County commission minutes, September 2-3 |
| September 11, 2013 |
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*** The property to be tax deeded is parcel #RP60N01W244050A owned by Don and Nicki Horner, and Commissioners and Treasurer Fessler confirmed the proper process for tax deeding had been followed. It was said the delinquency goes back to year 2009 and the county has tried to work with the property owners. The actual tax deeding occurs today and the property owner has one year to redeem the property. The total amount of tax due for year 2009 is $1,437.95, according to Treasurer Fessler. Treasurer Fessler said there is also a mobile home on this property, but that is a separate process. Commissioner Kirby moved to tax deed parcel #RP60N01W244050A owned by Don and Nicki Horner. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The tax deed hearing ended at Terry Capurso, Willard Protsman, Danielle Ahrens, and Treasurer Jenny Fessler left the meeting.
9:05 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into
executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)b
to consider the evaluation, dismissal or
disciplining of, or to hear complaints or
charges brought against, a public officer,
employee, staff member or individual agent, or
public school student. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman
Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and
Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Sims said the program’s memorandum of
understanding (MOU) has changed from the past
year. Greg Siebert with the Idaho Department of
Commerce will be in town later in the month so
the MOU could be signed after talking with him
to see exactly what the requirements are for
this program, according to Mr. Sims. Mr. Sims
mentioned the fund raising requirements included
in this MOU. The program funding is $35,000 so
it’s about the same as the prior year’s funding,
and the City of
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Chairman Dinning said this year’s budget
information includes highlights as follows:
there is a 3% increase from the previous budget
or $133,922 and new construction totals
$8,799,029 or $47,697 (levy). This is an
increase of $181,619 over the previous year’s
budget. The proposed budget including grants
totals $12,303,730. The amount to be levied is
$4,596,914 and this is information that was
published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on Chairman Dinning said Commissioners would now take public comments on the proposed budget and he further reviewed the hearing procedures to follow. Wilma DeVore asked why the food service manager position at the Restorium has been removed. Chairman Dinning said this position hadn’t been filled for months and that funding had been moved to the Restorium’s reserve budget. The Restorium’s administrator had been asked weeks ago to have that information to Commissioners before today’s budget hearing and Commissioners had not received any information so those funds were moved to the Restorium’s reserve budget. Ms. DeVore said it was brought to her attention the sales tax revenue was also removed. Chairman Dinning said that was correct as the county was up against levy limits and had to make the budget work. The sales tax revenue was transferred into the Justice Fund.
Judy Dirks, representing the Friends of the
Restorium, said she had comparison questions.
Ms. Dirks said she is concerned for the elderly
and would like to advocate for them. Ms. Dirks
questioned why such a large rate increase for
the Restorium residents when she sees the budget
for Commissioners was raised a total of $62,676
and the category called “other” has increased
$50,000. Why such a large increase for this
department when the elderly don’t have the means
to come up with the kind of increase for room
rates. Chairman Dinning said in the budget was a
$25,000 increase put into Commissioners’ budget
for potential land purchases and if such
circumstances do arise and the county has to buy
property, the funds have to be budgeted.
Chairman Dinning said things have arisen in the
past and Commissioners did not have the budget
available. Chairman Dinning said the line item
for professional services has increased and that
pays the county’s civil attorney. There were
funds added to this budget in case
Larry Dirks said he is the spokesperson for the Restorium Advisory Board. The Restorium levy of $312,146 has increased to $392,288 for fiscal year 2013-2014. There is $25,250 in cash carry forward shown, but The Restorium Board had estimated $67,000 so that is a difference of $41,750. There was $50,000 put into the Restorium reserve fund when the Restorium Advisory Board had requested $15,000 so that is a difference of $35,000. That is $76,750 less levy dollars needed. Mr. Dirks said the Restorium Advisory Board does not know how the increase in room rents at the Restorium will affect the cash carry forward. The cash carry forward is an estimate, according to Chairman Dinning. Mr. Dirks mentioned $67,000 and said he believes that to be very conservative. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Dirks if that was estimated in the budget or presented that way. Mr. Dirks said no. Commissioners have to make the best guess and be conservative also, according to Chairman Dinning. Chairman Dinning said he hopes Mr. Dirks is correct about the amount for cash carry forward as it would be wonderful news for the Restorium. Clerk Poston said the Restorium budget for cash carry forward was zero when it was presented to her. Mr. Dirks said the Advisory Board had requested $15,000 for the reserve fund, but had received $50,000. Chairman Dinning said the amount of $50,000 was the money to fund the food services position, and Commissioners did not get any indication as to whether or not that position needed to be filled. Mr. Dirks said he recalled a document had been submitted for someone to fill this position. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had a concern about that and had questions about if the work load could maybe be shifted somewhere else so Commissioners asked the Restorium Administrator to come back with some recommendations whether this position was needed or could be adjusted, but the information requested didn’t come back. Chairman Dinning said the money is there, but there needs to be conservations going forward about the duties this position entails. Mr. Dirks said to him a reserve account means something not foreseen such as broken pipes, etc. Mr. Dirks asked if those funds should’ve been available in a budget for wages, etc. Chairman Dinning said those funds would have been available for that line item had the Restorium administrator requested it.
