2006-03-16 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Mr. Sakaguchi said that the Commission could recommend that the County look at the zoning requirements for parks. Ms. Kaetsu said the Commission should talk to the Planning Department about how it works with a developer when a new subdivision is being planned. The Chair said he has noticed that the Planning Department is having community associations and residents pay a fee that is used to maintain private parks. The money is used to provide efficient lighting and chains or gates to lock up at a decent time. Mr. Sakaguchi said that is a good idea, as the beneficiaries are the people and the County can take care of the infrastructure. If a community feels it owns a park, it will get tougher on the vandals. The Chair asked if there were any more discussion. Motion: Mr. Sakaguchi moved to include in the Commission's recommendations asking the County to get moving on this land stuff, as it has been four to five years and the property is still not sold. The Chair clarified that the motion is to recommend that the Finance Department expedite these matters and not have sales sit on the table. Ms. Cushnie seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Vote: All commissioners voted in favor of the motion. Ms. Cushnie said she wanted to move for, or begin discussion on, a clear accounting of the costs involved in hiring people, housing people, and providing staff to support them, as these costs should be passed on to the people owing delinquent taxes. She is concerned that the County is paying more than its fair share. Ms. Crawford explained that when property is sold because of delinquent taxes, included in the upset price are the costs for the process of doing the paperwork and administrative costs, in addition to the direct costs. Ms. Cushnie asked if it was generous enough to compensate the County, and Ms. Crawford responded that the County is recouping the cost of selling the land. They can document how much time is spent processing the sale. She said it would be more difficult to keep track of things like the letters and envelopes sent out which don't receive responses. Ms. Cushnie said the County court prorate some of the major costs and pass them on to the delinquent tax payers, and Mr. Sakaguchi said the County should have a profit on this. Ms. Garson said it is all dictated by statute. I