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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-06 Business Meeting Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 1 of 8 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013 _____________________________ Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend __________________________ Present were Commissioners Alan Unger, Tammy Baney and Anthony DeBone. Also present were Tom Anderson, Interim County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Susan Ross, Property & Facilities; Nancy Blankenship and Jeff Sageser, Clerk’s Office; Laurie Craghead, County Counsel; Sheriff Larry Blanton; and four other citizens. Chair Unger opened the meeting at 10:03 a.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CITIZEN INPUT Larry Fulkerson shared his concerns about the 9-1-1 levy proposal. He read a statement at this time (a copy of which is attached). He feels that the reserves are too high already and is opposed to the Measure as written. He feels the levy should not remain as high as it has been. Chair Unger said that he hopes they are able to bring some understanding of this levy to citizens. Commissioner Baney said this covers two years. They don’t have to levy the entire amount, but this is sometimes confusing to the public. This gives the agency parameters and can be adjusted, similar to what the Sheriff has done. It is a buffer. Mr. Fulkerson stated that the people are starting to trust the government a bit more because of the Sheriff’s efforts and him not charging the full amount. He does not know why the reserves have to be as high now that the new 9-1-1 center is there. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 2 of 8 Commissioner Baney stated that the 9-1-1 Board oversees what needs to be done. They have some equipment upgrades that will be required in the near future, and that can be expensive. Sheriff Blanton commented it is their job to explain to people what the levy is for. It is their duty to be transparent. However, they just hired a firm to look at all of the radio system issues. It is time to look at this infrastructure so they can combine all the repeater sites to accommodate federal requirements. This could cost upwards of $10 million. They are not finished. The technology part is challenging. He feels the majority of the contingency will go towards infrastructure improvements. They struggled with being understaffed for many years, which ran up the reserves, so much of this amount is misleading, and temporary now that they are properly staffed. They will have to tap into contingency funds if this levy does not pass, and it will not last long. Mr. Fulkerson stated that in regard to user fees, this is one of two counties in the state that don’t have them. He feels user fees are not appropriate and 9-1-1 is run well. Sheriff Blanton said that if the levy does not pass, the contingency model includes user fees. It would cost his department $2 million, since they are the biggest user of 9-1-1. Other entities may not be able to afford the necessary kind of staffing. Laurie Craghead stated they cannot amend the levy request at this point. Mr. Fulkerson stated he thinks they have up to March 22 to do so. 3. Before the Board was Consideration of First and Second Readings and Adoption, by Emergency, of Ordinance No. 2013-011, Amending Code, Authorizing the County Clerk to Not Refund Overpayment of Recoding Fees for $10 or Less. Tom Anderson gave a brief overview of the Ordinance. The reason this is specific for the Clerk’s Office is that payment is often received in advance there. The cost to the County of handling a refund is about $30. Rather than refusing to issue a refund, often the customer will be asked if they want the check back so they can return with the proper amount. That may not be possible or practical at all times. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 3 of 8 Commissioner Baney stated that this amounts to about $1,500 a year. She is sensitive to the fact that even a few dollars may be important to someone. Mr. Anderson said they can hand the check back or void the transaction if possible at the beginning. But once it is in the system, it is costly for the County to handle this kind of transaction. Many of the Clerk’s customers, for instance title companies, use pre-printed checks. He is not sure how often this occurs. Ms. Craghead added that it is generally title companies , and some of them are located out of state. Most of the Clerk’s transactions are time sensitive, like recording liens against real property. Sending a check back to replace it with another is often not a viable option. Chair Unger said this is not changing much, but now they deal with debit cards and electronic transactions as well as checks. Ms. Craghead stated that there are maybe a half-dozen counties that are doing electronic recordings. Out of necessity, things are done quickly, so there is not much opportunity to change the process. Nancy Blankenship and Jeff Sageser came before the Board. Chair Unger asked if the emergency clause is needed, as the Board is sensitive to