COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES-AUGUST 11, 1997

3:00 P.M.

B & A MEMBERS: Swanson, Wishnie, Darcy, Young, Abinanti

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo -IGR, Budget: Joe Phelan-

Co-Chairs Swanson and Wishnie called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.

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

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of August 4, 1997 was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

• Mr. Phelan stated that the goal of the projections is to function as a management tool. They look at current trending and are looking to find the "trouble" spots. The philosophy behind the projections is, this is what is going on right now, and this is what will happen if nothing changes.
• In first quarter were looking at losses in state aid. There has been a positive change in that area. DSS numbers have not been wrapped up yet.
• Corrections-OT is a result of federal prisoners program. The projection was based on 60 federal prisoners when in fact this year the number has been as high as 160 and as low as 105. This is an example of a current trend with a very pessimistic outcome which hopefully they will be able to turn around before the end of the year.
• There is a concern that welfare reform may cost us money in areas such as day care.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - AUGUST 11, 1997

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• General Services: The deficit of $6,401,219 is due primarily to the projection for ISSC contract. The appropriation does not reflect the pending ISSC and Marriot transfer.
• Savings in retirement - showing $4.8 in savings which stems primarily from a notice from state that billing for 1997 will be less than they originally told us. The County has a credit due to what is happening on Wall Street (improved investment returns) therefore we are being billed $2.6 million for retirement rather than $3.5 million.
• Sales Tax - currently showing almost $3 over what was budgeted.
• Outside of New York City and Nassau County, Westchester is the third highest in the state in clothing sales.
• Sales Tax: Growth from 1993 to 1994 was 5.3%; from 1993 to 1994 was 2.5%; and from 1994 to 1995 was 3.1% (average growth: 3.6% per year) In March of 1995 the Westchester Mall opened. Whenever there is a change in sales tax there is a 6-9 month lag between time of sale and when the sales tax comes in. In 1996 growth was 8.5% due to sales tax from the Westchester Mall.
• Mr. Wishnie asked when in 1998 will we know sales tax numbers for 1997. Mr. Phelan replied that we get the numbers on a monthly basis.
• Corrections: Mr. Darcy requested a break-out of overtime costs. Mr. Phelan stated that they have already asked for that information.
• County Airport projecting +$744,517.
• According to Mr. Phelan the biggest restriction to our surplus is $2.3 million for non-collection of state aid for education/transportation program. Mr. Abinanti stated that he recalls seeing a memo a few months ago from NYSAC saying that the lawsuit was settled and the owed money would be forthcoming. He asked that the Committee Co-Chairs request a reconciliation of the potential $2.3 million shortfall for state reimbursement for the education/transportation program with the recent reports from the State Association of Counties that the lawsuit was settled.
• Mr. Abinanti asked for an analysis of the impact the state budget will have on the county. Mr. Phelan stated that it will take about a week to get that info (excluding DSS)
• Public Safety: Mr. Abinanti requested a breakdown of OT and Contractual Services.
• Corrections: Mrs. Swanson requested a breakdown, by month, of the number of federal prisoners housed as well as the monetary rate per prisoner.
• County Clerk’s Office: Mr. Abinanti requested a breakdown of the revenues and expenditures to date.

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• Cty Publicity & Promotions (2035): Deficit of $7,372: Mr. Phelan explained that this is primarily contract driven. The Committee requested a copy of the budget as of June 30th indicating expenditures by account.
• The Committee requested an analysis of special studies.
• Tourism (2135): Based upon hotel tax numbers this will come in higher than was budgeted.
• RTI Sponsor Contribution: WCMC thinks they will make budget and does not agree with the Budget Department’s numbers. Mr. Phelan stated that it is conceivable that they will need more. Occupancy at RTI was below budget at the beginning of the year. There is a potential problem at RTI.
• Surrogate Court Rental (2150): Deficit of $12,505 due to operating expenses that vary from year to year. Mrs. Swanson requested an breakdown of this number.
• Requested a breakdown of Citizens Services (2070) deficit of $33,915.
• Mr. Phelan stated that in this forecast the Medical Center will exceed their gross budget.
• WCMC - Annual Regular - will save $1,197,254
• Mrs. Swanson requested a vacancy count for WCMC.

• Commissioner Langeloh stated that we are doing $29.5 million better than originally forecast in January of this year.
• Combo of federal and state aid - right on forecast for first 6 months.
• WCMC: Other receipts: $9,452,477 ahead of forecast
• RTI: Other receipts: -$2,549,705 due to census count
• Expense side: WCMC & RTI running a little over
• Mr. Boland asked what projections were used for WCMC & RTI. Commissioner Langeloh responded that they sat with the Medical Center people and went over their figures month by month.
• Mr. Boland stated that at this time last year we were showing +$37 million as opposed to $29 million this year.
• Do we have breakdowns as to monies received for some of special projects (i.e. parking garages, Austin Avenue)? WCMC and Airport get them directly according to Mr. Langeloh although he said he would check on them as well as the status of Austin Avenue payments

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There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, , seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.