2021-08-24 Budget UpdateBudget Update
August 24, 2021
2:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Erik Martin, Austin Majors,
Grace Jimenez
Guest(s): Frank Corbin, Usha Sahadeva-Brooks
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Budget Planning
Departments and Offices are in the process of preliminary
budgets. Becky said they are working out all the quirks as they
go. The Parks Department will be moving under the Fair budget
instead of being under Facilities’ budget.
Becky would like to establish a security budget.
COVID-19 funding will continue to have weekly updates. This will help complete FEMA worksheets for
easier reimbursement. Collecting accurate and correct information is the biggest challenge for
processing reimbursements
Becky said the FEMA senior nutrition contract is on hold and currently waiting for approval. The last
Senior billing needed corrections and is still under review.
Citizens Budget Committee recommendations
Participants selected by Commissioner Swope to represent District 1 on the Citizens Budget Committee
are:
• Trish Geist
• Nancy Keaton
Participants selected by Commissioner Pollock to represent District 2 on the Citizens Budget Committee
are:
• Usha Sahadeva-Brooks
• Brian Mittge
TO-DO LIST / RECAP
Partner with Arny Davis & Matt
Jaeger: General Transfer for a
technology fund
The next step will be to get Commissioner Stamper’s recommendations and then to schedule an
orientation.
OpenGov
Becky demonstrated how information can be presented going forward at a recent Auditor Treasurer
Update. Becky asked for feedback from the Commissioners. Commissioner Swope like the tables and the
ease of understanding. Commissioner Pollock liked the idea of MUNIS reporting in monthly increments.
Becky signed off on the integration portion of OpenGov and has a goal of having a budget book by the
end of January. Becky said there will need to be some governing policies for reporting to include the
levels of detail and how each department can utilize the information.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning, management and reporting
The first report due August 31, 2021 was turned in August 24, 2021. Becky has questions about the lost
revenue calculations. There has not been clear communication about requirements from the Treasury
Department because there has not been clear guidance on how calculations are derived. The Treasurer’s
Office is taking the lead on completing the first calculations based on current Treasury guidance. Becky
does have a draft application and contracts to identify any mitigation needed for the Juvenile
Department. This will provide the Board with time to review documents for any requests.
Staffing
Becky said there is a potential offer for a grant analyst in the Auditor’s Office. Staffing has been tough.
General fund transfer – technology
Becky said she would like to discuss how Lewis County will handle creating a reserve for technological
costs. The biggest challenge is not having a revenue source. Commissioner Swope would like to see if
they should set an amount or a percentage. Creating an ER&R fund is also an option. Both
Commissioners agreed the discussion should be sooner rather than later. 3.5% sales and use tax is to
support capital needs. The technology piece needs a separate fund from capital maintenance needs.
This would allow for allocation of funds appropriately.
2021 for 2022 lodging tax allocations
Commissioner Pollock and Commissioner Swope agreed to allocate $600,000.00 for 2022 LTAC grant
funds and at a later date, offer an additional grant.
Meeting ended 2:30 p.m.