2017-07-06 Meeting with BudgetMeeting with Budget
July 6, 2017
Start time-2:37
Attendees: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Dianne Dorey, Becky
Butler, Steve Walton, Lara Seiler, Erik Martin, Sandy Williams
Guests: Justyna Tomtas
Recorder: Rachel Hunt
Dianne addressed the group on levy rates and an outline of a potential road levy shift. The group
discussed the discrepancy in building permits and new construction revenue found by the Assessor’s
Office utilizing new software. Dianne also discussed the changes in junior taxing districts because of
State level decisions.
Becky Butler discussed past levy shifts and other counties which have done levy shifts.
The group discussed other counties doing levy shift or diversions as well as direct payments.
Erik Martin outlined what the implications of doing a levy shift would mean to the maintenance of the
roads throughout Lewis County.
The group decided once the Assessor’s Office has more defined figures in September they will have
another meeting.
Dianne briefed the Board on Levy Lid Lifts and the implications of doing one.
Dianne and Sandy left the meeting at 3:17 p.m., and Erik and Lara left the meeting at 3:18 p.m.
Becky Butler discussed the call letter which will be sent out in the coming days.
Commissioner Fund began the Legislative Steering Committee (LSC) conference call at 3:28 p.m.
The LSC chair discussed the State operating budget, revenue taxes, and closing loophole legislation.
1.8 Billion projected to be spent on education. No new resources were added for indigent defense.
Commissioner Stamper stepped out of the meeting at 3:46 p.m. and reentered the meeting at 3:49 p.m.
The group discussed the Hirst decision.
Becky Butler briefly stepped out of the meeting at 4:19 p.m.
Conference call ended at 4:20 p.m.
Becky Butler discussed with the Board how they will move forward with the budget process for 2018.
Steve Walton added input on the preliminary budget process. The group decided the will be starting the
preliminary process like they did in 2016 for the 2017 budget with zero increases in operations and to
maintain current salary and benefits.
Meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m.