2006-03-02 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Cushnie questioned what committee determines if a floating bond is prudent for the County, and Ms. Sako said that the Mayor makes that determination, but it needs Council approval. Ms. Cushme asked if Ms. Sako's department had ever considered a two -year budget, and Ms. Sako said she would have to check with Mr. Takemura on that. Ms. Cushme asked if there was any land not designated for public use that is still owned by the County. Ms. Sako answered affirmatively and said there is a land management committee that handles this. However, they do have the option of selling County lands. Upon Ms. Cushnie's question, she also stated that that is a viable source of income for the County. Mr. Sakaguchi asked if there is a list of these County lands, and Ms. Sako said there is and that the Commission could be provided with it. Ms. Cushnie asked about whether the County receives property as payment in lieu of taxes, and Ms. Sako explained the County's foreclosure process on property owners who are delinquent in paying their real property tax and how the land gets sold at auction and the proceeds are used to pay off the taxes as well as any liens on the property. It is not really a profit - making enterprise for the County, as it is meant to collect back taxes. Ms. Cushnie asked if Ms. Sako's department's budget report identifies any special funds, and whether they are co- mingled with matching funds. Ms. Sako said they have hundreds of grants that they monitor and maintain. Mr. Sakaguchi asked whether the County loses positions that are vacant, and Ms. Sako replied that it could happen but that normally the funding would not be lost. Mr. Sakaguchi said he noticed in their financial report that there is no catastrophe fund, and Ms. Sako explained that there are several funds that are basically for this purpose. Ms. Sako said that at the time of the last Commission's report, the County was in difficult financial times. However, due to the inflation of property values, the County is trying to catch up on things. It is also being proposed that money be set aside for a "rainy day" fund which could be used to stabilize revenues later. Mr. Sakaguchi asked Ms. Sako if there is a policy for or against equipment leasing. Ms. Sako explained there is a combination of each, depending on the cost and what is available. Some of the equipment in Solid Waste is leased. She is not aware of any leased cars at this point, although they are checking that option out for the Police Department. Ms. Garson stated that the Board needed to elect a Chair for the Commission, at least for the purpose of this first meeting in order to run through the agenda. She had anticipated that Dixie Kaetsu would be present to do so but was unable to attend. Ms. Stremski moved to elect a chair. Ms. Cushme seconded the motion. 0