September 22, 2003

A special meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Monday, September 22, 2003 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rita Dale, Chairperson, Aaron Hopper, Richard Timmer, Don Cooper and Ted Postula

OTHER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Earl Kay and James Moore

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director, Hon. Lowell Ulrich, Probate Court Judge, Susan Short, Court Administrator, Richard Askwith, Friend of the Court

Approval of the Agenda

Chairperson Dale called for additions or deletions to the agenda. None were offered.

Agenda Items: FY 2004 Budget

County Controller Tim Dolehanty reviewed the budget proposed for fiscal year 2004. Commissioners briefly discussed the status of the 4-H Youth Agent, electrical and air conditioning proposals for the City/County Building, and the contract with Alcalde & Fay.

50^th Circuit Court Family Division Cost Center

Hon. Lowell Ulrich, Probate Judge, and Susan Short, Court Administrator, met with the Committee to discuss proposed allocations for the Circuit Court Family Division. Judge Ulrich explained that the total number of employees assigned to this function has not increase for many years, and that he did not anticipate asking for an increase in staffing levels for the foreseeable future.

The relationship between new revenue sources for Court operations and the present staffing level were presented and discussed. Judge Ulrich projected the County would receive $45,000 in additional revenue if the probation officers were allowed to continue a 40-hour per week work schedule. The Judge noted that a reduction in the workweek to 35 hours would be counterproductive and reduce efficiency.

Friend of the Court Cost Center

Richard Askwith, Friend of the Court, presented a memorandum to the Committee detailing concerns about the proposed budget. He then reviewed statistical data regarding cases addressed by his department. Mr. Askwith stated the department could not survive with the loss of one staff person as reflected in the proposed budget.

With regard to his hours, Mr. Askwith stated that concerns that he was not in the office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. are misplaced. He stated that an efficient operation was established under his leadership, and that a low-paid attorney in his position would not provide the necessary leadership for the office.

Commissioner Cooper noted several changes were recently initiated in the way the Friend of the Court office operates. He stated that a number of responsibilities were shifted to the State level, meaning the workload on County staff should have decreased. Mr. Askwith stated the workload would eventually decrease, but he was not certain if the reduction would actually occur.

Mr. Askwith explained the process by which the Friend of the Court office could pursue court-ordered provisions for medical insurance provided to children. He projected the County could receive $12,000 or more in additional revenue if his office participates in the program. Commissioner Cooper asked why this program was not implemented in the past. Mr. Askwith stated he did not pursue these funds because he did not need the added workload.

Public Defender Cost Center

The Committee reviewed the budget proposals submitted by Elizabeth Church, Chief Public Defender. Ms. Church asked for the addition of one part-time legal secretary to her budget. The Committee discussed various activities of the Public Defender officer.

Prosecuting Attorney Cost Center

The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Prosecuting Attorney Brian Peppler requesting a pay increase of 5% for each of the Assistant Prosecutors. Commissioner Kay said pay increases should be applied equally to all non-union employees.

Other Items

The Committee briefly discussed the status of two percent funds received from the Sault Tribe and Bay Mills. Committee members also suggested holding a more in-depth discussion about the Child Care Fund.

Adjourn

It was move by Commissioner Timmer, Seconded by Commissioner Cooper, to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

Chairperson Dale declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

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