COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 18, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Abinanti, Carsky, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Mosiello, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Tooher, Brian Fitzpatrick, Leslie Bennett; Dept. of Correction: Commissioner Pozzi, Jane Black, Joe Miranda; CSOA: Robert Buckley; Probation Dept: Commissioner Pozzi, Jacolyn Levin, Dennis Capalbo; Probation Officers Association: James O’Shea, James Cannon; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; LWV: Jo Brill; BOL: Chris Chang, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.

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

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION – 1999 PROPOSED BUDGET:

  • The total 1999 tax levy request is $3 million over 1998.
  • Currently in the process of making a decision as to who will be providing professional health care. Made an assumption that the cost will be higher in the next contract.
  • 207C: Numbers as of October, 1998: 123 employees out on 207C. Problem has been recurring types of injuries as well as separating job-related injuries from non job-related injuries. Increase in 1999 – bulk due to salary adjustments.
  • Decrease in number of Correction Officers Positions (from 450 to 436) The Commissioner explained that 30 new C.O.’s were hired this year (February) from vacant lines. The remaining 24 vacant lines are being eliminated. There are currently more than enough C.O.’s to man all posts and avoid the overtime issue, if the 207C problem can be fixed. Currently there is a 2-1 ratio of C.O.’s to inmates.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 18, 1998

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  • Mrs. Carsky asked if there is a comparison study of how 207C is being utilized in Westchester compared to other counties in New York. Commissioner Pozzi stated that a report was done and Westchester’s numbers are much higher. The Report and comparison study will be made available to the Committee.
  • Inmate Work Program: Mr. Young questioned how the rate per inmate ($2.00 per day) for labor at the hospital as opposed to $291 per diem for C.O.’s is determined. Commissioner Pozzi stated that the County Attorney is researching this matter. The Committee requested a schedule of revenues.
  • The matter of reimbursement of health benefits will be checked into.
  • Travel & Meals (4110): Meal allowance to Correctional staff when they work overtime.
  • Contractual Services (4380): Increase due to medical services contract.
  • Increase in total budget reflects additional costs that the Department has no control over. Programs and services were kept at the same levels as last year. The only other place to cut would be positions (other than vacancies) and that would jeopardize the safety of the facility.
  • Prisoner Count: Budgeted: 1,500 Avg. Daily Census: 1,489
  • Federal Prisoners: Budgeted 100 Avg. Daily Census: 213
  • Cost per inmate per day: $160
  • There were 87 positions in Grants in 1998; 0 in 1999. The Commissioner explained that they were positions related to Criminal Justice Services that have been transferred elsewhere. The Committee requested a breakdown of the 87 Grant positions and where they went.
  • The Committee requested a schedule of calculations used for 207C.

DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION – 1999 PROPOSED BUDGET:

  • Gross 1999 Probation Budget of $13,743,258 represents an $872,115 (9.7%) tax levy increase over the 1998 Budget.
  • Domestic Violence Program: budgeted for 7 Probation Officers – ended up getting 100% funding for those positions.
  • General Supplies (3240): Requested: $32,338 Allowed $18,000. Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that the Budget Department analyzed the numbers based on historical data (actual from previous years). The Committee requested a schedule of the $32,338 and what was eliminated.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 18, 1998

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  • Electric Home Devices: Contract for this service was moved in Contractual Services (4380) in 1998. Previously the lease of equipment and 2 Probation Officers were in the electronic Home Device account (4130). The Probation Officers have now been moved into Annual Regular.
  • Cost of each probation case: $20 per day (intensive supervision), $5-$7 per day (average)
  • General Probation Caseload: approximately 130
  • Mrs. LaMotte inquired as to any Probation programs on the local level, i.e. drug courts. Commissioner Pozzi stated that they have been trying to push drug courts in Westchester County and will continue to do so.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.