this. Ms. Blankenship said they hoped to have it in place by July 1, 2013. It was brought to the Board previously to consider as well. Ms. Craghead said it costs the County money if you add another 100 plus days. It is not refunded if someone paid by check, but if it is through a clearinghouse, since a refund is easier. Mr. Sageser said there are talks about a refund ordinance at the state level since this impacts other agencies also. Chair Unger feels that it should move forward now.. Commissioner Baney said that it seems inconsistent if the payment protocols are different for different situations. DEBONE: Move first and second readings of Ordinance No. 2013-011. BANEY: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. Chair Unger conducted the first and second readings by title only, declaring an emergency. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 4 of 8 DEBONE: Move adoption of Ordinance No. 2013-011, by emergency. BANEY: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. 4. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Document No. 2013- 085, a Contract with the Humane Society of Central Oregon regarding Impounded and Stray Animal Boarding Services. Erik Kropp gave an overview of this contract , as well as the one with the Humane Society of Redmond, which is similar. Licensing fees are shared with the shelters and the cities, with a small amount going to the County. Two main types of payments are made to the shelters. One is boarding fees per day for impounded dogs. Another portion of the payment is a portion of the licensing fees for their operations budgets. The fee per dog per day would go from $26 per day to $40. This is thought to be more consistent to the actual cost of service. The fee has not increased since 2006. However, a change in the contract would decrease the amount of the licensing fees that goes to the shelters. Ms. Craghead indicated both agencies have signed, but they are waiting for insurance documentation. BANEY: Move approval. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. 5. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Document No. 2013- 086, a Contract with the Humane Society of Redmond regarding Impounded and Stray Animal Boarding Services. BANEY: Move approval. DEBONE: Second. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 5 of 8 VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. 6. Before the Board was Consideration of Board Signature of Document Nos. 2013-065 and 2013-066, Amending Design and Construction Contracts related to the Adult Jail Project. Susan Ross said that the County entered into agreements with two contractors a few years ago regarding work on the jail remodel, work which was delayed. The work has since been reduced in scope, so agreements are needed to reflect these changes. There is a contract with Kirby Nagelhout for pre-construction services, for which there will be no charge. They would want a fee of just over $8,000 if the project is canceled, however. The guaranteed maximum price amount will come before the Board later. Chair Unger said it appears that costs are being kept down while the project is staying on track. Commissioner Baney stated that there were not that many bids at the time because it is a complicated project. Ms. Ross added that they would have limited this to those companies with similar experience. Local subcontractors will have the ability to bid on the work. BANEY: Move approval of both agreements. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of the Consent Agenda. DEBONE: Move approval of the Consent Agenda. BANEY: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 6 of 8 Consent Agenda Items 7. Signature of Document No. 2013-087, an Acceptance Deed for a Temporary Construction Easement on Skyliners Road (61579 Boulder LLC) 8. Chair Signature of Document No. 2013-096, the Oregon Early Learning Council Document Confirming Budget Allocations and Funded Activities for the Deschutes County Children & Families Commission 9. Signature of Order No. 2013-007, Declaring Certain Deschutes County Personal Property Surplus and Authorizing Donation 10. Signature of Letters Reappointing Patrick Griffiths, Matt Shinderman and Darek Staab to the Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement Committee, through February 28, 2016 11. Signature of a Letter Appointing John Stephenson to the Weed Advisory Board, through December 31, 2014 12. Signature of Letters Appointing Lori Patterson, Kathy Walsh and Dr. Peter Boehm to the Deschutes County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, through December 31, 2016 13. Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Stephanie Ely from the Lazy River Special Road District Board, and Thanking her for her Service 14. Signature of a Letter Appointing Ron Pugh to the Board of the Lazy River Special Road District, through December 31, 2015 15. Approval of Minutes: Work Session of February 25, 2013 Business Meeting of February 25, 2013 Public Hearing on the South County Plan, held on February 26, 2013 CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 16. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District in the Amount of $83,758.86 for Two Weeks. DEBONE: Move approval, subject to review. BANEY: Second. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 7 of 8 VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION AND 4-H COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 17. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the Extension/4-H County Service District in the Amount of $13,123.62 for Two Weeks. DEBONE: Move approval, subject to review. BANEY: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. RECONVENED AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 18. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for Deschutes County in the Amount of $925,302.53 for Two Weeks. DEBONE: Move approval, subject to review. BANEY: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Chair votes yes. 19. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. DATED this 2013 for the /~DaYOf IVJVLC'..h.-­ Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Alan Unger, Chair Tam~ir ATTEST: Anthony DeBone, Commissioner ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 8 of8 Packet Contents 1. Copy of verbal comments to County Commissioners on 3-6-13 2. Detailed comments 3. Copy of Argument in Opposition for Voters Pamphlet 4. Copy of letter to Police and Fire departments 5. Copy of letter to 911 District employees BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item of Interest --,-q~/-I-"/---,L-.4t£,.{",jt~'/+Y______ Date J -G:-. -.;2{I13 Name L k#?tzy WE FI4LK-§C,sOA[ Address ;2;2 l}2 I )'//(' A-ROLI5 gP /3f5).(/J,J all 12f)o:Z Phone #s If -.5ZlI-<3 [fa-If?/ J E-mail address LA?-=I(K EL,K ~s/v@) 6' f"74IL; ['or.,­ o In Favor D NeutrallUndecided [Jd' Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? [kiYes D No March 6, 2013 Good morning County Commissioners. I am here today to share my concerns about the 911 temporary levy proposal and to provide each of you with a copy of more detailed comments. The current 911 temporary local option levy of 23 cents per thousand of assessed value was passed in May of 2008 in large part to build a new 911 service building and upgrade technology. The building has been built and the technology upgraded. During the 2012 fiscal year, the 911 District accumulated a surplus of $1,847,268. When added to the already existing reserve, this made a new total reserve of $10,739,607. That year the 911 District budget had a 29.5% surplus. In this current fiscal year the budget will only show a surplus of $1,312,495, or a total reserve of $12,052,102 because of $540,000 spent on technology improvements. A surplus of this size is Significant given the District is budgeted to only spend $6,918,999. A prudent person would think that the County Commissioners would propose a new pennanent levy that would produce a more reasonable amount of income. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered the notice of District Measure 9-91 on the County website this past Friday that clearly showed you wanted to continue the 23 cent temporary levy for 5 more years. I am opposed to the measure as it is currently written. Along with a copy of my detailed comments that has been provided to you, you will find a copy of my Argument in Opposition which has been submitted to the County Clerk, and a copy of the letter I am sending to the County Sheriff and all of the Police and Fire Chiefs in Deschutes County. I support the work of the 911 District employees and have submitted a letter stating my support. A copy of that letter is also attached. I believe a more reasonable approach would be to propose a much smaller permanent levy ­ smaller than the 39 cent total that the temporary and pennanent levies will produce; and, to explain to the voters why a $12 million reserve is needed, or, how you will return a considerable portion of the reserve to the taxpayers. I believe being transparent and open with the voters would go a long way towards promoting trust between the voters and local officials. Levies often fail because the public does not trust the government. I request that you amend the levy measure, to improve its chance of success, and in return you would give voters an opportunity to trust. Thank you for your time this morning. Larry W Fulkerson 22321 McArdle Rd Bend, OR 97702 541-977-8988 Dear Police, Fire Chief or Sheriff RE: 911 District Lew ProDosal is Excessive Dear Chief: Before you or any of your associates begin voicing your support for the new 911 levy proposal, you might want to take a look at the enclosed information. In a nutshell, at the end of this fiscal year, the 911 District will have a reserve of $12,052,102. That figure is growing at the rate of $1.3 -$1.8 million per year. This information will be spelled out in my Argument in Opposition which will appear in the Deschutes County voters pamphlet and in local media. Before you or any of your associates are asked why $12 million in reserves is needed, and why that balance needs to grow so fast, I would suggest you ask the Deschutes County Commissioners that question. You may find it uncomfortable to have any of your people asked embarrassing questions and not know