance at the next Legislature
meeting, therefore, will need Ms. Mackesey to provide the Committee
report. Mr. Grogan
was asked to include a statement that no action is being taken with regard to
the sales tax option in the April 18, 2006 Legislature Highlights.
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Pottorff, Legislature Office