2018-12-19 Auditor-Treasurer UpdateAuditor / Treasurer Update
December 19, 2018
10:32 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Arny Davis, Rodney Reynolds, Larry Grove, Suzette
Smith, Becky Butler, Erik Martin (11:18 a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Arny Davis said the Treasurer’s Office does not yet have revenue reports. Suzette Smith said they have
to be reconciled by Feb. 28, 2019.
Arny said the Treasurer’s Office should have the revenue reports done by January.
Rodney reviewed liquid deposits and earnings. He noted that Lewis County’s portfolio is a mix of short-
term LGIP and long-term bonds. He said that even if the LGIP takes a nosedive, the portfolio is
diversified enough to withstand the decreases.
Arny said experts are predicting a soft recession for 2019.
Commissioner Jackson asked Arny for his suggestions regarding replenishing the fund balance. Arny said
the county needs to cut expenses. The group discussed public safety and law and justice, which
combined account for roughly 80 percent of the county’s budget. Arny asked how much the county
spends on the fair. Becky said the fair costs $329,000. They discussed indigent defense, which is costing
Lewis County $2 million for 2018 alone.
The group discussed the possibility of a public safety sales tax.
Larry Grove said the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office have indicated they wouldn’t
consider signing on until the county steps away from discretionary spending, such as the fair and
Discover Lewis County.
Commissioner Jackson left at 11 a.m. and returned at 11:03 a.m.
The group further discussed the possibility of a public safety sales tax and the need to have a united
front about the need for it.
Suzette Smith reviewed expenditures. She noted that an emergency amendment likely will be needed in
January due to appropriation transfers that were delayed.
Erik Martin joined at 11:18 a.m.
Rodney left at 11:25 a.m.
The group discussed vendors who have called regarding late payments from the Coroner’s Office. They
indicated that oftentimes the late payments are linked to missed Munis steps in the Coroner’s Office.
Larry reminded Arny of the February due date for key financial information from the Treasurer’s Office
required for the county’s Annual Financial Report. Arny said Rodney is on it and will do his best to
deliver it timely.
Commissioner Jackson left at 11:28 a.m. and returned at 11:30 a.m.
The group discussed Vader Water’s 2018 appropriations.
Meeting ended at 11:40 a.m.