COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 15, 1996

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, LaMotte, Darcy, Abinanti

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo, Jamie Hastings; Budget: Joe Phelan, Arthur Vietro, Leslie Bennett, Dianne Kearney; CBAC: George Hosey, Robert Landry; Probation: Commissioner Pozzi, Frank Mailino, Dennis Capallo; Public Safety: Commissioner D’Aliso, Inspector Libertore, Mary Ellen Solicito; Probation Officers’ Assn.: James Cannon, Howard Brynin; BOL: Legislator Carsky, Legislator Mosiello, Robert J. Boland, Glenn Guzi, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chair Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.

DISCUSSION: Proposed 1997 Budget:

NOTE: There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information.

DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION:

Mr. Darcy asked for clarification of a change in positions (Assistant Commissioner --ion Managers) Commissioner Pozzi explained that they had 8 senior people (4 Assistant Commissioner and 4 Division Managers) but now have 6, 2 of the Division Manager positions were eliminated. There is a downward trend in clerical/administrative support. Probation officers responsible for their own computer work.

Overtime: reorganized by putting more staff in pre-sentencing unit - less supervision on low risk cases - translated into a savings in overtime.

Equipment: tremendous drop - Probation officers will be using lap top computers while they are out in the field to make entries as well as data processing work while on surveillance.

Phelan: able to buy some equipment out of the DWI fund.

Departmental revenues are projected at $175,000 - result of DWI fees

Information Services: substantial increase due to costs of software development. Will be upgrading software packages with EDP. They have begun computerizing the family court function.

Telecommunications: dropping due to centralization of department

$172,000 data processing -- a lot of software application -- developing capability of inputting and retrieving info in computer system

Image Works: Probation originally part of contract -- revised contract in which Probation has been eliminated. Mr. Phelan stated that the Law Department decided it had to go out to RFP again because Imaging reached the natural end of Phase I. Mr. Boland requested further explanation on this matter after the meeting.

 

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - NOVEMBER 15, 1996

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Mr. Darcy asked for an explanation of the electronic monitoring system. According to the Commissioner , the Court of Appeals ruled that the home device system (electronic monitoring) is punitive and ruled that it could no longer be used. Probation has worked with the state on new language in the legislation which was approved in Albany in September. They terminated contract with Digital Products as they weren’t sure if the legislation would be approved. Now that it has been they are looking to enter into a short form contract to lease the equipment. Will be back up and running again soon.

Mrs. LaMotte inquired as to the cost of the short term contract as opposed to the long term contract that was terminated. Mr. Pozzi stated that there really wasn’t a difference in cost in leasing the equipment and they hope to be entering into a long term contract again soon. The average number of people in this program is 50-75. If all of these people were in jail it would cost up to $150 per person, per day. This is a cost effective program.

Mr. Boland questioned the location of two positions in expenses. The answer was that they are 2 probation officers at $106,070 working with the Home Monitoring System.

Mrs. LaMotte asked for an explanation of the Supervised Visitation Program. The Commissioner responded that the program began in mid-February at two sites, one in White Plains the other in Yonkers. Prior to the custody decision by Family Court if there is any question about safety of the children visitations are set up in neutral territory where the visit is monitored. Separate entrances are set up for the custodial and non-custodial individuals. The safety of the children is first and foremost - the monitor never leaves the child unattended.

Mr. Boland asked about the 7 new positions (1 supervisory officer; 5 probation officers; 1 office assistant). Mr. Pozzi responded that these positions are in Domestic Violence.

Mrs. Carsky and Mr. Boland questioned the transfer of 2 DWI positions from Trusts and Grants to Annual Regular. Mr. Boland requested a definitive list of changes in the 1997 Budget pertaining to positions, similar to DWI, that should be brought to the Committee’s attention. Mr. Phelan will provide.

Mr. Abinanti questioned a cut in Pre-Trial Services (page C268, Line 4944) of $50,000 which was also done last year (from $358,000 to $308,000) when it is projected that the full $358,000 will be spent. Mr. Phelan responded that it is a budget cut.

Mr. Wishnie inquired as to the increase in Line 4380. Mr. Pozzi stated that it is due to the Supervised Visitation Program; juvenile sex offender assessments and treatment for juveniles.

Mr. Hosey asked where estimates came from in data processing in light of possible privatization. The response was that they were based on estimates in 1995 programming done through EDP which will be picked up by the ISSC contract. These figures came from General Services.

Commissioner Pozzi stated that his department works very closely with the Departments of Correction and Public Safety and this accounts for the success of the product they provide. Mrs. Carsky stated that she agrees and remembers when it wasn’t so.