the answer. If my support for this levy was expected by others, and if I was not given all the information, I personally would not appreciate being placed in that awkward position. Your staff and associates may feel the same way. Sincerely, Larry W Fulkerson 22321 McArdle Rd Bend, OR 97702 I I f ~ March 6, 2013 TO: Deschutes County 911 District Employees RE: 911 District Levy And Budget You will probably hear about opposition by me, or others who feel as I do, about the new proposed 5 year local option levy. Nothing in my attempt to stop this ill conceived levy should be interpreted in any way as an effort to cut your payor benefits, or change work conditions. On the contrary, I would like to see a permanent levy passed which would give the 911 District adequate stable funding. Currently the 911 District is budgeted to have a reserve fund of $12,052,102 by June 30,2013. This reserve fund is growing at a rate of $1.3 -$1.8 million per year. Voters are probably not going to let this continue. I believe I am speaking for the majority of Deschutes County voters by voicing my appreciation for the incredibly professional service you deliver. Due to my experience of having served 8 years in the US Coast Guard as a Search and Rescue pilot, and also running Rescue Coordination Centers or working in them, I am aware of the demand placed on you and your family by the stress you encounter at work. Very few people could do your job. Thanks to the great job you do, the 911 Center makes this County a much safer place to live in or visit. Respectfully, Larry W Fulkerson 22321 McArdle Rd Bend, OR 97702 1 911 DISTRICT LEVY AND BUDGET -DETAILED COMMENTS March 6,2013 After reading the Bend Bulletin and the KTVZ.com articles on February 13, 2013 concerning the 911 levy renewal vote, I remembered the reason the current 5 year local option tax was passed in the first place. It was passed in large part to build a new 911 center facility and upgrade technology. (see Bend Bulletin 5-21-08, -Turnout helps 911 Levy to Pass) A Short History On 911 Funding: The Deschutes County 911 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1985. Until 2003 it was funded only by a permanent levy of 16.18 cents per 1,000 of assessed value on Deschutes County property. Thi$ assessed value was limited to a 3% annual increase by measure 50 in 1997. Since then the total assessed value of Deschutes County property has risen every year except one (2011-12 dropped .6%) to an assessed value of over twice what it was in 1997. The income generated from this 16.8 cent per $1,000 of assessed value has more than doubled also. In 2003 a temporary local option levy of 9 cents per 1000 of assessed value was passed by the voters to fund additional 911 employees to handle the greatly increased 911 calls caused by the fast growing population. As the county grows, more buildings are built and the tax base and the taxes generated rise proportionately. During times of rapid growth there is lag time between needing additional personnel and the tax revenue being generated to pay the additional personnel. This was the main reason for the 9 centl4 yr local option levy passed in 2003. Along about 2006-07 the 911 district director realized they needed a new and much larger facility. A study was done and it was determined that the then current facility was only about % as big as it needed to be. The 2003/4 yr local option levy of 9 cents was set to expire in June 2007. A new 5 year local option levy of 23 cents per 1000 of assessed value was initially voted down in May 2007 but passed the next year to not only sustain the fast growth but to also build a new 911 service center building and upgrade technology. In August 2010, the new facility was completed and moved into. It is approximately 5 times larger than the old facility and touted as being large enough to accommodate 20 years of growth. It was also stated that of course the operating costs would be less as it was new and that part of the facility could be used by the Oregon State Police Dept until that additional space was needed. The new facility construction was finished under budget with grant funding applied for to pay for part of the new building and equipment. The 911 Service District budget reserve as of June 30, 2011 was $8,892,339. This included $1,289,795 in the equipment reserve fund. (reference: FY 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, 1 1 911 DISTRICT LEVY AND BUDGET -DETAILED COMMENTS March 6, 2013 pages 176-178, http://www.deschutes.org/Finance/Budget-and-Finance/CAFR/CAFR­ FY -2011.aspx ) In May 2012 the County tried to get the voters to make the 5 year temporary levy permanent and they failed. At the end of June 2012, the 911 Service District had a reserve of $10,739,607. This included $1,800,743 that was set aside in the equipment reserve fund. This was an increase of $1 ,847,268 in 1 year, or an increase in reserves of 21%. Another way of stating this is the fiscal year 2012 budget contained a 29.5% operating budget surplus. This is the difference between the total revenues of $8,055,110 and total expenditures of $6,218,789. (Reference: FY 