Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:07 p.m. by Mr. Proto, Chairman.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda
There were no additions/changes to the agenda.
Approval of Minutes of August 2, 2006
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members to approve the minutes of July 5, 2006, as amended.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Ken Schlather, Executive Director, reported on the potential impact of the Legislative Directed Budget Reduction (LDR) proposal. He stated Cooperative Extension has proved to be a good steward of County funds; that since 2003 have returned $11 for every $1 provided by the County, and an overall return of $9 per $1. Mr. Schlather said cuts have been made in the past several years, giving particular attention to areas suggested by the County as priorities. Cooperative Extension has increased its grant revenue substantially over the past three years, and is a fairly large employer that adds value to the County. Mr. Schlather said that Cooperative Extension continues to make efforts to reduce expenses.
Mr. Schlather noted following a review of programs and areas of potential decreases it became obvious that the areas that could be reduced were the agricultural sector and the 4-H program. With staff being the highest program cost these two areas were seen as potential areas of savings due to the manner in which staffed. He reviewed the financial spreadsheets that indicated the various programs and how they are funded and explained that a correlation between staff time and programs was required to determine how to come to the LDR figure. Some of the staff funding is shared between programs and may be funded through various grants received from outside sources such as Cornell University and other counties. The resources are pooled and sometimes cross-counties. Examples provided were the dairy program that has three full-time employees working across a five county area, and the vegetable crop section has four employees covering a five county area.
Mr. Schlather indicated that one of the ramifications of the $100,000 reduction outlined by the LDR would be the need to increase contractual costs or to possibly eliminate some programs as the standard operational expenses would remain the same as before the budget reduction. He noted that his agency is working on developing a report to indicate the overall revenue equivalent generated by them as a result of programs that could be eliminated. He also indicated a potential loss associated with the elimination of some programs that produce sales tax revenue, such as the plant sales.
Mr. Proto expressed appreciation to all the agencies and departments for the work undertaken in developing a very difficult budget.
Ms. Robertson inquired where the increased revenue from grants originated. She also noted some funds were saved by building their own computers rather than purchasing them. Mr. Schlather reported that Mr. Whicher has looked into the possibility, however discussions with the County Information Technology Services Director a concern was expressed that due to limited staffing it is important to have standard computers to work on. He indicated that several individuals have built computers for his agency, within standards that were developed to enable repairs to be made easily. Mr. Schlather then noted the grants received are energy related from NYSERDA and food programs such as obesity, nutrition education, etc. from both private and Federal sources.
Mr. Proto said that there presently is an Economic Development Plan being developed by Tompkins County Area Development that does not include an agricultural goal. He asked what potential cuts in the budget may effect this plan. Mr. Schlather said approximately fifty percent of the County’s 500 farmers work with technicians and educators in our county as well as Cortland and Tioga counties. He noted his agency is one of the few who provide assistance to struggling farmers to enable them to continue with farming. Presently there is an increase in farming in the County. Mr. Proto noted that agriculture provide between $50 - $60 million to the local economy and are part of the farmers markets. Mr. Schlather noted that between horticulture and agriculture there is over $100 million in sales in the County.
Human Services Coalition
Salary and Benefits Survey
Ms. Schlather introduced Lisa Horn who was responsible for compiling
the information contained in the Salary and Benefits Survey. She
said the survey, a highly used tool, was funded equally by the County and
local funding. Ms. Horn briefly reviewed pertinent information contained
in the survey report and noted the following:
· This is the sixth survey completed; updates are approximately
three years apart.
· Questions are asked in nineteen job categories.
· Information provided is compiled and provides non-profit agencies
the opportunity to review their compensation plans to determine if they
are competitive and therefore try to reduce turn-over of employees.
· According to a survey done in Syracuse of the surrounding
area counties, Tompkins County salaries for higher level positions are
lower than other areas, and the salaries for lower level positions are
somewhat higher. When factoring a cost of living adjustment (COLA)
for Ithaca (no COLA was available for Tompkins County) in each area, positions
are significantly lower, and therefore not keeping up with inflation.
· Fifty-six percent of organizations have had to decrease the
number of staff through lay-offs, or attrition.