Father Gregory Horton said he is the treasurer
for the Ministerial Association and his concern
is the price increase for the Restorium room
rates. Father Horton said he sees first hand the
need for low income housing, etc., and if the
housing for the senior population is
jeopardized, that will make a much more acute
problem. Father Horton asked Commissioners to
please take another look at the Restorium rate
situation as there is no outside money from
churches or other outside contributors to make
up these shortfalls.
Jeannie Robinson said she wondered about property the county would possibly purchase and is there specific property Commissioners had in mind at this time. Chairman Dinning said not at this time, but the county can say it’s been approached about the Kittell house, in which there is no interest. Ms. Robinson mentioned the matter of the airport property. Chairman Dinning said that property matter goes through the airport grant process. Ms. Robinson asked what the benefit to the county is to purchase properties near the airport. Chairman Dinning said the benefit is to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for safety as it’s gotten more extensive over the years so the alternative is non-compliance.
Terry Capurso asked if Commissioners could tell
him if in previous years there are any foregone
amounts for property taxes. Clerk Poston said
there is and she recalled it may be a small
amount for Paradise Valley Fire District, but it
is not for Commissioners closed the hearing to further public comments and Commissioners held discussion amongst themselves. Commissioner Kirby said he is reasonably sure and it appears to him that Chairman Dinning has answered the questions and evidently to everyone’s satisfaction. Commissioner Pinkerton said there is obvious concern about the 2% cost of living increase and night differential. Commissioner Pinkerton said it’s important to recognize the county is trying to build for the future and in keeping the cost of employment at the level it was at, was not going to do that. This shift differential affects night shifts, Sundays and holidays. Commissioner Pinkerton said in Sheriff’s Offices and in the fire fighting field, it is commonplace to have additional pay for those hours so the 2% cost of living increase overall is to make sure the professionals serving the community can remain doing so, and it’s much more dangerous to work shifts other than the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The county is trying to provide a little extra benefit for those employees who are away from family over holidays and weekends, etc. Most fire departments and law enforcement offices do this and so many places all over the country do this. By not implementing this increase, it could draw down on our protection and the world is not getting safer, according to Commissioner Pinkerton. Chairman Dinning said this shift differential also went to the employees at the Restorium. Commissioner Pinkerton said this will help the supervisor with scheduling for these hours rather than force an employee to work those hours, perhaps the employee would be more eager to work those hours for an additional 30 cents. Commissioner Kirby said it occurs to him, based on the highlights, that after a lot of work done by the Clerk and by the managers of the various county departments, they all submitted budget requests and as usual were quite conservative. There were some increases and adjustments up and down, but everyone was funded and no one really got cut, according to Commissioner Kirby. Commissioner Kirby mentioned the $50,000 for salaries that was put in reserves and he said if it was in the middle of the year and that salaried position had to be funded, the budget could be adjusted. No one’s budget was seriously cut and no one’s taxes were seriously raised, according to Commissioner Kirby. Commissioner Kirby said if this budget passes, the county will be able to get through fiscal year 2013-2014 without large budget issues. Commissioners have now learned that the county cannot borrow between funds when it had been allowed in the past. The county can no longer borrow from the Road and Bridge fund and that makes a big difference. Commissioner Kirby said he appreciated the people who have come to the hearing today and have commented.
Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt fiscal year 2013-2014 county budget as presented. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Kirby thanked the public that was present as well as county department managers.
The public hearing for the fiscal year 2013-2014
county budget ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution #2013-33. A resolution adopting the fiscal year 2013-2014 county budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution #2013-33 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2013-33
A
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014
WHEREAS, on the 3rd day of September, 2013, at
the Boundary County Courthouse in Bonners Ferry,
Idaho the Board of County Commissioners held the
fiscal year 2013-2014 budget hearing for
Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in
accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho
Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in
the Bonners Ferry Herald on
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget
as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and
available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously
adopt the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget as
attached for
DATED AND DONE this 3rd day of September, 2013
BOARD OF
s/______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of
Recorded as
instrument #258631
Commissioners tended to administrative duties. 10:50 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Governing Board of the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. 10:50 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the fiscal year 2013-2014 Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Dave Ryals, Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Donna Standley, Terry Capurso, Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown, Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura Roady, Jeannie Robinson, Judy Dirks, Larry Dirks, Ann Cowart, Carl Cowart, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, Boundary Volunteer Ambulance President Ken Baker, Willard Protsman, Rick Braun, Dave Wattenbarger, Danielle Ahrens, and Wes Portrey. The public hearing was recorded. Chairman Dinning said the proposed budget for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District has been published in the newspaper as per the requirements. The budget shows the amount of levy dollars is $330,334 based on a levy rate of .0004 and based upon the same amount of taxable value as the county value as it’s a countywide levy, according to Chairman Dinning. Chairman Dinning said this is the first year for the Ambulance Service District levy and the budget will be the total expenditure. At this time, Commissioners don’t know the exact amount of loan repayment due to the interest rate, and the balance of the budget is to provide ambulance service to the county as Idaho Code dictates.
