HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/10/08 - Briefing BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES
Tuesday,October 8,2013
Commission Chambers
411 North Fifth Street,Shelton WA 98584
The 2013 budget workshop commenced at 11:25 a.m.Commissioners Neatherlin,Jeffreys and Sheldon
were in attendance. An attendance roster was circulated.
Cmmr.Jeffreys noted the 2014 budget requests are$2 million over the anticipated revenues.
Cmmr.Neatherlin pointed out that some budget submittals exceed the budget guidelines.
Cmmr. Sheldon stated the important points to consider are:what are the realistic expectations;what are the
ER&R rates and what are the revenues.
Cmmr.Jeffreys stated the Commissioners have agreed to labor contract cost increases,50%of ER&R rates,
and increased medical contributions. Other items she would like to consider are salary increases for elected
officials and non-represented employees. She estimates the total cost of these items is approximately$1.15
million. Because existing revenues are not increasing,she wants to discuss a levy shift. She has a contract
example that would buy down the City's levy rate so the City of Shelton taxpayer will not see an increase.
It is estimated that it would cost$200,000 per$1 million shifted.If this contract is entered into,the City of
Shelton would need to reduce their Current Expense levy rate.
The Commissioners discussed levy shift concerns.
Dawn Twiddy presented estimated budget numbers with different levy shift scenarios,the Criminal Justice
Levy(50 cents per$1,000 assessed value)that would require voter approval;and 3/10 of 1%Public Safety
Tax,which would also take voter approval.
Banked capacity was discussed. Cmmr.Jeffreys has also discussed,with the Assessor's office,the ability
to use banked capacity for the Road Levy because according to the discussion with the CRABoard,the
county residents would see a slight property tax decrease. She suggested using enough of the banked
capacity of the Road Levy so fill in the slight decrease to county residents so the Road Fund would feel less
of a financial impact from the levy shift.
Cmmr.Jeffreys noted there is also L&I rate increases.
Cmmr.Neatherlin supports exploring a levy shift.
Cmmr.Sheldon suggested meeting with the City of Shelton.
Cmmr.Neatherlin talked about the intent of the budget guidelines was that supplemental budget requests
would be submitted separately. Cmmr.Jeffreys agreed it would make it easier to understand the requests.
The Commissioners agreed to request those departments that did not follow the budget guidelines,to
resubmit their budget requests and use supplemental requests. These are due in one week. Comm Jeffreys
will also continue her discussion with the City of Shelton in pursuit of the levy shift.
Ending fund balance was discussed.
Discussion of the ER&R rates and should an outside auditor be hired to review the ER&R Fund and
proposed rates. Brian Matthews explained how the rates were calculated.
Board of Mason County Commissioners'2013 Budget Workshop
October 8,2013 Budget Workshop
Bill Kenny noted there are two issues: what should ER&R rates be moving forward;and the$3 million due
from Current Expense to the ER&R fund. He believes it is proper to use due diligence before accepting a
debt of that size.
The budget workshop adjourned at 12:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Diane Zoren,Assistant to County Commissioners
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Ra dy Neatherlin Tim Sheldon Terri Jeffre
Chair Commissioner Commissioner