County of Inyo

Public Comment

CAO-Budget/FY 2002/03 Final Budget Adoption

The County Administrator presented his recommendations for the FY 2002/03 Final Budget.  He reviewed methodologies for preparing the budget, explaining that a conservative approach was utilized in its preparation.  He explained that the budget reflects prudent reserve balances and conservative revenue projections and expenditure appropriations.  He reviewed the specific recommendations contained in the budget.  Mr. Mendez discussed the fund balance of $3-million, highlighting the specific items, which effected the balance.  He discussed the need for the County to move forward on the Sheriff’s Radio System Project, the completion of the Bishop Airport Terminal Project and the Countywide Equity Study.  He requested the Board authorize additional minor changes, which were identified in the Auditor, Children and Families Commission, VSO and EEM Grant Budgets.  He went on to clarify the difference between Contingencies and General Reserves, explaining that funds placed in Contingencies were more flexible and accessible, than those placed in General Reserves.  The County Administrator addressed his Contingencies recommendation, explaining that because of the uncertainty of the status of Tobacco Settlement proceeds from FY 2001/02, the ongoing Coso litigation and to maintain maximum flexibility to address future State Budget impacts, he was recommending that the higher Contingencies balance be maintained.  Mr. Mendez also informed the Board that he had restored a portion of the Travel, General Operating and Fixed Asset funding for General Fund budgets, which were reduced during the Budget Hearings in July.   At the conclusion of the County Administrator’s presentation the following motion was made.

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to adopt the FY 2002/03 Final Budget as recommended and amended by the County Administrator and further amended as follows:

(a) reinstate the 10% decrease in GIS requests and fund at last year’s level except for Bishop Chamber to be funded at the requested amount of $49,921, and reduce contingencies by $34,552;

(b) approve the recruitment and filling of the following vacant budgeted positions as identified by the CAO: Animal Control - Shelter Manager; Office Assistant in Juvenile Hall. Supervisor Fiscal Services in Health; Office Assistant in Ag. Office; and Driver III in the Transit Program;

(c) keep the hiring-freeze policy in place and require all positions, including all A,B & C Par, positions, any other part-time, seasonal and/or temporary positions, be brought before the Board for consideration;

(d) not consider the career ladder adjustments and reclassifications which were identified or budgeted for until after the Equity Study to remain consistent with prior recommendations, except to approve the change in the Jail of a part-time Assistant Cook I position to a part-time Cook I position;

(e) not approve any of the new positions which were identified by the County Administrator, except to approve the request by the Public Administrator/Public Guardian for a change from part-time Deputy position to full-time Deputy position; and

(f) direct Staff to begin the process to raise the Coroner salary from the current salary of  $1,017 to $1,250 per month to be effective at the conclusion of the ordinance process.

As a point of discussion Supervisor Bear indicated her agreement with the majority of the motion, but requested the motion maker to consider amending the motion to include a one-time $10,000 increase in the Arts Council’s Grants-in-Support request to help defray the impacts of State Budget reductions on the program.  She also asked the motion maker to authorize the new Health & Human Services Specialist position which was being requested for the Children and Families Commission. 

At the request of the County Administrator, the Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 9:50 a.m., reconvening at 9:55 a.m., with all Board Members present.  Supervisor Bear continued to discuss her request for consideration of the new position for the Children and Families Commission.  The Board and Staff discussed the motion and the specific personnel actions identified in the up-front budget message, with the County Administrator providing additional clarification.  He explained that the hiring-freeze only applies to budgeted vacant positions.  He went on to explain that the request for new positions has always required Board action.  Explaining further, that in the case of this year’s budget, the new positions, career ladder and equity adjustments have not been included in the budget numbers, and should the Board approve any of these requests increased appropriations  would need to be made in the specific budgets. 

The Chairperson explained that in light of 10:05 a.m., timed items on the agenda, the budget discussions would continue at the conclusion of the timed items.  The Chairperson also explained that when the Board returned to the budget discussions she would be requesting the Board take specific action on the individual items addressed in the original motion made by Supervisor Hambleton.  The County Administrator suggested that when the Board continued the discussions that they approve all of those budgets identified with minor changes and address those budgets with more significant changes or personnel actions individually.

Ord. No. 1055/Z.R. 2002-2/Eastern Sierra Inter-Agency Visitor Center

Mr. Courtney Smith, Associate Planner, reviewed the Staff Report and recommendations regarding Zone Reclassification 2002-2/Eastern Sierra Inter-Agency Visitor Center.  On a motion by Supervisor Dorame and a second by Supervisor Hambleton, Ordinance 1055, entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Approving Zone Reclassification No. 2002-2/Eastern Sierra Inter-Agency Visitor Center and Amending Ordinance No. 943, the Inyo County Zoning Ordinance, by Reclassifying a 12-Acre Portion of a Parcel Located at 100 Highway 136 from OS-40 (Open Space - 40-Acre Minimum) to P (Public)” was adopted; motion unanimously passed and adopted. 

Sheriff’s Dept./Use of COPS Funding

The Chairperson opened the public hearing, at 10:17 a.m., to gather input from the public regarding the intended use for the AB3229 monies or COPS Funding to supplement the Reserve Deputy Program and to purchase equipment and services to better link the jail and patrol services.  Sheriff Dan Lucas explained that the original estimate of $50,000 identified in the Agenda Item should be changed to $100,000, as a result of the Governor’s State Budget.  There being no one from the public wishing to address this issue, the Chairperson closed the public hearing at 10:20 a.m., and  noted that no further action is required by the Board regarding this item.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, Supervisor Hambleton notified the Board that in conjunction with a ceremony in Big Pine, commemorating the 9-11-01 attacks, he had the privilege of accepting plaques to various governmental entities, including the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, honoring those entities for their efforts with regard to the attacks and that he had presented the plaque to the Undersheriff, Jack Goodrich, this morning. 

CAO-Personnel/ Leave-of-Absence

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve a leave-of-absence without pay for a County Employee, for up to a 90-day period from September 19, 2002, through October 1, 2002, in accordance with Article 808(a) of the Inyo County Personnel Rules and Regulations.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess

Reconvene

CAO-Budget/FY 2002/03 Final Budget Adoption

The Chairperson resumed the discussion regarding the 2002/03 Final Budget recommendations, reviewing the revised Synopsis of CAO Recommended Final Budget Changes, which was provided by the County Administrator.  The County Administrator explained that the new synopsis is organized so that all of the budgets with minor Travel, General Operating and Fixed Asset restoration are noted by the “Chg Flag” (1) and (2) and the budgets with more extensive changes are reflected with the (3) designation.  Mr. Mendez also suggested that the Board adopt those (1), (2) and (3) identified budgets, which do not have personnel actions as noted.  The Chairperson reviewed the budgets which were identified by the County Administrator as the Advertising County Resources Budget, Sheriff, Jail, Coroner, Public Administrator/Guardian, Road, Health, Community Mental Health, Social Services-General, IMAAA, and Children & Families Commission budgets.  She asked for a motion adopting all other budgets, as recommended by the CAO, excluding the budgets she had identified. Prior to the motion, the County Administrator explained the difference between the recommendations regarding the filling of vacant budgeted positions, the hiring freeze and the request for new positions and career ladder and equity adjustments.

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the FY 2002/03 Final Budget as recommended and amended by the County Administrator, excluding the Advertising County Resources Budget, Sheriff, Jail, Coroner, Public Administrator/Guardian, Road, Health, Community Mental Health, Social Services-General, IMAAA, and Children & Families Commission budgets, and further approve the following:

a) amend the existing contract with CTL Environmental Services for asbestos abatement management services, by increasing the scope of work to include the Bishop Airport buildings scheduled for demolition or relocation, by increasing the contract amount by $15,000 to a total not to exceed $19,220, and authorize the Public Works Director to sign contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained;

b) approve the plans and specifications for the asbestos abatement project for the Bishop Terminal Improvement Project, authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the project, award and approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and the low bidder to be determined by the Purchasing Agent and the Public Works Director for asbestos abatement services in an amount not to exceed $30,000; authorize the Public Works Director to execute all other contract documents, including contract change orders to the extent permitted by Public Contract Code Section 20142, and other applicable law; and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the contract contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained; 

c) direct Staff to finalize the lease-purchase financing for the Sheriff’s Radio System project and the Solid Waste Equipment Improvement project and bring it back for Board  consideration no later than October 8, 2002; and

d) approve the contract between the County of Inyo and Casey and Associates for the Countywide Classification and Compensation Survey in an amount not to exceed $165,000, and authorize the County Administrator to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.

Motion carried unanimously.

Hiring Freeze Continued

The Chairperson requested a motion regarding continuing the hiring freeze and the filling of the vacant budgeted positions as identified in the up-front message.  In response to questions from the Board the County Administrator informed the Board that there are currently 40 vacant budgeted positions, of which the Board is considering his recommendation to fill 5 positions. 

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to leave the vacant position hiring freeze in place and continue to review the requests to fill vacant budgeted positions on an individual basis.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Personnel/ Filling Vacant Budgeted Positions

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize the recruitment and filling of the following vacant budgeted positions: (a) Animal Shelter Manager - (b) Office Assistant - Juvenile Hall - (c) Supervisor Fiscal Services - Health - (d) Office Assistant - Ag. Office - (e) Transit Bus Driver.  Motion carried unanimously.

The Sheriff and the District Attorney asked about several vacancies which they thought were to be addressed during these discussions, but which were not reflected in the up-front message.  The County Administrator asked for a short recess to clarify the positions.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 11:20 a.m., reconvening at 11:30 a.m., with all Board Members present.

Sheriff/Deputy and Sergeant Positions

The County Administrator asked the Board to consider authorizing the filling of two deputy position vacancies and one sergeant position vacancy in the Sheriff’s Department.  Sheriff Lucas provided additional information and further justification for the positions.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize the recruitment and filling of two deputy positions and one sergeant position in the Sheriff’s Department.  Motion carried unanimously.

DA/Chief Investigator Position

The County Administrator requested the Board consider authorizing the filling of a vacant budgeted Chief Investigator position in the District Attorney’s Office.  The District Attorney, Phil McDowell, provided additional information and further justification for the position.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize the recruitment and filling of a vacant budgeted Chief Investigator position in the District Attorney’s Office.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Advertising County Resources Budget

The Chairperson reviewed the original motion, which restored the funding level for Grants-in-Support recipients to last year’s level and the request by Supervisor Bear, on behalf of the Arts Council for a one-time increase of $10,000.  The Board and Staff discussed the CAO recommendation with the County Administrator confirming that the additional amount of $10,000 for the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce’s Film Commission activities is in the recommended budget numbers.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the Advertising County Resources budget as recommended and as amended to fund the organizations at the 2001/2002 funding levels, except for the Bishop Chamber which is to be funded at the requested amount of $49,921, and increasing the Inyo Council for the Arts allocation by an additional one-time funding amount of $10,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  At the conclusion of the motion, representatives of the following organizations thanked the Board for their continued support:  Arts Council, Ombudsman, the Chambers of Commerce, the Child Care Connection, Lone Pine Film Museum and Wild Iris.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:10 p.m., reconvening at 1:40 p.m., with all Board Members present.

FY 2002/03 Final  Sheriff Budget (Pg. 367)

The Board and Staff discussed the career ladder adjustment of an Office Assistant II to an Office Assistant III requested in the Sheriff’s Budget Unit 022700.  Sheriff Lucas explained that the position has met all of the requirements placed on it by the County and that the person has held the Office Assistant II position for five years.  He also explained that by bringing this position up to the Office Assistant III position it will be in parody with the positions in Independence and Bishop.  Supervisor Hambleton reiterated his original position that he did not want to address career ladder and equity adjustments until after the Equity Study in order to eliminate the need to possibly reduce salaries, as a result of the study, which may have just recently been increased.  The County Administrator provided additional information regarding the career ladder and equity adjustments, which he had recommended, explaining that only those positions, which were imperative to ongoing operations of the programs had been brought forward.  He also explained that depending upon the Board’s desires regarding the Equity Study there would be several avenues available to provide justification for this position should it not fare well in the study.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the FY 2002/03 Sheriff’s Budget Unit 022700 as recommended by the County Administrator and authorizing the career ladder movement of an Office Assistant II position to an Office Assistant III position.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY2002/03 Final Budget Jail (Pg. 373)

The Board and Staff discussed the Jail Budget Unit 022900, including the request to reclassify a part-time Assistant Cook I position to a part-time Cook I position.  The Sheriff explained that this is a coverage and management issue for the facility and in order to allow the person to perform their duties, as required, the position must be reclassed.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the FY 2002/03 Jail Budget Unit 022900 as recommended by the County Administrator and authorize the reclassification of an Assistant Cook I position to a Cook I position.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Final Coroner Budget (Pg. 35)

The Board and Staff discussed the Coroner Budget Unit 023500 and the request by the Coroner to increase the Coroner’s salary by $80 per month per year through 2006.  Supervisor Hambleton reiterated his position that he was not comfortable setting the precedent of authorizing a sliding increase in a salary, and that was why he was recommending the salary of $1,250. 

Supervisor Hambleton also explained that should in the future the Coroner feel that the position should be increased further, the request would need to come back.  The County Administrator, in response to a question, indicated that the increase of approximately $1,836, for this fiscal year could be absorbed within the existing budget. 

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the FY 2002/03 Coroner Budget Unit 023500 as recommended by the County Administrator and amended to adjust the salary of the Coroner from $1,017 per month to $1,250 per month effective 30 days after the adoption of an ordinance, and further direct Staff to begin the ordinance process to finalize the Coroner salary increase.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Public Administrator/ Guardian Budget (Pg. 281)

The Board and Staff discussed the Public Administrator/Guardian Budget Unit 023600, including the request to approve an increase in a part-time deputy position to a full-time deputy position.  The Board thanked Ms. Cline, the Public Administrator, for her efforts in identifying additional funding to defray costs for this increase.  Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Public Administrator/Guardian Budget Unit 023600 as recommended by the County Administrator,  approve an increase in authorized strength by deleting one part-time deputy position and adding one full-time deputy position, and authorize the recruitment and filling of the full-time deputy position .  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Road Dept. Budget (Pg. 355)

The Board and Staff discussed the Road Department Budget Unit 034600, including the request for an increase in authorized strength by adding one Account Technician II position.  Mr. Jewett, Public Works Director, provided additional information and further justification for the new position, explaining that with the added STIP projects, new state auditing requirements, and a more involved inventory control process, there is an urgent need for this position.  The Board and Staff discussed the current number of accounting positions in the Department and how costs associated with this position would be allocated between the Congestion Relief Budget and the Road Budget, as well as discussing the status of the reserve level in the Road Budget.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the FY 2002/03 Road Department Budget Unit 034600 as recommended by the County Administrator and amended to include approving an increase in authorized strength by adding one Account Technician II at Range 59 and authorizing the recruitment and filling of the position.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Health Budget (Pg. 174)

The County Administrator explained that there were no changes between the Department Request and the CAO Recommended Budget and asked that the Board take formal action to approve this budget.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the FY 2002/03 Health Budget Unit 045100 as recommended by the County Administrator.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Community Mental Health Budget (Pg. 181)

The Board and Staff discussed the change in authorized strength requested for this Budget, for a  Program Chief for the Adult Services Program and a part-time Psychiatric Nurse.  During this discussion Staff provided additional information and further justification for the request to reclass two Social Worker II positions to Social Worker III positions identified in the Social Services Budget Unit 055800.  The Board and Staff discussed reserve balances as well as the Board’s desire to not have Program Development presented through a request for personnel.  The Board requested that in the future when a Program is being developed that the concept, details, funding and personnel requirements be presented in a series of workshops in order to have the defined program approved by the Board prior to the hiring of program personnel.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the FY 2002/03 Community Mental Health Budget Unit 045200 as recommended by the County Administrator, approve a change in authorized strength, contingent upon the results of a department recruitment, by adding an Adult Services Program Chief position, and deleting one Psychotherapist I position, and adding a part-time Psychiatric Nurse position.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Social Services Budget (Pg. 202)

The Board and Staff discussed the personnel request associated with the Social Services Budget Unit 055800, including the request for reclassification of two Social Worker II positions, and the addition of two System Support Analyst positions at Range 60.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the FY 2002/03 Social Services General Budget Unit 055800 as recommended by the County Administrator, authorize the reclassification of two Social Worker II positions to Social Worker III, and approve a change in authorized strength, contingent upon the results of a department recruitment, by adding two System Support Analyst positions at Range 60 and the deletion of one Health & Human Services Specialist position and one Information Technician position.   Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 IMAAA Budget (Pg. 96)

The Board and Staff discussed the IMAAA Budget Unit 612500, including the request to increase authorized strength by adding one part-time Senior Services Counselor I position at Range 61.  Mr. Broten, IMAAA Program Director, provided additional information and further justification for the position by explaining that the position will provide the Program the ability to offer seniors enhanced services while off-setting some program costs with increased Medi-cal reimbursement.  Supervisor Arcularius suggested that Mr. Broten schedule a workshop with the Board on Senior Programs and services offered in Inyo County.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the FY 2002/03 IMAAA Budget Unit 612500 as recommended by the County Administrator and approve a change in authorized strength by adding one part-time Senior Services Counselor I position at Range 61 and authorize the recruitment and filling of the position.  Motion carried unanimously.