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, pages 91-92, http://www.deschutes.org/Finance/Budget-and­ Finance/CAFR/FY -20 12-Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report.aspx ) Now, once again, the 911 District apparently with the County Commissioners and Bend Bulletin Editorial staff blessings is trying to get the voters to agree to renew the 5 year/23 cent temporary levy. A review of news articles about the levy points out some interesting (and in my opinion, misleading) facts, plus looking at the district's balance sheets and budget poses some interesting questions. The Deschutes County 911 schedule of revenue expenditures and changes in fund balance show an actual remaining fund balance of $8,938,864 in the 911 fund, plus an actual balance of $1 ,800,743 in the 911 equipment reserve fund at the end ofthe fiscal year 2012. The Deschutes County approved budget of 2013 fiscal year for the 911 district shows an approved beginning net working capital of $8,000,000. Where did the other $938,864 left over from fiscal year 2012 go? If the unaccounted for $938,864 is added to the FY 2013 budget, the total reserves will be $9,742,102 in the 911 budget plus $2,310,000 in the equipment reserve fund on June 30, 2013 for a total reserve of $12,052,102. (Reference: FY 2013 Adopted Budget, Line Item, pages 474-485 http://www.deschutes.org/Finance/Budget-and­ Finance/Budgets/FY -2013-Line-ltem-Budget-Book.aspx) In the Bend Bulletin article dated 2-13-2013, County Commissioner Tony DeBone was quoted as saying the 911 District has funds available because its new facility came in under budget. This is rather misleading. The original 911 building budget was $8.5 million. The bid for construction was $6.1 M, or a $2.4M savings, of which half was to be paid by the 911 District. The $1.2M savings is almost exactly 10% of the 2013 Fiscal year end reserves. Rob Poirier, the 911 District Director, is quoted in the Bend Bulletin article of 2-14-2013 as saying, "If this levy fails we would have to seek alternative funding sources. That would mean asking law enforcement and fire agencies to pay user fees or hire their own 2 911 DISTRICT LEVY AND BUDGET -DETAILED COMMENTS March 6, 2013 dispatchers". In this same article, Commissioner DeBone talked about lowering the tax rate. Commissioner Unger was quoted as saying, "It was important to keep the tax rate steady to allow the District to maintain its contingency fund", and said, "Cutting a penny per $1,000 wouldn't have much effect on a tax bill". Commissioner Baney said she supported the tax levy, and said 'When you call 911 you want someone to answer the phone". In this same article Mr Poirier stated the 911 District does have some contingency funds but it also needs to update some equipment. I suppose you could characterize a $12M reserve as "some contingency funds". Mr. Poirier should also be aware that on June 30, 2013, at the end of FY 2013, the 911 Equipment Reserve Fund will hold $2,310,000 in reserves. The 911 district should indeed have a temporary local option levy passed or a new permanent levy, but unless they plan on building a new 911 service center every few years, it certainly does not need to be 23 cents per $1000 of assessed value. If the current 23 cents per $1000 of assessed value levy were totally cancelled, the 911 District could operate at its current capacity for approximately 4-5 years with the permanent 16.18 cents levy and additional funding increasing at the measure 50 mandated 3% per year. Any increases in call volume and the associated increased personnel requirements could be paid for by the growing tax base due to new construction. This could all be done with no additional user fees. This of course would deplete the county's 911 reserve funds. The 23 cent temporary levy could be reduced to 15 cents and produce $2,505,620 per year and increasing at 3% per year. This would maintain the districts 12 million reserve and provide reasonable sustainable funding. Deschutes County population of July 1999 was 106,820. The assessed value of Deschutes County property was $8,090,858,786. Twelve years later the population had increased 50% to 160,338 by July 2011. By July 2011 the assessed value had risen 119% to 17,740,724,079. Any entity receiving income based on a fixed cent per thousand of assessed value that rose by 119% while the population they serve rose by 50% should not have any problems balancing their budget. There should be plenty of tax dollars for the various Deschutes county agencies to share. The bottom line is Deschutes County officials are not being transparent with the voting public. They are trying to get the temporary levy with a largely temporary need renewed for another 5 years. It will again fail. A realistic request backed up with honest and verifiable numbers should pass. A little responsible government would go a long ways and would reduce the 911 budget by the $45,000 spent each time they bring this levy up for a vote, which this May will be the second time since it passed in May of 2008. 