HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 085 08/18/2009 2008-2010OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting: Council — September 16, 2009
Action: Postponed to Call of Chair; Never taken back up
Re: Res 224-09; Comm. 480; FC-85(not adopted) (2008-2010 term)
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 18, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 480/Res. 224-09
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution 224-09, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 224-09, transmitted by Councilmember Pete Hoffmann, via Communication No. 480,
dated August 6, 2009, allows Councilmembers to voluntarily request to transfer not less than $5,000 from
County Clerk's Salary and Wages account to the Contingency Relief Account, to be appropriated in
accordance with the current Contingency Relief Fund procedures. This resolution provides for
Councilmembers who may wish to use a portion of their County salaries as a means of financially
supporting chosen 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Councilmember Hoffmann stated this is voluntary. He explained to Councilmembers that taking ten
percent from their salary was a reasonable amount, of which will be applied to a specific non-profit
organization in their district. He indicated that this contribution was a one time event; this does not mean
that next year the same amount has to be given.
Councilmember Ford commended Mr. Hoffmann for his efforts and expressed her full support of this
resolution in its totality. She indicated that the salary increase she received in 2008 would go to charity.
She also stated that this resolution provides for the donations to be given before taxes, as the funds will
not be included in the paycheck. She informed Councilmembers that if they decide to do it privately, they
will be penalized with taxes and withholdings. She also mentioned that this resolution does not cut their
salary and will not involve the Salary Commission's decision.
Councilmember Yoshimoto expressed this may be more complicated as it can be done without a
resolution. Also, he suggested that $1,000 may be a better figure. He also asked Mr. Hoffmann if he
checked with an accountant to see if the transfer procedure is legal. Mr. Hoffmann indicated that he
checked with Director of Human Services Mike Ben, who said this is legal. Ms. Crawford responded, via
videoconference from Hilo, that a transfer of funds should be done through a resolution.
At the request of members of Your Committee, Mr. I-Ioffmann agreed to amend the measure to remove
the minimum requirement of $5,000.
FC Rept. No. 85
Comm. 480 (Res. 224-09)
August 18, 2009
Page -2-
Councilmember Yagong spoke in support of the resolution; however, he stated it may be more prudent to
put any voluntary donations aside as a savings to apply to the Operating Budget for FY 2011-2012.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 224-09, and
recommends its adoption.
/na
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DOM YAGONG,C
FC REPORT NO. 85
ADOPTED:
AYES NOES A&F. EX
ENRIQUES
X
FORD
X
GREENWELL
X
HOFFMANN
X
IKEDA
X
NAEOLE
X
ONISHI
X
YAGONG
X
YOSHIMOTO
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DOM YAGONG,C
FC REPORT NO. 85
ADOPTED: