COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 19, 1996

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Swanson, Wishnie, Darcy, Delfino, LaMotte

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo; Budget: Joe Phelan, Tom Coleman, Leslie Bennett, Dianne Kearney; D.A.’s Office: Jeanine Pirro, Richard Molea, Frank Donohue, Rich Santorsola, Jonathan Friedman; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; LWVW: Anne Nelson, Esther Shay, Harriet Goldberg; Fire Coordinator: Walter Groden; Assn. of Fire Depts. of Westchester: Fred Benedict; Gannett: David Hartley; BOL: Pat Gorski, Dan Rodriquez, George Gretsas, Robert J. Boland, Glenn Guzi, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chairs Swanson and Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.

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

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve the Minutes of November 13, 1996; November 14, 1996; and November 15, 1996 was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislator LaMotte out for vote)

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: 1997 Proposed Budget:

Mr. Wishnie inquired as to why the salary account was projected to increase. The D.A. stated that the increase is due primarily to contractual step increments. There are fewer ADA’s and Investigators than in the past. The D.A. indicated that are only 3 new positions in the budget: 1 assistant district attorney, and two investigators -- all of which would comprise the Bias Crime Unit.

Mr. Wishnie asked for an explanation of the other changes in personnel reflected in the Department’s budget citing several which recorded additions in the position count. Ms. Pirro explained that these represent changes in the organizational structure.

Mr. Wishnie requested an explanation of the various operating account net increases in the amount of $90,711. Ms. Pirro explained that this is due to travel and meals and County mandated fees (i.e. Record Center: $15,000; Data Processing: $40,000 for payroll and personnel services). She further stated that they are paying less this year than last on equipment (i.e. pagers)

Quantitative Indicators: Prosecution numbers have increased while using the same number of staff.

Mr. Wishnie inquired as to whether sufficient funding is being provided in several areas of expenditure such as technical services and equipment service and rental. The D.A. indicated that the funding being provided will be sufficient.

 

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Account 4902: Prosecution Fund: The D.A. explained that this is an addition for Capital Litigation cases.

Advance to Grants: Increasing from $873,566 (requested 1997) to $935,000 (allowed 1997). Mr. Wishnie inquired as to the $106,000 difference. Mr. Santorsola explained that originally cuts in state and federal aid were not taken into consideration as well as the fact that there have been increases in salary and fringe costs. Mr. Boland requested an explanation as to the difference between the numbers in the budget as opposed to what is on the budget sheets he received this morning from the Budget Department. Ms. Kearney explained that the budget numbers are on a "go forward basis" while the numbers on the budget sheets may be based on prior year’s grants. Mr. Boland requested the explanation in writing.

Mr. Darcy requested a list of positions included in the department’s trust accounts. He asked why some of the grant accounts are projected to be over-budget. Mr. Donohue explained that the difference reflected in these numbers is the amount that is provided by the grant compared to the actual cost of the program. Budget Department will supply a schedule of the specific accounts.

Information Support Services: Mr. Coleman explained that the $17,000 increase is due to the new agreement on the copier machines shifting expenses from one account to another. (as was done in all departments)

Data Processing: Mr. Wishnie asked why the data processing charges are increasing and suggested that the Committee fully investigate why these charges have been increased in each of the department’s budgets that have been reviewed thus far. He questioned why, if privatization was expected to save money, each department’s data processing charges are increasing in 1997. Ms. Pirro stated that it is her understanding that this is a mandated charge by the County. Mr. Coleman explained that the increase in data processing charges by General Services to each department is greater than in previous years due to a change in the methodology of billings. Mrs. LaMotte asked for a written explanation outlining the specific changes in the billing methodology to Departments for data processing services.

Services by Record Center: This is for mandated charges by the County for record keeping. The D.A.’s office is mandated by law to keep records for a certain amount of time. They are making every effort to reduce the number of records being kept by destroying those that are beyond the time limit. The Budget Department will get back to the Committee as why the number has increased.

Mr. Darcy questioned Account 2300: Purchase of Equipment/Replacement: Requested $340,286 -- Allowed: $75,000: Mr. Donohue stated that this is due primarily to the request for computer upgrades for approximately 100 terminals to go from MS-DOS to Windows. Mr. Boland asked if the D.A.’s Office has their own Local Area Network (LAN) - which Ms. Pirro stated they do.

