2014-11-06 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Mr. Mitchell wanted to know how the Immigration Office is funded, is it from federal, state and county government? Ms. Kelly said the office is funded only by the County. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked if Ms. Bautista’s main concern was uploading files to the website. She also asked if there were any discussion on implementing an appointment calendar on the website so people could schedule an appointment via the website versus walking in. Ms. Kelly said the website did need improvements and there is a calendar issue. She also stated that none of the forms are available on the website. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked if the location in Hilo was the only office or is there a location in Kona. Ms. Kelly replied there is only one office in Hilo to service the entire County. Ms. Kelly said another issue is people with immigration needs, a lot of times English is their second language and they don’t understand or need direction. Ms. Bautista has a list of agencies to help these people and refers them. Mr. Mitchell asked what the budget is for the Immigration Office. Ms. Kelly did not look into the finances of the department. Mr. Espejo added that Ms. Bautista has been working on getting an assistant since 2001 and it finally has been funded. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked who does Ms. Bautista report to and does she have any goals that she needs to meet. Ms. Kelly stated Ms. Bautista’s goals are to get funding for the County and improve the quality of services. She noted there are two goals: to improve the quality that the people need and second, she should be dealing with funds, how to bring funds for the County, not be at the clerical level; her quality of knowledge is much more superior. Ms. Maddox asked who does Ms. Bautista reports to. Ms. Kelly said to the Mayor and that the Immigration Office is an agency of the INS. Mr. Mitchell added the INS is a Federal agency and Federal law supersedes any County law. Ms. Kelly said Ms. Bautista works for the County. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Espejo if it was his understanding that the Immigration Office is an agency of the Federal government. Mr. Espejo replied no, that was not his understanding. He understood that Ms. Bautista works with the immigrants at the County level and provides them information. If they need further assistance, then she would point them in the right direction. Ms. Maddox asked if Ms. Bautista is offering legal advice or representing people. Ms. Kelly replied no. Ms. Kelly stated Ms. Bautista helps the immigrants understand the law, helps them with the forms and refers them to other agencies if necessary. Ms. Kelly stated Ms. Bautista is a liaison; she doesn’t make recommendations and does not process the forms. B. Office of the Legislative Auditor Ms. Kelly and Mr. Espejo met with the people at the Legislative Auditor on July 17, 2014. Ms. Kelly read the mission statement for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. She stated the office is separate from the County and they report to the County Council and Chairman of the County Council. 3