WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, :30 P.M.

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1 WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, :30 P.M. PRESENT: D. Pangrazio, E. Gott, D. Mahus, J. Merrick, W. Wadsworth, P. Yendell, B. Donohue, I. Coyle, T. Lynn, C. Taylor ABSENT: Vacant Member, T. Baldwin, T. Donegan PERSONNEL ISSUES Mental Health- Rodney Corry 1. APPOINTING THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES R. Corry stated the interview team has completed interviews, and he is recommending a potential candidate for the Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services position. He stated her name is Michele Anuszkiewicz of Rochester, NY. She has a significant amount of experience providing services to adults with serious mental illness. She was previously the Director of Residential Services at DePaul in Monroe County. He indicated there were two viable candidates and the interview team interviewed both candidates but Michele was more qualified for the position. The projected salary is $60,000, which has been budgeted. The position has been vacant for over a year. There have been historical difficulties finding and keeping a full-time candidate for the Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services. He added that we have had past in-county recruitment challenges hiring management positions within the Department of Community Mental Health Services and in light of the fact that we are going to have to hire a non-resident, we have to amend the local law. The deputy s responsibilities are day-to-day supervision of the Mental Health Clinic as well as filling in for the Director as needed. The job description indicated that Livingston County residents would be given preference. One candidate was a resident and one was not and Michele Anuszkiewicz is not a resident of the County. Based on the difficulty of getting the right person in the position, he and the County Administrator are recommending waiving this requirement and recommending her to the position in spite of her not being a resident. She currently lives in Rochester, NY. R. Corry explained he approached Michele about moving to the County and she indicated she could not guarantee that. He added that Michele is a LCSW, which is a credential that is difficult to find and also CASAC, which means she has credentials to be a substance abuse counselor. He explained this could add a lot to our clinic. MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to appoint Michele Anuszkiewicz of 236 Belknap Street, Rochester, New York to the position of full-time Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services effective November 19, 2012, at an annual salary of $60,000. Carried. Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation- Frank Bassett 1. REQUESTING TO CREATE AND FILL ONE FULL-TIME CHARGE NURSE POSITION UPON APPROVAL, DELETE ONE FULL-TIME CHARGE NURSE POSITION EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2013 F. Bassett stated that over the last three months the CNA has been creating some parallel positions in advance of planned retirements. The Adult Day Health Care Program Director anticipates retiring at the end of January, although no written retirement notice has been received. Creating this position now will provide the opportunity to post, recruit and fill the position and then provide an opportunity to work with the Director. The existing position could be deleted effective March 1, MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Mahus seconded to crate and fill one full-time Charge Nurse Position and 1

2 delete one full-time Charge Nurse position effective March 1, Carried. Central Services- Dave Allen 1. REQUESTING TO CREATE AND FILL ONE ACCOUNT CLERK TYPIST POSITION FOR THE CENTRAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT D. Allen stated he is asking for approval to delete full-time Clerk Typist position and create one full-time Account Clerk Typist position. D. Allen stated the Clerk Typist position retired and a Temporary Clerk from Adecco is temporarily filling the position. MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Mahus seconded to create and fill one Account Clerk Typist (SG7) position and delete one Clerk Typist (SG2) position effective 12/15/12. Carried. REAL PROPERTY- JOE PUKOS 1. AUTHORIZING DIRECTOR OF REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES TO APPLY CORRECTIONS FOR TAXES ON 2013 VARIOUS TOWN TAX ROLLS WHEREAS, the Director of Real Property Tax Services has attached twelve (12) recommendations, applications and/or decisions (12 parcels) to correct the various School Tax Rolls (Real Property Tax Law Sections 550 and 554), and WHEREAS, the following corrections are hereby recommended for the 2013 Tax Rolls for the various towns in Livingston County, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Director of Real Property Tax Services is authorized to apply these corrections to the 2013 tax rolls, 1. Town of Avon Owner: Cushing Living Trust Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Pursuant to a Small Claims Hearing decision, the total assessment value of this parcel should be reduced from $307,800 to $298, Town of Caledonia Owner: James F. Heffer, Et Al Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: On or before March 1, 2012, parcel was eliminated and combined with another parcel. Parcel should be deleted. 3. Town of Conesus Owner: Claudia A. Crayton Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Pursuant to a Small Claims Hearing decision, the total assessment value of this parcel should be reduced from $310,000 to $288, Town of Geneseo Owner: Seven Nations Stakes, Inc. Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Added WD629 Water District #1 Ext 7 Occupied with 1.0 unit. 5. Town of Geneseo Owner: Richard R. Meehan Sheri L. Carroll Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Changed WD262 Water District #2 Occupied from 1.5 units to 1.0 unit. 6. Town of Lima Owner: Sergio L. Copa Katherine Wood Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Pursuant to a Small Claims Hearing decision, the total assessment value of this parcel should be reduced from $266,900 to $243, Town of Livonia Owner: Dorene R. Palmer Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: The investigation found that this parcel was eligible for a 50% disability exemption, but 2

