Board Budget Workshop on Dec 7th

At the recent Board workshop on December 7th, the commissioners discussed the budget. There was a lengthy discussion regarding cutting the county attorney's budget related to victim services, specifically a half-time position for a county attorney to work with crime victims/witnesses. At the same time, they discussed providing funding for the "air show", which Commissioner Sweeny pointed out seemed a bit out of sync with the "priorities" of the county in terms of limited resources. County Administrator Dana Frey questioned whether it was even legal for the county to give money to the Air Show and said he would get a clarification on this, seeing as they were not really "purchasing" services.

There was also a healthy debate on providing funding for a homeless vets project and whether or not they should "earmark" funds in the budget for this, as well as for the Air Show, Historical Society, and Vets Memorial Hall. Commissioner O'Neill advocated for the Vets Housing project (MACV) but was questioned by Commissioner Nelson on this. Apparently Nelson was not ready to commit funds to this in the budget. He did indicate that Commissioner Fink (who was unable to attend) felt strongly that the Air Show should be funded and the attorney position for victim services should be cut!

It is certainly interesting that the County Attorney's office is targeted, following the investigations into those sexual harassment complaints against Rauker and Fink back in the summer of 2007. Apparently prior to that they had actually supported funding for this position!

Other "expenditure reduction options"" included $30,000 in out-of-home placement funds and $30,000 in "non-mandatory training". There was also brief discussion on raising the salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney in that a comparison with other elected officials in that same job category indicated they were both underpaid at present.

Stay tuned, as the budget should be formally adopted at the upcoming Board meting on December 11th.

As for that "Code of Conduct".....that is apparently on the agenda for the "Committee of the Whole" meeting on the 1th as well!