Chairman Dinning opened the hearing to public
comments. Ann Cowart suggested Commissioners tax
alcoholic beverages to fund this service as
there is a lot of drinking in the county. Ms.
Cowart said she has seen approximately 17 cars
at the Naples Tavern between the hour of Clerk Poston explained that this budget was advertised at a higher amount in the newspaper because the county didn’t know the assessed value at the time so the budget is lower and it’s an actual reflection of property values. No further public testimony was offered so Commissioners closed the hearing to public testimony. Commissioner Pinkerton thanked the public for their comments and said it’s the best way to reach a solution. Commissioner Pinkerton said the taxpayer does bear the burden, and the tax of alcohol and tobacco is already going toward something. Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s glad the budget has decreased from what was published Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget of $330,334 for fiscal year 2013-2014. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Dinning said at some future date he would hope the Ambulance Service District doesn’t have to levy and it would function on its own. Commissioner Kirby said no one knows where we are in this matter and it needs to be clear the county levied the total amount, which is a moving target. Commissioner Kirby said let it be known that the county’s future thoughts for the next couple of years, is to not levy any amount, but it’s complicated. With a 3% increase available from time to time and with the Tax Commission rules, to make this money available to the District the county had to seek the maximum levy this year so the hope is to not levy anything for the next two years. Commissioner Kirby said the hope is that all funding won’t have to be spent and in the next few years, this matter will level itself out. The full amount has to be levied the first year, according to Commissioner Kirby. Commissioner Pinkerton said this is a result of a decision made last year to levy the full amount and the county is bound to do it. Commissioner Kirby said the $80,000 is the last loan the county will try to do, and he added that it bothers him that the current ambulance service doesn’t know anything about the $80,000 that needs to be paid back and that they want it for themselves. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget of $330,334 for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution #2013-1A. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2013-2014 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution #2013-1A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2013-1A
A
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014
BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT
BUDGET
WHEREAS, the
Board of County Commissioners, County of
Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution
2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide
ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho
Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary
County Ambulance Service District to be
recognized as a legal taxing district and giving
the Board the authority to levy a special tax
for the operation of the District, pursuant to
Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, on the 3rd day of September, 2013, at
the Boundary County Courthouse in Bonners Ferry,
Idaho the Board of County Commissioners held the
fiscal year 2013-2014 budget hearing for the
Boundary County Ambulance Service District, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in
accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho
Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in
the Bonners Ferry Herald on
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget
as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and
available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously
adopt the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget as
attached for the Boundary County Ambulance
Service District.
DATED AND DONE this 3rd day of September, 2013
BOARD OF
s/________________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/________________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/
____________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of
Recorded as instrument #258630
11:
11:
Attorney
Chairman Dinning asked about the process going
forward. Attorney
The call with Attorney Hull ended at A county resident stopped by to inquire who to talk to about the Copeland boat launch as a portion of the dock has shifted due to high water making it difficult for people with limited mobility. Commissioners said they would notify the Waterways Board.
Mr. Small said he handles the retired and senior
volunteer program. The best thing in the last
year and one half is the senior involvement. A
banquet for the volunteers will soon be held and
232 volunteers will attend.
Commissioner Kirby asked if the Senior Companion
Program was still in operation. Mr. Small said
yes, and this program is expanding to a
Volunteer Friendship Corps for all five northern
counties, and the organization had to figure out
how to use volunteers since the Ombudsman
Program was going away. The Volunteer Friendship
Corps will be able to do the same work as the
Senior Companion Program and now there are 17
new volunteers so in the next 60 days they will
be much more active in
The meeting with Mr. Small ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend the prior motion to cancel taxes for parcel #MH61N03E04091CA to show as follows: cancel year 2012 taxes totaling $5.32, fees totaling $65.74, penalties and costs totaling $11.42 for an overall total of $82.48. The sheriff’s fees totaling $51.79 will be returned to the Sheriff. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the
Contract for Public Defenders for
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Sales Agreement with DLB Associates for maintenance on the AS400. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting recessed until the special session scheduled for Thursday, September 05, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. ***Thursday, September 5, 2013, 3:00 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull. The purpose of the special meeting is to go into executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)a and f.
3:00 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into
executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)a,
to consider hiring an individual agent; and f,
to communicate with legal counsel for the public
agency to discuss the legal ramifications or and
legal options for pending litigation, or
controversies not yet being litigated but
imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as
follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner
Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”.
Motion passed unanimously.
4:00 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into
executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)b,
to consider the evaluation, dismissal or
disciplining of, or to hear complaints or
charges brought against, a public officer,
employee, staff member or individual agent, or
public school student. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman
Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”,
Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed
unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at /s/ DAN R. DINNING, Chairman ATTEST: /s/ GLENDA POSTON, Clerk By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk |