Kalamazoo County Government - October 1, 2024 Committee of the Whole

Updated about 1 hour ago

On October 1, 2024, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners convenes to address various budget items and funding proposals. The meeting opens with public comments advocating for a dedicated Fair Coordinator to enhance the county fair's offerings. Commissioners deliberate on the 2024 budget, focusing on the allocation of funds for new initiatives such as the RX Kids program, which aims to support families with newborns, and the YWCA reproductive health fund. Discussions include the potential hiring of a grant writer and lobbyist to improve county operations and advocacy efforts. The board also considers adjustments to commissioner salaries and the importance of site remediation for economic development. This meeting highlights the board's commitment to improving community services and economic growth through strategic budget planning.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:39)
The meeting is called to order at four o'clock, marking the official start of the session.

The meeting is officially called to order, marking the beginning of the session. The chair initiates the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:00:45)
The clerk conducts a roll call to verify the presence of commissioners, confirming a quorum with nine members present.

The clerk calls the roll of commissioners to verify attendance. Commissioners Duluth, Guler, Heppler, Mazer, Morales, Ray, Strips, Taylor, and Wheeler confirm their presence, establishing a quorum with nine members.
Public Comments (00:01:15)
Public comments are invited where individuals can address the board on any topic within a three-minute limit.

This is an opportunity for the public to address the board on any topic of their choosing. Speakers are given a three-minute time limit to present their remarks, and they are encouraged to maintain a professional and respectful tone.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:11:38)
The board reviews accounts payable and payroll disbursements, with the administrator taking on this task due to the absence of the director.

The board conducts a review of accounts payable and payroll disbursements. The task is handled by the administrator because the director is attending a professional development conference.
Budget Discussion (00:12:44)
A detailed discussion on budget adjustments, projections, and financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

The administrator leads a discussion on the budget, highlighting changes in expenditure projections, revenue earmarking, and adjustments to the wage scale. The focus is on aligning the budget with the board's priorities and strategic plans.
Fund Balance Management (00:25:35)
Strategies for managing the fund balance are discussed, including the golden ratio policy and encumbering funds for specific projects.

The board discusses strategies for managing the fund balance, considering the golden ratio policy to allocate funds for specific projects such as transitional housing and fleet management. The aim is to ensure financial stability and accountability.
Discussion on Salary Adjustments (00:35:54)
The board discusses salary adjustments for commissioners and countywide elected officials, considering budget constraints and public opinion.

The discussion begins with a presentation on salary-related changes, highlighting the need to double certain amounts by reducing the fringe rate. There is debate over the appropriate salary increases for commissioners, the chair, and vice-chair, with some members expressing discomfort with the proposed increases. Public comments suggest aligning commissioner salaries with the lowest full-time employee to ensure fairness and equity. The board considers how to balance compensation with public perception and fiscal responsibility.
Public Comments on Commissioner Salaries (00:39:00)
Public comments highlight concerns about commissioner salaries exceeding those of the lowest paid full-time employees, advocating for alignment.

During the meeting, members of the public express concerns that commissioners should not be compensated more than the lowest full-time county employee. The comments emphasize the need for commissioners to lead by example and consider the broader economic challenges faced by constituents. The board discusses how to address these concerns and the implications for future budget planning.
Administrative Budget Recommendations (01:03:00)
The administrator presents budget adjustments, including moving certain expenses from the law enforcement fund to the general fund.

The administrator reviews recent budget changes, noting that some expenses previously allocated to the law enforcement fund have been moved to the general fund. These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced budget and reflect true costs in appropriate categories. The board considers these recommendations as part of the overall budget planning process.
Budget Considerations for Indigent Defense Attorneys (01:05:02)
The board addresses the need for increased funding for indigent defense attorneys for juveniles, as current rates hinder recruitment.

Commissioner Duluth raises the issue of low pay for indigent defense attorneys in the juvenile court system, which is causing difficulties in recruitment and retention. The board acknowledges the importance of this issue and the need to ensure competitive compensation to attract qualified attorneys. Discussions include potential budget adjustments to address these concerns.
Discussion on Funding Requests for Youth Advocacy (01:08:40)
Discussion on increasing resources for youth affected by abuse and neglect, and funding priorities for court-related roles.

The commissioners discussed the need for increased resources to support youth who have experienced abuse and neglect, emphasizing the importance of having advocates to guide them through the court process. This included a review of funding requests for judicial aid and support for new judges, noting that top priorities were addressed but other departments also require funding.
Legislation on Juvenile Indigent Defense (01:10:00)
Discussion on proposed legislation to transfer juvenile indigent defense responsibilities to county government.