Departmental Income/State Aid: $20,000: subsidy of D.A.’s salary; $103,670: projected funds from seized assets.

Mr. Hosey asked if the Department expects to receive the same level of service for data processing in 1997 as they currently receive. Mr. Santorsola explained that the only data processing services provided to them by GS are for payroll and personnel programs. All of the Department’s investigative and confidential programs are on a Local Area Network (LAN) solely within the Department.

 

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Bias Crimes Unit: D.A. Pirro stated that she has made every effort to have members of staff to be reflective of community they are representing.

According to Ms. Pirro, every year the D.A.’s Office ends the year with a modest surplus -- always end up in the black. She has agreed to tighten her budget to save taxpayer dollars.

 

 

The Co-Chairs called for a 5 minute recess at 10:35 a.m.

The Co-Chairs called the meeting back to order at 10:40 a.m.

FIRE SERVICES:

Mr. Wishnie reminded the Committee that previously this department was under the auspices of the County Executive’s Office.

This department has grown rapidly.

Mr. Wishnie pointed out that as a Legislator and a volunteer firefighter he found it disturbing that the County is going forward with modernizing the Fire Training Center but yet have not funded the Assistant Fire Coordinator position.

Mr. Darcy inquired as to the duties of the Grade 14 Assistant Fire Coordinator position that was rejected by the Budget Department. Mr. Groden responded that the job was structured as a full time position which duties would include administrative functions as a back-up to him, serve as the Chief of the HazMat Unit and would interact with local emergency response teams.

Mrs. Swanson asked about the 5 Deputy Fire Coordinators. Mr. Groden explained that they are part-timers, paid on a flat rate scale who are used to provide assistance to the Fire Chiefs in major alarms; go to meetings; and act as liaisons. The legislation currently before the BOL separating the department from the C.E.’s Office also asks for 8 deputy fire coordinators to legitimize what they already have.

Overtime Costs: $120,000: Basically used to man dispatch -- to meet mandated standards. Seven dispatchers have been added -- the Medical Center is funding 5 of them -- 2 are floating positions. Mr. Groden explained that overtime is used during emergency situations and for last minute fill-ins (people out sick)

Mr. Darcy asked if the manning schedule will be sufficient. Mr. Groden stated that they are looking at adding 4,500-5,000 calls for next year with the departments they’re working with. Ms. Swanson inquired as to how the Department would handle additional calls if and when Yonkers became part of 60 Control. Mr. Groden responded that the Department met the minimum standards established for dispatch coverage based on the number of requests for service received. He fully anticipates being able to meet the local demands in 1997 with the staffing level proposed.

Mr. Darcy inquired as to why the communications account was projected to increase so dramatically. Mr. Groden explained that it is due to the relocation of a communications radio tower in Eastchester.

 

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Accounts 2300 & 2400: Purchase of Equipment (Replacement/Additional); Equipment which will be allocated for use by the HazMat Team. Mr. Darcy requested a listing of equipment which was originally submitted by Mr. Groden. Ms. Bennett stated that she had worked with Mr. Groden on scaling down the list by striking those items that they were not ready for yet. They will continue to work on the list. Mr. Darcy said he would still like the list in writing.

Mr. Wishnie recommended the Committee consider adding in funding for the Grade 14 Assistant Fire Coordinator. Mrs. Swanson suggested that rather than creating a Grade 14, the Department might be better served by reinstituting the abolished Grade 7, Fire Training Assistant whose job it was to assist the local fire departments in using the burn house, smoke house, and other training equipment.

Mr. Darcy requested a breakdown of the duties of the Grade 14, Assistant Fire Coordinator and the Grade 7, Fire Training Assistant.

Mr. Wishnie stated that perhaps the time had come to begin considering the efficacy of providing these functions on a fee for service basis.

Mr. Benedict asked if the Committee was aware of a reduction or elimination of the Burn Unit at WCMC. Mr. Wishnie replied that there have been some very serious concerns raised about WCMC surviving in the marketplace. There will be some serious financial concerns without a change in governance. There are lots of rumors about sensitive areas such as the Burn Unit, transplant functions, etc. being cut or eliminated but nothing is certain yet.

 

 

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Delfino, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.