FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
					  MEETING MINUTES

					 November 4, 2002

A special meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Finance, Claims and Accounts 
Committee was held on Monday, November 4, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse Annex in Sault 
Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rita Dale, Aaron Hopper, Earl Kay, Don Cooper, Ted Postula, and 
                 Bernard LaJoie

MEMBERS ABSENT:	Gary McDowell 

OTHERS PRESENT:	Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director, Tim 
                McKee, OES/E 9-1-1 Director, Bill Carr, County Surveyor, Ron Cross, Property Appraiser


Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Chairperson Dale called for changes to the agenda.  Hearing none, the agenda was declared approved as 
presented.

Public Comments
There were no public comments.

Agenda Item:  Fiscal Year 2003 Budget
Controller Dolehanty presented a draft bond payment schedule for the accelerated remonumentation 
program discussed earlier in the year.  The schedule detailed County and State contributions to the program.

County Surveyor Bill Carr told the Committee that the State would agree to sign a contract to provide funds 
for the project, but would not agree to a specific amount.  He said the State would alter dollar amounts 
based on the total number of counties participating in the program.

Chairperson Dale said previous discussions about the project did not leave the impression that additional 
money would be needed for the accelerated program.  However, based on the payment schedule, it appeared 
the County would have to contribute substantially more to the project.  Concerns about the stability of State 
funding were expressed.

The Committee discussed the merits and financing options for the project.  It was the consensus of 
Committee members that the County could not commit additional funds to the project at this time, but the 
door should remain open for consideration at a later date.

Controller Dolehanty then presented a table showing deductibles and co-pays associated with the health 
insurance benefit.  By increasing deductibles and co-pays, the County could maintain the health insurance 
benefit and reduce costs to the County.  The Committee discussed the various options and benefits provided 
to retirees.

Commissioner Cooper suggested it would be appropriate to immediately implement the self-insured 
program discussed in September.  This would result in maximum savings to the County without any adverse
impact on the employees.


It was the consensus of the Committee to implement the self-insured program and then begin discussions 
with the various unions to implement changes to the insurance deductibles and co-pays.

With regard to various other budget requests, Commissioner Cooper suggested a reduction to the S.A.N.E. 
program of $5,000.  Those funds could then be used to offset the cost of increasing the hours of the part-
time data entry clerk in the Equalization Department.

Commissioner Hopper expressed concerns about eliminating the $25,000 allocation to the rural bus 
program.  He stated these funds are used to match other funds committed to the program, and that bus 
service may be lost without the County allocation.

Commissioner Cooper suggested a five percent reduction in the public safety unit.  That reduction would be 
sufficient to fund the bus service.  Mr. Cooper also noted the increased allocation for jail operations in the 
past two years.  He said a promise was made to maintain existing staff levels at the time the jail was 
expanded, but new positions were added.

The Committee discussed other possible budget adjustments.  Controller Dolehanty state his concerns about 
the ongoing possibility of cuts in state revenue sharing.  Chairperson Dale suggested approving the budget 
without layoffs and with a commitment to continue work on the health insurance issue.  The Board could 
revisit the budget if additional cuts in state revenue sharing materialize.

Commissioner Kay stated he would be comfortable with approving the budget without job cuts and 
reinstatement of all co-op students, if possible.  He added that the budget would not include all of the 
requested patrol cars.

Committee Comments
There were no additional comments from committee members.

Chairperson's Comments
Chairperson Dale had no additional comments.

Adjourn
Chairperson Dale declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.












__________________________________	__________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder	Rita Dale, Chairperson