FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
A special meeting of the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Monday,
September 29, 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 (7:25)
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Earl Kay and James Moore
MEMBERS
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Tim
Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director, Hon. Michael
MacDonald, District Court Judge, Susan Short, Court Administrator, Diane Cork,
County Clerk, Jim Lucas, MSU Extension Director, and Sharon Kennedy, Register
of Deeds
Approval of the Agenda
Chairperson Dale called for additions or deletions to
the agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend approval of the agenda as presented. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Agenda Items: Child Care Fund
Discussion
Susan Short, Court Administrator, met with the
Committee to offer detailed discussion about the childcare fund. Ms. Short presented documents outlining the
placement process and discussed the variables that must be considered before
placement is made. She also reviewed
projections for the 2004 fiscal year.
Commissioner Kay noted there is little anyone could do to accurately
predict and control child placement activity.
MSU Extension Director Jim Lucas distributed goals and
objectives for his office. He stated his
primary goal was to reinstate the 4-H Youth Agent position in 2004. Mr. Lucas stated the County would have to
agree to allocate wages for the position, and Michigan State University (MSU)
would agree to pay for all fringe benefits.
He explained that the person filling the position would be considered an
employee of MSU and would be subject to all University policies.
Sharon Kennedy, Register of Deeds, asked the Committee
to increase allocations for supplies, postage and equipment maintenance. She provided written material describing the
workload of her department as related to the need for increased funding.
Ms. Kennedy also asked the Committee to consider
funding a new digital scanner/reader.
She stated the new equipment could be used by other departments, such as
the Treasurer. Commissioner Cooper
suggested allocating funds in the Register of Deeds Technology Fund and the
administrative fees of the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to purchase the
equipment.
District Court Judge Michael MacDonald spoke with the
Committee about the administrative functions of the District Court. He noted these responsibilities have become
more complex with changes in legislation.
The Judge also explained the relationship between imposed judgments and
collections. He noted that the probation
officer plays a significant role in assuring that revenues due to the Court are
collected, and that a reduction in his hours may result in a disproportionately
higher amount of revenue being lost.
Judge MacDonald concluded his presentation by citing a number of recent
case examples from the District Court.
County Clerk Diane Cork expressed concern about the
telephone line item in her budget. She
also asked the Committee to consider purchase of new jury selection software
for the Circuit Court.
The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, October 8
at 5:00 p.m. to continue budget discussions.
Adjourn
Chairperson Dale declared the meeting adjourned at
8:50 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Timothy J.
Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Rita
Dale, Committee Chairperson