· Health insurance costs have risen between 6-7 percent each
year over the past four years. In order to deal with increased costs
there are attempts to seek a lower-cost policy and as well as increased
co-pays and employee contribution rates.
· When asked what benefit would be the most desirable to offer
the response was retirement; only 63% presently offer this benefit.
· Ms. Robertson noted that although there have been attempts
to cut costs, health insurance incrases are double-digit each year.
Preliminary Budget Review
Ms. Kathy Schlather spoke of the three programs within the Human Services Coalition, noting that the proposed cut would eliminate 1 1/3 FTE employee, and would require the elimination of one program. She indicated that she believes it would be the Legislature’s decision as to which program should be removed.
Information and Referral
Ms. Schlather spoke of the Information and Referral program having the only comprehensive database of services in Tompkins County and is work-intensive to maintain. She indicated the individual that comprises the department not only maintains the database, but also assesses the need of the caller to best direct them to appropriate services. In addition, Information and Referral produces the Human Resource directory which is reviewed and updated to provide accurate information to agencies and individuals throughout the County.
Ms. Schlather spoke of this year’s project to provide a 211 system that would enable residents to quickly call one number for referrals to agencies and services. This project funding comes from a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $42,000/year for several years and a State grant of $100,000 for the startup costs.
Health Planning Council
Ms. Schlather spoke of the 40-year existence of the Health Planning Council, the only neutral and independent organization providing comprehensive planning around health issues. It has been involved in the development of long-term care planning, Hospicare, Family Medical Associates downtown office. In addition, the current program has brought in the Health Care Network ($146,000/year), Tompkins Rx Program ($360,000 savings to date), Urgent Rx Program ($50,000 United Way and Park Foundation Grant) for medication assistance to uninsured, Sharing Your Wishes ($70,000), and other items such as writing grants that provided emergency defibrillators to various rural fire departments within the County. Ms. Schlather said there is a need to have the planning entity to bring in these funds and that it produces a four to one return; if eliminated the funding brought in would end.
She spoke of the Health Planning Council’s recent involvement with several County departments regarding the Single Point of Entry for Long-Term Care; it was decided that rather than reinvent the process it would be better to utilize the Health Planning Council as it is experienced on this issue.
Human Service Planning
This is the program that provides a review of the 17 agencies and includes citizens review committees that assist in evaluating the programs, provide support to the organizations, and enable long-range planning and coordination of services, the Homeless and Housing Task Force, as well as grant management. In addition, this program serves as the lead agency in the Continuum of Care, bringing between $250,000 to $300,000 a year to the community for support services for homeless individuals, as well as FEMA grants and other services as a contracted agency for the County.
Ms. Schlather stated that if a program was eliminated due to budget cuts it may save tax dollars, in the short term, however in several years a negative effect may result due to a loss of the cross-agency coordination. In the future if it were determined it was needed again it could cost more to reinstate than to continue a program.
Members of the Committee shared their experiences of individuals assisted by the Human Services Coalition staff efforts, including assisting with a blending of services. It was also noted that elimination of services provided by HSC could potentially result in a loss of services from other agencies, particularly with regard to planning services and grant writing. In addition, the Human Services Coalition sponsors a planning forum each month to update agencies on various items of interest and also assists in emergency situations like Hurricane Katrina in coordinating and planning of assistance.
Ms. Schlather noted that the two agencies subject to a potential decrease in their budget are Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance and Lifelong.
Ms. Robertson inquired if there are any anticipated reductions in State funding that would be important to know. Ms. Schlather will look into that matter.
Mr. Whicher said he believes that in many areas of the budget there will be areas that will be affected by reductions in other agencies/departments. While developing budgets he has seen that a $50,000 savings in one area can result in a $200,000 increase in another. Ms. Schlather stated some reductions could result in elimination of some agencies completely as they are dependent on other agencies/departments.
Social Services
Preliminary Budget Review
Ms. Carey and Mr. Herden had provided financial information showing over-target requests as well as the impact of the LDR in advance of the meeting and asked if members of the Committee had questions relating to the information.
Ms. Robertson asked what portion of the proposed budget involves rollover funds. Mr. Herden stated some of the OTR’s had a rollover request to fund them, leaving some rollover funding which may be asked to be a target in lieu of rollover (TILOR) request. Mr. Whicher indicated that when the department receives over target requests combined with the LDR he does not anticipate there will be rollover funds remaining.
Mr. Proto asked if the increase in the mandated costs is due to an increase in participants, the cost of programs, or rule changes. Ms. Carey stated that $454,000 of the $784,000 is due to percentage calculations for Medicaid. In addition, there has been a higher rate of juvenile delinquent placements this year and it is anticipated to increase. She noted it is an area the County does not have control over. These are youth who have had trouble with the law and due to their age are placed in the custody of Department of Social Services. This past year there were five such placements; previous years would see perhaps one a year.
Mr. Herden stated the Safety Net program does not have to do with the number of clients or benefit levels, but rather the strategy the State has said it intends to employ to increase the chances of the State to meet the new Federal work participation rate requirement. Because cases will shift from Federal funding to a 50/50 State and local funding there will be an anticipated increase in local share. He explained that due to the potential sanctions if the work participation rate is not met, this is being seen as a way to remove some individuals who would have the potential of reducing participation rates; the shift could ultimately save the State and counties money. Ms. Carey indicated there is legislation in Albany to enable the State to make a decision to shift individuals to Safety Net rather than the Federal government.
Ms. Carey spoke of items that would not show up directly in budget material presented to the Legislature. She noted that for the past two years they have not increased contracted services for salary adjustments or cost of living adjustments. If a new service will save money, contracts are changed, and if it is deemed prudent, contracts are eliminated when necessary and put out as a request for proposals if the services are mandated.
Monthly Reports
Ms. Robertson noted that an important factor when reviewing the reports was that most facets of the administration of the department leverage local dollars from the State.
Mental Health
Update on Single Room Occupancy
Mr. DeLuca reported that Lakeview Mental Health’s application for a tax credit from the State was not awarded and will have to seek some funding elsewhere. However, Lakeview has received the first $120,000 from the State and it will be utilized for the architectural design and perhaps demolition. Ultimately this means that although there may be a delay in the construction it is proceeding forward.
With regard to Unity House, Mr. DeLuca reported they are attempting to close the program, however 17 individuals still reside there. At this time they are going through the single point of access to locate placements for the individuals; they will not close until everyone has placements.
Lakeside Nursing Home is working with the State Health Department to put in 14 – 20 adult home beds. They will be meeting with the Office of Mental Health in several weeks to discuss this proposal.
His department is carefully following the situation at Unity House, as they have a client relationship.
Preliminary Budget Review
Mr. DeLuca spoke of the two positions of Child Psychologist and Emergency Outreach Psychiatric Social Worker that are being requested. He noted that although it appears as a new request, the Child Psychologist position has been funded for the last several years. He said there is a shortage of child psychiatrists nationwide and the County is fortunate to have a board certified staff member at this time. Mr. DeLuca spoke of the multi-sharing of this position between the County, Family and Children’s Services, and Cayuga Medical. The Emergency Outreach program is a key program that assists individuals located at schools, jail, and community. This request is to balance caseload of the present individual that carries a large workload. He said that funding for these requests are almost identical as the previous year’s budget.
Mr. Whicher explained that if target funding for a position was not included in the prior year, he treats it as a new initiative, even though it may have been in place for several years.
Mr. DeLuca indicated that the County Administrator’s budget recommended the positions be retained. It was noted that $47,409 was the LGD reduction for his department.
The Committee briefly discussed strategies considered to consolidate services and positions in order to reduce expenses and was informed the department is at a point where further reductions would affect services in a negative manner. It was noted that due to reimbursements a great deal of the budget is funded from outside sources, with positions not funded locally. Mr. Whicher noted that with Mental Health there is a 2/1 return on local dollars. Mr. DeLuca stressed that his department deals with ill individuals and that the services provided assist with outreach programs that deal with community safety.
Health Department
Environmental Health
Mr. Andersson stated the Department has submitted a three over-target requests: (1) a vehicle; (2) a one-half FTE Sanitarian; and (3) a water well permit program. He spoke of the need for the items, noting the Sanitarian position is to allow him as an engineer to do duties more in line with his title. Mr. Andersson reviewed what the water well program would accomplish, noting the importance of siting a well within proper distances of septic systems.