3 received a 15% disability exemption. Apply 50% disability exemption. 8. Town of Livonia Owner: Richard C. & Elaine M. Spahn Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: The Board of Assessment Review determined that the owners were incorrectly granted partial property tax exemptions, which they had not applied for nor were eligible. Remove veteran s exemption (25%) and senior citizens exemption (50%). 9. Town of Ossian Owner: Nancy Walker Smith W. James Smith Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Pursuant to a Small Claims Hearing decision, the total assessment value of this parcel should be reduced from $92,200 to $87, Town of Ossian Owner: Stephen F. Saunders Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Pursuant to a Board of Assessment Review decision, the total assessment value of this parcel should be reduced from $114,200 to $99, Town of Ossian Owner: State of New York Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Transition assessment corrected to $8,150 for Town purposes. 12. Town of Ossian Owner: State of New York Tax Map Number: Reason for correction: Transition assessment corrected to $8,150 for Fire purposes. J. Pukos stated the foregoing resolution reflects the annual corrections. After the school bills go out, we find mistakes on the roll that have to be corrected. He stated this year there are 12 corrections that will affect the 2013 Town and County tax bill. Most are typical corrections, i.e. exemptions omitted, etc. Mr. Gott asked if we adjust these to the positive for the County and back bill the property owner. J. Pukos stated we don t back bill very often. MOTION: Mr. Merrick moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 2. DIRECTING THE REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES DIRECTOR TO SPREAD UNPAID WATER CHARGES AND UNPAID SEWER CHARGES ON 2013 TAX ROLLS - LIVINGSTON COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY WHEREAS, the Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority, pursuant to Section 1199-yyyy(2) of the Public Authorities Law, has provided to the Board a statement of unpaid sewer and water charges in the district serviced by the Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority, and WHEREAS, such statement of unpaid charges is on file with the Clerk to the Board, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to said Section 1199-yyyy(2) of the Public Authorities Law, the Real Property Tax Director is hereby authorized and directed to levy the sums stated in said statement against property liable, and state the amount of the charge in a separate column in the 2013 annual tax rolls of the County under the heading "Water Charge" or "Sewer Disposal Charge," as applicable, and to pay such amounts, excluding penalties and interest, to the Livingston County Water & Sewer Authority. MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth moved and Mr. Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 3. PRE-APPROVAL OF WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR THE REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT TAX LEVY INFORMATION AND RELATED FORMS AS COMPLETED Directors Comments: This is an annual request to move forward with information that requires processing and to proceed with tax bill printing which requires attention before the next scheduled Board meeting. 3