1 I 3 I 911 DISTRICT LEVY AND BUDGET -DETAILED COMMENTS March 6, 2013 My suggestion would be to modify the current permanent rate of 16.18 cents by increasing it to 31 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Along with this new permanent rate would be a commitment by County Commissioners to reduce the funds held in reserve down to a reasonable level. This could be done by calling the bonds issued for construction, if they are callable; or, not implementing the full 31 cent tax until the budget reserves were brought down to a reasonable level. If the County Commissioners do not accomplish this they could be voted out of office. The new rate would initially lower the District income down to what is actually needed, with annual increases of 3% (in accordance with Measure 50), plus the rate of County growth. There are many different approaches that can be taken to solve the 911 budget/levy problem. The option of not being transparent with the voters should be taken off the table. A permanent levy proposal of 31 cents per $1000 of assessed value to replace the 16.18 cents levy along with a summary statement containing the following info would go a long way to towards promoting the public's confidence in County government. Suggested information to include in a measure summary statement: This permanent rate limitation of 31 cents per $1000 assessed value would reduce the rate 8 cents per 1000 below current rates, and would provide stable funding. The temporary 5 year local option levy of 23 cents was in large part to fund the new 911 building and improve technology. The current 911 District budget has $1.3 Million annual surplus plus more than needed reserve funds. The unneeded reserves will be returned to the taxpayers by temporarily reducing the levy below the 31 cent cents, or by paying off the bonds used to build the new 911 building. Currently, a lot of voters routinely vote no on budget proposals because they do not trust their government officials. I believe that the above mentioned approach would help voters to again start trusting local government and possibly make worthwhile local measures easier to pass in the future. Sincerely, Larry W Fulkerson 22321 McArdle Rd Bend, OR 97702 541-977-8988 4 ARGUMENT STATEMENT FOR COUNTY VOTERS' PAMPHLET (2013) Ballot Title Caption: Five-year Local Option Tax for 911 Operations Measure Number: 9-91 Word Total (325 Maximum): _3o_6______ I[] Argument in Favor 111 Argument in Opposition (Argument Statement Shall Be Typed) "SEE ATTACHED" I Person responsible for the content of the Argument Statement: I (Typed) Larry W. Fulkerson ! I (Signed)X_.... _____/':....-~4?t_._r._H_c.;...,I~~_v_JI....:3~____$~=~~~/.:...-_tv:_'----"';.2t0~_~~~ N/A j Name of the Organization the person represents, if any. J Attachment to Argument in Opposition: Why does the Deschutes County 911 District need a $12 million reserve that grows by $1.3 to $1.8 million per year? The current 911 temporary local option levy of 23 cents per thousand of assessed value was passed in May 2008 in large part to build a new 911 service building and upgrade technology. The building has been built and the technology upgraded. (Reference: Bend Bulletin 5-21-08 -Turnout helps 911 Levy to Pass) During the 2012 fiscal year, the 911 District accumulated a surplus of $1,847,268. When added to the already existing reserve, this made a new total reserve of $10,739,607. That year the 911 District budget had a 29.5% surplus. (Reference: http://www.deschutes.org/Finance/Budget-and-Finance/CAFR/FY-2012­ Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report.aspx page 91-92) In fiscal year 2013, the annual budget surplus is reduced by $540K due to technology improvements, which leaves $1,312,495; or, a total reserve of $12,052,102. A surplus ofthis size is significant since the District is budgeted to only spend $6,918,999. (Reference: http://www .deschutes.org/Finance/Budget-and-Finance/Budgets/FY -20 13-Line-ltem­ Budget-Book.aspx pages 474-485) A prudent person would expect that the County Commissioners would propose a new permanent levy that would produce a more reasonable amount of income. This is not the case. A more reasonable approach would be to propose a much smaller permanent levy -smaller than the 39 cent total that the current 23 cent temporary levy plus the 16 cent permanent levies will produce. Commissioners should explain to voters why a $12 million reserve is needed; or, how a considerable portion of the reserve will be returned to taxpayers. Transparency by government officials and being forthcoming with information to taxpayers would promote voter's trust. If you are conSidering voting to pass this levy, please call your County Commissioners before voting and ask them for a detailed explanation about why the 911 District needs a $12 million reserve that grows by $1.3 to $1.8 million per year. Larry W. Fulkerson Date: Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 10:00 A.M., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6,2013 Commissioners' Hearing Room -Administration Building -1300 NW Wall St., Bend 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CITIZEN INPUT This is the time provided for individuals wishing to address the Board, at the Board's discretion, regarding issues that are not already on the agenda. Please complete a sign-up card (provided), and give the card to the Recording Secretary. Use the microphone and clearly state your name when the Board calls on you to speak. PLEASE NOTE: Citizen input regarding matters that are or have been the subject ofa public hearing will NOT be included in the official record ofthat hearing. 