The meeting covered potential legislative changes where juvenile indigent defense would fall under the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, shifting responsibilities from the courts to county government. This would align it with adult indigent defense practices, potentially reducing court expenses.
Motion for One-Time Revenue Allocation (01:12:01)
Motion to allocate one-time revenue for juvenile defense attorneys, followed by a vote with no opposition.

A motion was made to use one-time revenue to fund juvenile defense attorneys for circuit court cases. The motion was supported and carried unanimously after a brief discussion, with no objections or abstentions.
Budget Discussion: Operational Initiatives and Capital Expenditures (01:14:00)
Presentation on operational initiatives, budget adjustments, and capital expenditures with board engagement.

The board reviewed various operational initiatives and capital expenditures, including adjustments to the sheriff's office budget and laboratory budget. The discussion included aligning budgetary decisions with long-term goals and ensuring transparency for upcoming meetings.
Benefit Enhancements Discussion (01:16:00)
Consideration of various employee benefit enhancements including retiree benefits alignment and paid leave options.

The board discussed potential enhancements to employee benefits such as aligning retiree vision and dental benefits with active employees, offering paid FMLA for parental leave, and considering the reinstatement of certain benefits like longevity pay.
Tuition Reimbursement and Childcare Assistance Discussion (01:30:00)
Discussion on increasing tuition reimbursement and challenges with the tri-share childcare program.

The board considered increasing tuition reimbursement for certifications pertinent to employees' roles. Challenges with the state's tri-share childcare program were highlighted, with potential solutions involving collaboration with previous vendors to manage the program efficiently.
Additional Budget Considerations and Funding Requests (01:35:00)
Review of additional funding requests including community programs and infrastructure projects.

The board reviewed various additional funding requests for community and infrastructure projects, including those from the YWCA for reproductive health, a potential lobbyist, and local housing initiatives. The discussion aimed at determining priorities and aligning them with available funding.
Discussion on Site Readiness Programs (01:42:09)
Discussion on the benefits and strategies for site readiness programs and creative ways to compete nationally.

The meeting discussed the value of site readiness programs for local municipalities and how it can give them a competitive edge nationally. The importance of being creative and using site remediation dollars effectively was emphasized.
Fair Coordinator Position (01:42:54)
Discussion on the establishment of a fair coordinator position to enhance long-term planning.

Participants expressed support for creating a fair coordinator position, highlighting its long-term benefits for managing fair activities and related county events.
Funding for Nonprofits and Economic Development (01:43:39)
Debate on the appropriateness of county funds being allocated to nonprofits, including Southwest Michigan First.

Commissioners debated whether county funds should be given to nonprofits. Some argued it was inappropriate, while others highlighted the benefits, especially concerning opioid settlements and economic growth.
Funding Priorities and Budget Allocations (01:45:45)
Discussion on budget allocation priorities such as poverty, gun violence, housing, and infrastructure projects.

The commissioners discussed various funding priorities, including poverty alleviation, gun violence, housing crises, and infrastructure projects. The importance of strategic investment in infrastructure to attract high-tech jobs was highlighted.
Lobbyist Position and Grant Writer Discussion (01:49:00)
Exploration of the need for a lobbyist position and a centralized grant writer to enhance funding acquisition.

The board discussed the potential benefits of creating a lobbyist position alongside a grant writer to improve the county's ability to secure funding and manage grants effectively.
RX Kids Program Funding (01:52:01)
Consideration of a new RX Kids program funding with emphasis on its county-wide implementation and alignment with health goals.

There was a discussion about funding the new RX Kids program, which aligns with health goals such as reducing infant mortality. Concerns about its current limitation to the city of Kalamazoo were expressed, with suggestions to expand it county-wide.
KVCC Advanced Technology Wing Renovation (01:55:00)
Evaluation of funding for KVCC's advanced technology wing renovation with considerations of tax contributions.

The commissioners discussed the request for funding KVCC's advanced technology wing renovation, weighing it against existing tax contributions to KVCC and the potential benefits of the renovation.
Reproductive Health Fund for YWCA (01:58:00)
Support for the YWCA reproductive health fund given current challenges in women's health services.

The board considered funding for the YWCA reproductive health fund, emphasizing the importance of supporting women's health services amidst current national challenges.
Employer Assisted Housing Program (02:04:13)
Discussion on supporting an employer-assisted housing program to leverage housing millage funds.

The board considered supporting an employer-assisted housing program, which would leverage existing housing millage funds to provide more housing support for county employees.
Adjournment (02:09:14)
The meeting was adjourned without objection after concluding the agenda items.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of the next agenda items and adjournment without any objections from the board members.