4 MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Mahus seconded to authorize the Director to submit tax levy information and related forms for resolution. Carried. Pre-approved Informational Item(s) To Be Reported 1. UPDATE ON THE TOMPKINS COUNTY VISIT J. Pukos stated that Mr. Pangrazio, Chairman Merrick, Mr. Yendell, Virginia Amico and himself visited the Tompkins County Real Property Tax Office on 10/31/12 to get an overview on how they operate their county-wide assessment program. J. Pukos stated they have been doing county-wide assessment since 1970 and they currently have 10 employees down from 19.5 in He indicated that the Director, Jay Franklin stated that because of today s technology, they are able to get more work done with fewer employees. They have added barcodes to many of their exemption forms making the annual renewal process extremely efficient. When a renewal application has not been returned, reminder phone calls are made to the property owners by an automated phone system. J. Pukos stated that he would explore the use of barcodes on exemption forms in Livingston County. Tompkins County is doing a lot of things in house, including all exemption renewals and commercial/industrial appraisals. Nassau County also does county-wide assessment. J. Pukos stated that Jay Franklin informed the group that a lot of contact is via . Mr. Pangrazio added that each Assessor has a car and they visit each property and work out of their vehicle. Mr. Pangrazio stated they do not have that many grievance hearings, and J. Pukos stated they seem to resolve their issues prior to the hearing. They also use Google Earth and Pictometry. J. Pukos stated that Tompkins County has a Commercial Appraiser on staff. COUNTY TREASURER- CAROLYN TAYLOR 1. APPROVING ESTIMATED 2013 SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION RESOLVED, that the list below of 2013 estimated Sales Tax Distribution be, and the same hereby is, approved: TOWN ESTIMATED SALES TAX CREDIT AVON 86, CALEDONIA 48, CONESUS 63, GENESEO 112, GROVELAND 59, LEICESTER 34, LIVONIA 169, NORTH DANSVILLE 20, OSSIAN 15, PORTAGE 14, SPRINGWATER 43, WEST SPARTA 22, YORK 68, TOTAL 753, MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Mrs. Donohue asked if the Town of Conesus would be able to change the sales tax credit on their 2013 Town abstract amount to $40,000 rather than $63,000? The County Treasurer explained the reason for the sales tax credit is to lower the County levy and if it changed it would affect the County Tax Cap and possibly the Town Tax Cap. The County Treasurer stated she is not willing to change the amount, and she added that she could 4

5 increase the amount of the credit so that the amount of sales tax the Towns receive as reconciliation in October would be even less. She noted that the towns tend to rely on this money at the end of the year so she makes the very conservative estimates of what the sales tax credit should be. Mrs. Donohue asked the County Treasurer to explain what the Towns of Lima, Nunda, Sparta and Mt. Morris do. These towns get cash for their share of the sales tax every quarter. The County Treasurer explained that when Lima went from the sales tax credit to actual cash payments, the town tax levy was reduced, but by the same token their County levy increased. The County Administrator explained that the four towns take this as a cash distribution so when the County gets its quarterly returns, the County Treasurer cuts checks back to them and the Towns have a General Revenue account. The County Administrator asked Mrs. Donohue if she was budgeting the reconciliation number. She responded she received $7,800 a few years ago and she budgeted $4,000 and again $4,000 and then I received $13,000 and this year we got less and plus they hit us with the 2% Tax Cap. Carried. 2. PROVIDING FOR LEVY OF ERRONEOUS TAXES TO BE CHARGED TO TOWNS The following is a list of items shown on the records of the County Treasurer as having been charged to the following Towns due to erroneous assessments, errors in the levy of the budget or similar items: AVON 1, CALEDONIA CONESUS 1, GENESEO 2, GROVELAND LEICESTER LIMA 0.27 LIVONIA 1, MT. MORRIS NORTH DANSVILLE 0.27 NUNDA OSSIAN -0.1 PORTAGE SPARTA SPRINGWATER 2, WEST SPARTA 0 YORK 2, , MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. The County Treasurer stated that the letters have gone out from Phillips Lytle to those property owners that have 2011 delinquent taxes. They have until December 3 to pay their taxes before there is another $358 charge for title search fee. Mr. Yendell asked if there was anything in the letter informing the people they can now pay by credit card. C. Taylor stated the letter was sent out by Phillips Lytle and did not mention payment by credit card. Mr. Pangrazio mentioned we should add that information going forward. C. Taylor explained when another letter is sent including the title search fee, we could then add language about the use of a credit card. Mr. Yendell mentioned that he thought we were trying to give these people the opportunity to pay by credit card prior to the title search fee being added. C. Taylor stated she could have another letter sent out. Mr. Pangrazio stated that going forward we should add this language and it will be added in the letter that includes the title search fee. 5

6 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR- IAN COYLE 1. APPROVING ABSTRACT MOTION: Mr. Merrick moved and Mr. Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 2. AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS CENTRAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SHERIFF S DEPARTMENT CENTRAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHERIFF S DEPARTMENT $5, to purchase engraving machine to update signage $800 to replace laptop $725 to replace CHHA laptop $2, realignment of grant funds MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 3. AMENDING 2012 LIVINGSTON COUNTY BUDGET HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESOLVED, that the Health Department budget be amended as follows: Account Dept. Code Description Amount Increase Revenue A Other Unclassified Revenue $1, Increase Appropriation A Training $1, MOTION: Mr. Merrick moved and Mr. Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 4. AMENDING 2012 LIVINGSTON COUNTY BUDGET HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT RESOLVED, that the Highway Department budget be amended as follows: Account Dept. Code Description Amount Increase Revenue DM Unclassified other $16, Increase Appropriation DM Diesel $16, Increase Revenue D Federal Hwy Capital $62, Increase Appropriation D Professional Services $62, Increase Revenue D State Highway Capital Project $2, Federal Highway Capital Project $123, TOTAL $126, Increase Appropriation D Professional Services $2, Contract Expense $123, TOTAL $126,

7 Increase Revenue D State Highway Capital Project $ Federal Highway Capital Project $192, TOTAL $193, Increase Appropriation D Professional Services $ Contract Expense $192, TOTAL $193, MOTION: Mr. Mahus moved and Mr. Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 5. AMENDING 2012 LIVINGSTON COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE FOR THE AGING RESOLVED, that the Office of the Aging Department budget be amended as follows: Account Dept. Code Description Amount Increase Revenue A Federal Revenue $ Increase Appropriation A Telephone $ Increase Revenue A Federal Revenue $1, Increase Appropriation A Office Supplies $1, Increase Revenue A State Revenue $11, TOTAL $11, Increase Appropriation A Travel, Training $ MLR $9, Office Supplies $ Service Contracts $1, Conference $ TOTAL $11, MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth moved and Mr.Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 6. AMENDING 2012 LIVINGSTON COUNTY BUDGET SHERIFF S DEPARTMENT RESOLVED, that the Sheriff s Department budget be amended as follows: Account Dept. Code Description Amount Increase Revenue A Child Safety Restraint $ Increase Appropriation A Law Enforcement Equipment $ TOTAL $

8 Increase Revenue A State Aid $1, Increase Appropriation A Overtime $1, Increase Revenue A Homeland Defense Grant $87, Increase Appropriation A Law Enforcement/Public Safety Equipment $87, MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Merrick seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 7. AMENDING 2012 LIVINGSTON COUNTY BUDGET WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RESOLVED, that the Workforce Development Department budget be amended as follows: Account Dept. Code Description Amount Increase Revenue J Federal Aid $3, Increase Appropriation J Computer Equipment $3, MOTION: Mr. Merrick moved and Mr. Mahus seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 8. LOCAL LAW NO. E SUPERSEDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3 OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (Residency) The County Administrator distributed a proposed local law that amends the existing local law by eliminating the Director of Administrative Services in the Department of Social Services (George Macomber who filled this position is a resident of the County) and adding the Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services. He added that we have had recruitment challenges hiring a Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services and in light of the fact that we are going to have to hire a non-resident, we have to amend the local law. 9. PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. E SUPERSEDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3 OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WHEREAS, there has been duly presented and introduced at a meeting of this Board, held on November 14, 2012, a proposed Local Law entitled Local Law No. E Superseding Certain Provisions of Section 3 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York, it is hereby RESOLVED, that a public hearing shall be held on the said proposed Local Law by this Board on the 19 th day of December, 2012 at 1:35 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Assembly Room in the Livingston County Government Center in the Village of Geneseo, New York and at least six (6) days notice shall be given by posting thereof on the bulletin board of the Government Center in this County and by publishing such notice at least one (1) time in the official newspapers of the County as provided by law. Dated at Geneseo, New York November 14, 2012 Ways and Means Committee MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Merrick seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 10. AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE MEDICAL CLAIM PAYMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR LIVINGSTON COUNTY S SELF INSURANCE PROGRAM POMCO, INC. WHEREAS, the County of Livingston solicited a Request for Proposal for a medical claim payment and administrative services for Livingston County s Self Insurance Program, and WHEREAS, the three proposals were reviewed by the County s consultant and the County s review 8