The Committee discussed the topics briefly and noted the budget presented assumes that a water fee will be collected.
Community Health Services
Ms. Connors spoke of the over-target requests submitted: (1) two vehicles; (2) a laptop computer and printer; and (3) a physical therapist. She reported that her nurses made over 6,000 visits this past year and the present vehicles are very old. These vehicles are used to carry the nursing supplies and equipment used to provide services and would be purchased under the State contract. The physical therapist request is brought about due to the significant increase in visits (doubled in the past few years). Last year the present physical therapist was increased to full-time and a contract is in place for a part-time physical therapist. Ms. Connors noted that attempts to contract for a physical therapist have not been successful as the contracted rates are not competitive enough; however, there has been interest in a full time position with benefits. At the present time the department is dependent on contractors for approximately one-half the work. This has shown not to be a reliable or dependable means to meet the need of clients. She reported that over the course of the past year twenty-six client references had to be turned down, which equates to a revenue loss of between $50,000 to $70,000.
In response to a question from Ms. Robertson about the difference between staff and contract cost, it was reported that although there would be a partial cost for the benefit package, it was thought it would be a greater benefit to have a staff member rather than a contracted service for reliability. Approximately $35,000 of revenues would offset the salary. In addition, it is believed less supervisory time would be required for an employee. When asked about the need for an additional vehicle, Ms. Cole indicated the distance driven by employees would be determined, with the fewest miles driven covered through the local mileage rate; this is included in the budget. Ms. Connors noted the “baby boomer” generation is aging and is requiring more services. Mr. Whicher inquired how services are received when the County cannot take on any more cases. Ms. Connors indicated other home health agencies have helped, but many times physicians request the County Health Department to take on cases.
Office for the Aging
RESOLUTION NO. - ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FROM NEW YORK STATE HOUSING TRUST FUND CORPORATION FOR RESTORE PROGRAM – OFFICE FOR THE AGING
MOVED by Mr. Stevenson, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging maintains a
last-resort fund to pay health- and safety-related repairs to homes of
low-income clients, and
WHEREAS, client payments and subsidies are sought to cover the
costs of repairs, and
WHEREAS, funding is often not adequate to cover costs without
further assistance from the last resort fund, and
WHEREAS, home repairs have been identified as a major need for
low-income seniors in two decennial countywide needs assessments, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been awarded
a grant from New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation to fund the
RESTORE program in the amount of $40,000, and
WHEREAS, the grant will serve the home repair needs of an estimated
twenty households who are in emergency situation, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging has expressed
a willingness to administer the RESTORE program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, that the County hereby accepts this grant of $40,000,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized to
make the following adjustments to his books:
REVENUE: A6779.43803 State Revenue $40,000
APPROPRIATION: A6779.51000215 Salary – Director $
234
A6779.51000517 Salary – Outreach Director $
739
A6779.51000529 Salary – Sr. Acct. Clerk/Typist $
134
A6779.51000673 Salary – Principal Acct. Clerk/Typist $
134
A6779.54303 Office Supplies $
275
A6779.54400 Program Expense $38,000
A6779.58800 Fringes $
484
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-1
Budget Transfers
The Committee received copies of budget transfers for information purposes.
Transportation Grant
Ms. Holmes reported on a grant of $5,000 awarded to the Office for the Aging to assist with senior’s transportation. This is a pass-through to Gadabout for the current year.
Preliminary Budget Review
Ms. Holmes spoke of the RESTORE program, noting that the bulk will be for direct home repairs for seniors and approximately $1,729 for administrative funding. This will be used to offset the LDR bringing the new total to $30,271.
She spoke of reviewing the programs for her department and found no simple answer to make up these funds; therefore, Expanded Income Services for the Elderly Program (EISIP) and FoodNet were the two programs it was determined would have the least impact with regard to the reduction. She explained that to cut other programs would result in a loss of State and Federal revenue. She stated it is unfortunate that it is these programs as they are among the most effective ones to allow an individual to remain independent and out of nursing home facilities.
