HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 3, 2003 - 10:30 A.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: M. Robertson, Chair; N. Schuler; M. Koplinka-Loehr; P. Penniman (arrived at 11:00 a.m.)
Excused: F. Proto
Staff: K. Smithers, Deputy County Administrator;
J. Thomas, Administration; S. Whicher, County Administrator; B. DeLuca, Mental
Health Commissioner; M. Dill, Human Services Coalition; W. Skinner, Public
Information; N. Zahler, Youth Services; J. Yoder, Personnel; A. Hovaguimian,
Alcoholism Council
Guests: T. Joseph, Chair of the Legislature; Press
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
At the request of staff, Ms. Robertson agreed to move
the Committee's regular business following the review of the Mental Health
Department's budget. The staff of the Public Health Department will
be present at noon for the review of that department's budget.
Chair's Report
Ms. Robertson spoke about the impact the Federal and State
budgets have on the County's budget. She said PushBack has been working
all year making contacts with elected officials to discuss those impacts.
Data just released by the Census Bureau show that 1.3 million more people
lived in poverty last year than the previous year. The Legislature
and taxpayers need to decide what government is worth and what is its purpose.
She asked if Committee members or other Legislators would like to share their
feelings on a goal for the final tax rate in relation to the Administrator's
recommendation.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said that given what has been presented
in the proposed budget scenarios he is prepared to support a 20 percent tax
rate increase. He feels that 20 percent will be difficult to arrive
at but feels that is the best he can do. Mrs. Schuler agreed with Mr. Koplinka-Loehr's
comments and said she could possibly support an 18 percent tax rate increase.
Ms. Robertson said her first reaction is in the neighborhood of 15 percent
as she continues to think about the affordable housing discussions held over
the last few months.
Budget Review - Mental Health Department
At this time, the Committee reviewed the Mental Health Department's budget.
Mr. Penniman arrived at 11:00 a.m.
Continuation of Regular Meeting
As other Legislators arrived to the meeting, Ms. Robertson
asked if they would like to comment on their feelings or a goal on a proposed
tax rate increase for the County Budget. Ms. Robertson shared the comments
and ranges offered by other Committee members present. Mr. Penniman
commented that he has not had enough time to consider the proposals submitted,
but believes there will need to be some tough cuts. However, he agrees
that the tax rate increase could range between the 15-20 percent figure.
Mr. Joseph said that he also feels the County Legislature will end in that
range. He commented that in the five percent scenarios, any cuts will
save expenditures in that particular area but will likely increase elsewhere.
Many of the programs offered are optional but are also preventive.
Mr. Penniman recommended meeting with local municipal
officials to discuss issues of overlapping responsibilities and possible
shifting of responsibilities and cost sharing. He agreed to contact
the Municipal Officials Association to discuss these issues.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the
minutes of August 21, 2003, meeting as corrected.
Personnel
Report on Cost of Laying Off Employees
Ms. Yoder provided a report on the cost for laying off
employees and said there are two major expenses. The first is unemployment
insurance. The Department of Labor determines eligibility for unemployment
benefits. The benefit itself is 50 percent of average salary over the
last 52 weeks worked up to $405 per week for up to 26 weeks. However, the
Department of Labor will periodically offer unemployment benefit extensions.
Ms. Yoder gave the example of an employee who earns $40,000, who would be
eligible for $10,530 in unemployment.
The other largest expense is health insurance. When an employee is
laid off, they are entitled to continue health insurance at the employee
rate for one year. At this year's cost for individual coverage the
County would pay $3,800 and for family coverage the County would pay almost
$8,400. In addition, costs in 2004 would include any unused vacation
pay.
A brief discussion followed concerning the elimination of a whole program.
Mr. Whicher advised the Committee that if a program is eliminated that it
should be eliminated for at least ten years. He did not recommend restoring
a program two years later as it could cost the County more than if it had
continued the funding for it.
Ms. Yoder spoke about some departments having minimum
coverage requirements. In order to get the work done, if there are
layoffs, time and a half (overtime pay) may be needed. Some departments
risk incurring State fines for non-compliance if required work is not done,
or not done within a specified time frame. In preparing the 5% scenarios,
Mr. Whicher used an average cost of $25,000/person for each layoff, for all
the above costs.
Budget Reviews (continued)
The Committee reviewed the Health Department's budget at this time.