9 committee, and WHEREAS, POMCO, Inc. was found to be the most qualified to perform the required services, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the following contract, which is determined to be the most qualified to provide said services subject to review by the County Attorney and County Administrator: Contractor Term Amount POMCO, INC. 10/1/12-9/30/14 $29.55/Enrollee 2425 James Street Syracuse, NY For: Medical claim payment and administrative services agreement for Livingston County s Self Insurance Program. MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth moved and Mr. Gott seconded to authorize the foregoing resolution. Carried. 11. ADOPTING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 The County Administrator distributed some tentative budget information indicative of where we are in the budget process. He reported he filed the 2013 Tentative Budget with the Clerk of the Board on Tuesday, November 6, The County Administrator reviewed the handout showing Appropriations, Revenues, Appropriated Fund Balance, 2013 Tax Levy and 2012 Tax Levy (on file). Our Cap Limit is 4.1% ($1 million plus) and we are in the neighborhood of about $470,000. We are increasing the rate about 1.23% (9 cents) and the levy is under 2% (1.9283%). Total appropriation is $145 million and revenues are up due to sales tax returns. He added we have to do everything we can to encourage local spending. Fund Balance allocations are down a little bit because CNR Fund Balance contribution is not as large as last year. The major impact to the Highway Fund is due to pensions and equipment expenses. The County Administrator reviewed another handout (on file) reflecting the Average Home Assessed Value, County Taxes Paid in 2012 and 2013 (estimate). Overall, the increase is less than $1.00 a month increase for the average family household. He commented that if we could do this with all the negative impacts we had, it is a good thing. He added if it wasn t for the sales tax revenue, we wouldn t be able to do this. The major fluctuations were on the expense side up $1 million for pensions, up hundreds of thousands of dollars in health insurance costs, and $500,000 in community colleges, all offset partially or wholly by the fact that we had revenue adjustments. Mr. Yendell commented that we should get the word out that it helps the property taxes if residents shop in Livingston County. The County Administrator stated he has talked to the press at length about that fact and he is hopeful this will be highlighted in the article. The County Administrator added that looking at our peers the average tax levy is about $28 million, the average tax rate is a little more than the County s and the average bond rating is less than Livingston County. The average per capita general fund spending is also less than the County. We are doing everything right that we can control. He pointed out that from 2009 to 2012, we are down 45 full-time positions, which is almost 6% of our full-time employees. We are doing more with less. The large employment centers within the County, CNR, DSS, DOH, have all been doing more with less. The County Administrator reported that the budget presentation/public hearing is scheduled or 11/14/12 at 1:35 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Merrick seconded to adopt the budget for fiscal year Carried. 9

10 12. AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION OF 2013 ADOPTED BUDGET MOTION: Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to appropriate the 2013 Adopted Budget. Carried. Mr. Pangrazio commended Ian for a job well done on the 2013 County Budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Mahus seconded to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person. Carried. Mr. Merrick departed. Mr. Gott moved and Wadsworth seconded to move out of Executive Session. Carried. No action taken. Pre-approved Informational Item(s) To Be Reported 1. OTHER The County Administrator stated that the press has been notified that the 2013 County Budget hearings will be held on November 14, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Gott moved and Mr. Wadsworth seconded to adjourn the meeting at 3:21 p.m. Carried. Respectfully submitted, Virginia O. Amico Clerk of the Board 10