2019-03-26 Update with BudgetUpdate with Budget
March 26, 2019
10:45 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Budget Services Manager Becky Butler
Recorder: Rieva Lester
2018
Becky Butler said the county was projected to have a $213,000 increase in reserves for 2018 but that as
of March 19, 2019, it looks like there actually is a $1 million increase in reserves.
Becky said sales and use tax, online sales tax, increased timber harvests, investment interest and forest
board yield helped tremendously.
2019
Becky gave the following updates:
• Superior Court already has used 50 percent of its indigent defense budget for 2019.
• Criminal filings have increased costs for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
• The Animal Shelter already has spent 40 percent of its 2019 budget.
Becky said there is a lot left to be done regarding 2018 reconciliations. The group said reconciliations
generally are complete by the end of February at the latest and still is not complete.
Erik recapped what the Auditor and Treasurer see as the root problem. He said the Treasurer’s Office
blames the change to Munis while the Auditor’s Office contends the Treasurer’s Office did not engage in
Munis training / implementation and that the responsibility ultimately lies with the Deputy Treasurer
and Treasurer.
Erik said the Auditor’s Office has cautioned that there likely be a finding from the State Auditor’s Office,
which will affect the bond rating.
Calendar
Becky reviewed the calendar for the 2019 budget process.
Becky asked if the commissioners would like to continue meeting with all departments and offices. Erik
noted that he and Becky can vet some of those. The commissioners said they like the all-day, back-to-
back budget meetings with Citizen Budget Committee members and the offices and departments.
Other
The group discussed potential impacts, including union contracts. Becky said a budget amendment will
include BOCC carpet, property purchases, a Public Works position, key card entry at Law and Justice, etc.
Becky said WSU Extension had past due balances for 2018 WSU bills that will have to be paid out of
2019. She noted that Lewis County still has not yet received its reimbursement for 2018.
Becky recapped topics being reviewed by the state Legislature.
Commissioner Stamper said he wants to attend the upcoming NACO conference.
Becky said it appears the Toledo Senior Center overpaid, while the other centers underpaid.
Becky said the county’s PFD’s .09 loan needs to be revised to reflect the changes the PFD has
implemented.
Commissioner Jackson left at 11:29 a.m.
Becky said the county budgeted $1.4 million for REET funds in 2018 and received $1.8 million.
Meeting adjourned at 11:34 a.m.