 

 

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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY:

Mr. Darcy began by stating that looking at the quantitative indicators he is working on the premise that crime will not diminish. He asked how these numbers are arrived at.

Mr. Boland pointed out that these numbers do not match the numbers in the 1996 adopted budget. For example, for the Detective’s Asst. line in 1996 it was 1500; in the 1997 budget it is 2100. Mr. Phelan responded that firstly quantitative indicators are not passed when a budget is, these numbers are projections.

The Commissioner stated that we just want to make sure that we’re not going so lean and mean that we can’t accomplish what we need to.

Mr. Darcy stated that the Detective Bureau is the most critical factor in terms of assisting the localities.

Trust Accounts: Total for Public Safety: $2,885,280 (55 positions)

$1.5 million for Parkway Police - 26 positions - State DOT

Mr. Boland asked if the parkway police cost the County any tax levy. Mr. Phelan stated that he is working on that information and will have it to the Committee this afternoon.

Overtime: Mr. Wishnie asked for an explanation as to why overtime is being cut by $100,000 when we are spending $200,000 in 1996. Mr. Phelan stated that it is a budget cut.

Mr. Wishnie asked for an explanation of what overtime is used for. The Commissioner responded that the year started on a very difficult note, we had a severe winter and a couple of very serious incidents (i.e. murder at motel in Elmsford). Ms. Solicito added that Overtime is also used for contractual obligations. Mr. Wishnie stated that he feels that the overtime line is underfunded.

Vacancies: Going from 241 employees to 230. The Commissioner stated that they had many retirements this year and it takes time to fill the positions due to background checks and such. He explained that historically the department carries vacancies. There are currently 228 people. Ms. Solicito stated there is a Deputy Commissioner line vacant that is unfunded and there is one other vacancy. Ms. Bennett stated that it is not anticipated that there will be any vacancies carried into 1997 for the Public Safety Department.

Mr. Mosiello stated that there is no question that the department is handling the job with 23 less officers in the last 24 months -- there is no choice in law enforcement. He asked if the job is being handled safely for both the officers and the citizenry of the County. The Commissioner responded that it is.

In 1995 there were 253 employee; in 1996 241 and in 1997 anticipated there will be 230. Mr. Abinanti requested a breakdown of employees -- civilians/police officers. The Commissioner stated that there are 105 officers. Mr. Mosiello asked of the loss of 23 personnel how many were uniformed police personnel. The Commissioner stated that of the 23, one half are uniformed police personnel. Of the 230, the Commissioner estimated that 115 are uniformed police personnel.

Mr. Abinanti pointed out that since 1995 the department has gone from 109 patrol officers to 103 which is equivalent to the loss of one person around the clock). The Commissioner stated that for around the clock patrol it would require 5.65 men.

 

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Data processing: Line 5260: projected $379,000 for 1996; allowed for 1997: $295,000. Ms. Solicito explained that the charges are developed by General Services and she is not sure how they arrive at the rates they charge. Ms. Solicito explained that the Department of Public Safety has their own computer system and may have savings because of that and the fact that they don’t use the County’s IS much. Mr. Wishnie asked how many people in the department are dedicated to data processing. The Commissioner responded that there are 2. ISSC contract will have no impact on this department because they will be retaining their own system.

Mr. Boland requested a copy of the schedule used by General Services to determine the rates they charge for 1996 and 1997.

Mr. Boland requested back-up for account 4912.

Mr. Abinanti asked what the savings in civil would be if 4 people were put into patrol.

The Commissioner stated that he can transfer within divisions when he needs to .

Mrs. LaMotte asked for an explanation of the Medical Center Detective Service. The Commissioner stated that this officer conducts investigations at the jail, hospital, etc.

Mr. Boland asked if the Valhalla campus is patrolled by Public Safety. The Commissioner stated that although this is not a mandated post they patrol it when they can although they are not reimbursed for it. Mr. Phelan stated that they will be reimbursed next year as the Medical Center will be buying a permanent service (patrol). Mr. Boland pointed out that the Medical Center account is up $60,000 making it $140,000. This is due to the patrol service.

Mr. Hosey asked about equipment replacement. The Commissioner stated that much of the cost is due to motor vehicles. They have been getting more and more grants for communications.

Mr. Wishnie asked the Commissioner if and how he would be able to use more officers if the BOL should be able to find the money to add perhaps 5 more officers. The Commissioner responded that he is always looking to make sure roads and parkways are adequately covered, he would look at park patrols and has made a big commitment to the localities for specialized services.

 

 

 

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.