COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

AUGUST 3,1998

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.

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

• Pursuant to this agreement, the Valhalla Fire District will provide services to the County of Westchester in connection with the evaluation of the fire safety procedures at the Grasslands Reservation and the training of the Grasslands Fire Brigade.
• This legislation was also referred to and signed out by the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.

• After discussion the Committee agreed to an addition to Revenues of the WCC Budget: Fund Balance $100,000
• The Committee realizes that this addition can be eliminated when the Committee votes on deletions to the budget.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – AUGUST 3, 1998

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• Estimated year end surplus $9.3 million
• All union contracts estimated to settle at the same value as CSEA proposed contract 4% lump sum estimated at $8.0 million which is included in the projected expenditures. The revenue source will be 1997 fund balance which is not included in these projections.

million.

• Early retirement pension cost of $1.8 million included and assumes approximately 75 employees take advantage of the program. Final estimates in the third quarter. Early retirement costs will be paid up front and not on installments. PBC employees, formerly County employees, are not included in this retirement package. Ms. Tooher stated that the WCHCC Board is looking into a separate retirement package for the hospital employees.
• Sales tax continues to perform poorly. 1^st quarter forecast of $4.4 million deficit still holding. Forecast assumes only 1% growth for the balance of the year. New York State put through a negative adjustment of $2 million in the last quarter of 1997 which affected our projections.

• Correction revenue has decreased since we are now budgeting 185 federal prisoners for the remainder of the year. Two issues impacting: loss of 46 cells due to the roof problems in the PEN and alternative locations for the feds coming on line in NYC and Hudson County, NJ.
• Relief savings now estimated at $13 million due to the slower start up of POWER Program and MMIS. DSS: Projecting savings in POWER program. Committee of the Whole meeting would be an appropriate place for an update of this program.
• County Clerk revenue up $985,000 due to increased mortgage activity.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – AUGUST 3, 1998

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• Sales Tax projections are down $2 million
• All other state aid shows a decrease of approximately $10 million which is attributable to Education & Transportation of Handicapped Students.
• Short fall in PBC receipts resulted from outstanding contracts
• WCMC receivables showed a deficit of $14 million due to slow collections.
• Other income (departmental) approximately $8 million over projected; $2.5 million is attributable to federal prisoners revenue.

• Payroll and Benefits showed a savings of approximately $8 million mostly due to the fact that we have 240 vacancies as of June 30, 1998.
• DSS Relief indicated a savings of $10 million.
• Overall cash flow for the 1^st six months of 1998 indicated a $57 million increase over projected.

Mr. Boland reviewed the "Draft" August 6, 1998 A&C Calendar with the Committee and asked that any questions or concerns be relayed to him as soon as possible.

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