COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPORIATONS
MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wishnie, Bronz, LaMotte, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson
OTHERS PRESENT: CE: B. Randolph, A. Newman; Budget: K. Carrano, A. Vietro, L. Bennett; Human Resources: P. Redd-Zeman; BOL: B. Boland, S. Schecter, S. Vanderberg.
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:28 a.m.
Ms. Redd-Zeman said the proposal is in keeping with civil service mandates and collective bargaining. Most of the deletions are actually title changes. Many departments have asked employees to take on additional responsibilities as opposed to filling vacancies left by those who opted for the early retirement incentive. This is reflected as a savings to the County, since compensation for this is far less than the full salary, benefits and fringe benefits that would have to be paid if the job was refilled.
There was some skepticism on the issue, and after much discussion it was suggested a Committee of the Whole would be called so that Ms. Redd-Zeman could brief the Board on civil service procedure and mandates.
On the motion of Mrs. Stewart-Cousins seconded by Mrs. Bronz, the item was carried 4-1, with Mrs. LaMotte voting without prejudice and Mrs. Swanson voting no.
1st ADDED STARTER
This item a pay plan amendment, is calling for a salary increase for Dr. Hankin, President of Westchester Community College. The salary provides total annual compensation for the President of the College, including housing allowances and pension.
In response to concerns raised regarding the salary amount, Mrs. Carrano said upon Dr. Hankins’ retirement, replacement candidates will probably require even higher salaries.
On the motion of Mrs. Stewart-Cousins seconded by Mrs. Bronz, the item was carried 4-1, with Mrs. LaMotte voting without prejudice and Mrs. Swanson voting no.
2nd ADDED STARTER
On the motion of Mrs. Swanson seconded Mrs. LaMotte the item, authorizing the Commissioner of finance to pay the Mortgage Tax receipts was carried 5-0.
Upon the anticipation of two additional items, the Committee was recessed at 10:14 a.m.
The Committee was reconvened at 11:35 a.m.
3rd ADDED STARTER
An Act, requesting authorization to transfer of funds from the miscellaneous certiorari proceedings account to the County Clerk’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. $895,000 dollars are to be transferred to the County Clerk’s office for the technical services, overtime and postage accounts and $200,000 dollars to the District Attorney’s Office for the Capital Prosecution Case account.
This action requires full action of the Board.
Mrs. Carrano said this was in keeping with her commitment to Legislator Abinanti’s request to move the County Clerk’s cost for temporary agencies into the operating budget.
On the motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte the item was carried 5-0.
4th ADDED STARTER
A Resolution transferring funds totaling $500,000 to the Capital Prosecution Account. The District Attorney’s office will be fund $300,000 (by moving down salaries in her office), $200,000 will come from the miscellaneous budget.
On the motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte the item was carried, 5-0.
On the motion of Mrs. LaMotte seconded by Mrs. Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.