COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

AUGUST 31,1998

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

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

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of August 17,1998, and August 24,1998 was carried by a vote of 8-0.

• Mr. Wittenberg informed the Committee that it took almost 3 years to negotiate this contract. The most difficult part was what to do for ’96 and ’97 as well as the impact on the budget. The cost for 2% lump sum wage increase for ’96 and ’97 is $2,922,000 per year. Average below 3% in rate increases considering that this is a 6 year contract. The Administration feels that this contract is fair to employees. In order to qualify for retroactivity, an employee must be on payroll as of July 30, 1998. He looked at the Bell Atlantic settlement (between 6%-7% per year). Fair settlement for a group of people who average a salary of $37,000 per year.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – AUGUST 31, 1998

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• The domestic partner language recognizes people who have made a commitment to one another thereby providing family benefits to people who now have single benefits. Domestic partners must prove that they reside together and certify that they have a long term commitment to one other (equivalent to marriage). New York City and New York State have domestic partner language. If our experience is the same as theirs approximately 15 people will sign up for this coverage. It has been the experience of NYC and NYS that less than 1% of the eligible people sign up for this benefit. The demand for this clause did not come from the CSEA. Copy of NYS parameters are available and Mr. Wittenberg will provide NYC parameters. Have investigations been made, and by whom, to check on people who might be trying to beat the system? Mr. Speziale stated that there are checks and balances similar to those for children being covered by the insurance plan. There will be a yearly renewal system. Employee must fill out forms for termination of domestic partner benefits when the relationship ends (similar to divorce cases). Cost for coverage: $225 per single; $625 per family.
• Mr. Schwartz stated that the Administration did an analysis of other counties contract settlements and on a cost comparison basis, Westchester’s contract settlement is the best.
• Mr. Wittenberg stated that if the contract had been settled at 2% for ’96; 0% for ’97; 1.5% for ’98; and 3.5% each for ’99, 2000 & 2001 it would net out to the same amount as the current proposed contract.
• Beginning payroll is $145 million (based on budgeted CSEA # for ’98). Payroll at the end of 6 years will be $166.5 million. The cumulative total increase of the contract will be $58,822,500 (approximately $10 million per year). Mr. Wittenberg will provide information pertaining to the % of increase per person over the 6 years (average annual increase). Ms. Tooher estimated that based on an annual salary of $40,000 the rate of return will be approximately 3% per year.
• Mr. Boland stated that if a similar contract is approved by the Medical Center the cost for ’96 and ’97 will be the County’s responsibility. The Committee will discuss this matter further at another time.
• Sick Leave Buy Out: Shall be amended to provide payment in the event of layoff or death. Excluded is dismissal for cause (discipline) or resignation. When first agreed to the buy out in ’87 an analysis was done on employees who left the County and the average amount of sick time was minimal (5 days).

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

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• Sick Leave Re-Credit: According to Mr. Wittenberg this provision was basically included to re-credit IS employees returning to County employ. This provision is to extend the period that an employee who leaves County service or is laid off can have their sick leave benefits re-credited from one to two years, provided it had not been paid for through a buy out.

• Privatization grievances are settled (not lawsuits).

• The Committee requested a bottom line estimate cost for each item specified.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the motion to Receive and File agenda items II 2, 3, 6, 8, 15 & 26 was carried by a vote of 8-0.

Mr. Boland reviewed the draft September 3, 1998 A&C calendar with the Committee.

B1. Matters Laid Over: Agreement with Dorn Technology Group for the development and implementation of a risk management information system: pending discussions with other vendors to make sure they could dovetail the two systems.

The Committee will arrange to have Dr. Jacknis in on a regular basis for updates on Year 2000.

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