2006-12-19 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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All departments: Recommend that each department should have an easy -to -read budget which includes operating funds, personnel costs (including the number of positions in the department), cars and facility maintenance costs. Additionally, there should be a clear statement of the primary functions of the department. This information should be available to all members of the department and to the general public. Motion: Mr. Joseph moved to delete this recommendation. There was no second to the motion. Motion: Ms. Nicholson moved to accept this recommendation, with the deletion of the word "cars." Ms. Stremski seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Joseph said his problem with this recommendation is how to determine what an easy -to -read budget is. What might be easy for some to read would be hard for others. In addition, the purpose behind the recommendation is not known. He said he believed the County is already implementing the information as easily as it can be, and it is all made available to the public. None of the budgets are hidden. Ms. Nicholson stated that she felt the recommendation was good because it would encourage departments to think about the way the budgets are presented and how to clarify the information. She did not see anything negative about it. She did not know how available the budgets are, but she felt overall that it would be a good reminder that budgets should be open and understandable. The Chair said that much of the information is on the County's website. The primary functions of each department are there, as well as the names of the directors and deputy directors. He did not see the budgets on the website, but was sure they were readily available. Ms. Provalenko said she would think budgets would be hard to read, no matter what form they are in. There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote. Vote: Ms. Nicholson and Ms. Stremski voted aye. The Chair, Mr. Joseph, and Ms. Provalenko voted against the recommendation. The motion was defeated. k. All departments: Every three years contract with the State of Hawaii Legislative Auditor's Office to conduct a management and program audit of all or selected County departments to identify new practices or procedures which should be in place for efficiency and cost savings. (1) Communication No. 2006 -93: Letter from Diane A. Noda, Deputy Corporation Counsel, regarding independent audit of Hawaii County. Mr. Joseph said he supports the concept of the recommendation, but after reading Ms. Noda's letter, it should not be done via the Legislative Auditor's Office. He pointed out the second paragraph of the letter, which stated that once every four years the Council must critically