FY 2002/03 Children and Families Commission Budget (Pg. 261)

The Board discussed the Children and Families Commission Budget Unit 643000, with Supervisor Bear reiterating her plea for the Board’s consideration of a new Health and Human Services Specialist position.  She explained that with the changes in State Health and Human Services Programs funding, there is an expectation that the Children and Families Commission responsibilities will be expanded, and that increased funding and contract administration will be increased as a result of the Commission providing funding for some of the programs.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the FY 2002/03 Children and Families Commission Budget Unit 643000 as recommended by the County Administrator, approving a change in authorized strength by adding one Health and Human Services Specialist position at Range (53) and authorize the recruitment and filling of the position.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 3:55 p.m., reconvening at 4:15 p.m., with all Board Members present. 

FY 2002/2003 Contingencies Balance

The County Administrator reviewed the previous actions taken by the Board.  He recapped the financial impacts and asked that the Board adopt, at this point in the proceedings, an FY 2002/03 Contingencies balance of $550,402.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize a $550,402, Contingencies balance.  Motion carried unanimously.

Auditor/Controller/ Loans Payable Process

The Auditor-Controller reviewed for the Board the County’s loans payable processing.  Mr. Holland provided the Board with information detailing the current and past loans balances in many of the funds.  The Auditor responded to questions from the Board regarding how the loans payables would impact the interest earnings from the County Treasury.

Closed Session

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed closed session to reconvene in open session at 6:15 p.m., with all Board Members present except Supervisor Lent, to re-address Agenda Item No. 2, the FY 2002/03 final budget adoption.  The Chairperson asked County Counsel for a status report on the payments of Tobacco Settlement proceeds to the local hospital districts. 

CAO-Budget/FY 2002/03 Final Budget Adoption

Mr. Paul Bruce, County Counsel, reported on a recent analysis of the payments of Tobacco Settlement proceeds and Measure B.  He explained that the analysis focused primarily on the County’s receipt of Tobacco Settlement funds during FY 2001/02, and that it confirmed a portion of the total of $216,843.02 received by the County, was received after the results of the election became final on April 5, 2002.  Mr. Bruce further explained that in light of this information, the amount of $147,403.48 of Tobacco Settlement proceeds, which were identified for County health use in FY 2001/02, would need to be paid to the local hospital districts per Measure B. 

The County Administrator concurred with County’s Counsel’s recommendation, explaining that the payment of FY 01/02 funds this fiscal year would need to be made through the General Fund Contingencies budget.  The Board thanked the County Administrator and County Counsel for their quick analysis of new information and for bringing this to their attention so quickly.   The Board reiterated their previously stated position which has always been to facilitate the voters wishes with regard to the use of Tobacco Settlement proceeds.  The Board explained that in light of this new information, they felt it was essential that the County take immediate action to ensure that the voters wishes were adhered too, and that any of FY 01/02 Tobacco Settlement proceeds, which should have been paid to the local hospital districts, be paid immediately.  The Chairperson requested that the Board take further budget action in order to facilitate the immediate payment of FY 01/02 Tobacco Settlement proceeds to the local hospital districts.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to reduce General Fund Contingencies Budget Unit 087100 by $147,404 and increase appropriations in Auditor/Controller Tobacco Budget Unit 010409, Non-Operating (Object Code #5322) by $147,404; authorize the payment of $73,701.74 to Southern Inyo Health Care District and $73,701.74 to Northern Inyo Hospital District from Auditor-Controller Tobacco Budget 010409; and direct the Auditor to promptly make these payments.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent absent.

Closed Session

At the conclusion of the previous action at 6:20 p.m., the Chairperson recessed open session to reconvene in closed session, with all Board Members present except Supervisor Lent, to continue discussions on previously identified closed session items.

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 6:45 p.m. to reconvene in open session to receive a report on closed session.  County Counsel reported there were no items discussed in closed session, which were required by law to be reported on in open session. 

Adjournment

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 6:45 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., October 1, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.