Ms. Holmes stated that at this time FoodNet is a nutrition provider serves 754 frail seniors per year with hot noontime meals; founded by the County. In addition to serving the meals it provides a daily check-in with the individuals that has proven valuable when an isolated senior requires emergency care. Although suggested donations are requested, it is not mandatory. The impact of the approximate $15,000 cut is that 3,800 fewer meals will be served to frail seniors and new clients would have to be placed on a waiting list. Since many come to FoodNet due to a discharge from the hospital or rehabilitation this could be a negative situation.
Ms. Holmes then spoke of the EISIP program that provides home care and aid service to frail seniors in the County, serving approximately 180 individuals. This program assists in keeping nursing home eligible clients, most of whom are low-income, out of a nursing home. Seventy-five percent of the clientele are below 150 percent of the poverty level. Through this program the County saves a potential Medicaid cost that would result if these individuals were placed in nursing home care. The reduction of this program will result in an 881-hour reduction of aide time, and new clients would be on a waiting list. At the present time the number of hours for aide service is very tight, with aide services spread out among as many clients as possible.
Ms. Holmes provided a demographic chart indicating the senior population increasing in coming years.
Ms. Holmes stated she has approximately $35,000 in rollover funds she had hoped to utilize in other areas, but if the programs were to be cut she would propose to use the rollover this year to avoid the cuts. In addition, she has made a one-time request for additional funding for the PERS program for medical alert machines. To date there are approximately 500 seniors receiving this service, which is on a sliding fee scale ($31.25 month maximum). At this time there is no County funding for this program, however, the machines are becoming out of date and require new machines to update the system. Member item grants are applied for annually to assist in this expense.
It was noted that the cut in FoodNet would be the equivalent of sixteen seniors, five days per week, for a year. In addition, Ms. Carey noted that for the EISIP Program the Department of Social Services would be required to make an assessment and be responsible for case management, maintaining a list that would indicate who should next receive services. This would increase DSS staff responsibility.
Youth Services
Ms. Zahler stated her department has made four over target requests: (1) to offset the minimum wage increase; (2) a cost of living increase to agencies; (3) Ithaca Youth Bureau’s “Learn to Earn” program; and (4) continued involvement in the Recreation Partnership. These over-target requests were recommended by the County Administrator, however, the LDR removes participation in the Recreation Partnership. This reduction of slightly more than $52,000 has been used as a leverage to obtain $217,000 from other municipalities. She does not feel that if the County does not participate in the Recreation Partnership that it would be able to continue functioning; she noted the County has funded this endeavor since 1995 when it first began. Ms. Zahler said the loss of the Recreation Partnership would affect all municipalities who are a member and effect 1,290 youth in sports programs not offered by towns. Other programs offered through the Partnership, including Employee Training for low-income youth in the County, would also be affected, with over 2,700 youth effected throughout the County. She said that the Ithaca Youth Bureau would be left with one half-time staff member if this occurs.
Ms. Zahler said there presently a contract with the County office for Employment and Training with two staff members doing outreach and intake for low-income youth. At this time the Federal funding has been reduced and the original projection of $28,000 for the first nine months of 2007 will be reduced by fifty percent, resulting a scaling back of the operation. Depending on which program the Workforce Investment Board decides to fund, the program may be eliminated completely.
Ms. Zahler said the largest concern is the Recreation Partnership as it would effect the most number of youths. She also said that she does have information requested about other potential programs, although it does not have an associated cost completed.
Youth Needs in the Community
Ms. Zahler provided a written summary of work done between the Youth Services Board, Department of Social Services, Probation, and local youth commissions to identify unmet youth needs in Tompkins County and identify priorities for the next three years.
Other Budget Item
Ms. Zahler informed the Committee that if the Human Service Coalition were to lose funding it would be detrimental to her department as well as others.
Chairman’s Report
Mr. Proto informed the Committee that at the next meeting a review of the work plan would take place. He also recommended that the Human Service Coalition items within the work plan be reviewed prior to the meeting.
Ms. Robertson stated that there will be a press release coming regarding the TompkinsRx program.
Human Services Coalition Continued
Ms. Schlather called attention to the LDR that reduce funding to the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (IBCA) and LifeLong. She stated that County funding is the only stable funding source for IBCA and is used to leverage more funding through grants. With regard to LifeLong, she noted that the County presently has five contracts with LifeLong, which may be in jeopardy if funding is not received, which would place more burden upon County staff.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 4:31 p.m.
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