3. CONSIDERATION of First and Second Readings and Adoption, by Emergency, of Ordinance No. 2013-011, Amending Code, Authorizing the County Clerk to Not Refund Overpayment of Recoding Fees for $10 or Less­ Nancy Blankenship and/or JejfSageser, Clerk's Office Suggested Actions: Conduct First and Second Readings by Title Only; Move Adoption by Emergency o/Ordinance No. 2013-011 4. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Document No. 2013-085, a Contract with the Humane Society of Central Oregon regarding Impounded and Stray Animal Boarding Services -Laurie Craghead, County Counsel Suggested Action: Move signature 0/Document No. 2013-085. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 1 of5 5. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Document No. 2013-086, a Contract with the Humane Society of Redmond regarding Impounded and Stray Animal Boarding Services -Laurie Craghead, County Counsel Suggested Action: Move signature ofDocument No. 2013-086. 6. CONSIDERATION of Board Signature of Document Nos. 2013-065 and 2013-066, Amending Design and Construction Contracts related to the Adult Jail Project -Susan Ross, Property & Facilities Suggested Actions: Move signature ofDocument Nos. 2013-065 and 2013-066. CONSENT AGENDA 7. Signature of Document No. 2013-087, an Acceptance Deed for a Temporary Construction Easement on Skyliners Road (61579 Boulder LLC) 8. Chair Signature of Document No. 2013-096, the Oregon Early Learning Council Document Confirming Budget Allocations and Funded Activities for the Deschutes County Children & Families Commission 9. Signature of Order No. 2013-007, Declaring Certain Deschutes County Personal Property Surplus and Authorizing Donation 10. Signature of Letters Reappointing Patrick Griffiths, Matt Shinderman and Darek Staab to the Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement Committee, through February 28,2016 11. Signature ofa Letter Appointing John Stephenson to the Weed Advisory Board, through December 31, 2014 12. Signature of Letters Appointing Lori Patterson, Kathy Walsh and Dr. Peter Boehm to the Deschutes County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, through December 31, 2016 13. Signature ofa Letter Accepting the Resignation of Stephanie Ely from the Lazy River Special Road District Board, and Thanking her for her Service 14. Signature of a Letter Appointing Ron Pugh to the Board of the Lazy River Special Road District, through December 31, 2015 Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6,2013 Page 20f5 15. Approval of Minutes: • Work Session of February 25,2013 • Business Meeting of February 25,2013 • Public Hearing on the South County Plan, held on February 26,2013 CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 16. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION AND 4-H COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 17. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the Extension/4-H County Service District RECONVENE AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 18. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for Deschutes County 19. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues; or other executive session items. FUTURE MEETINGS: (Please note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. All meetings take place in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.) Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Page 3 of5 Wednesday, March 6 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Tuesday, March 12 6:00 p.m. Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2013-007, Adopting the Newberry Country Plan­ SHARe, Sunriver Wednesday, March 13 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, March 18 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, March 25 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Wednesday, March 27 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, April 1 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) 3:30p.m. Public Safety Coordinating Council Meeting Wednesday, April 3 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6,2013 Page 4 of5 Wednesday, April 10 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, April 15 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) 3:30p.m. Public Safety Coordinating Council Meeting Monday, April 22 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Wednesday, April 24 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, April 29 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session could include executive session(s) Wednesday, May 1 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues; or other executive session items. -_...- -------­ Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6,2013 Page 5 of5