Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
    Tuesday, January 12, 2010
    The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in special session at 9:00 A.M. with
    Furlong, Shoultz, Dean, Kelly and Watkins present. Chairperson Dean presiding.
    On a motion by Kelly, second by Shoultz, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes: All.
    The Board reviewed budget funding requests.
    County Attorney Gary Allison reviewed the FY10/11 budget request for the County
    Attorney’s Office stating that he cut $8,000 out of non-personnel items (15%).
    Administrative Services Director Eric Furnas reviewed the FY10/11 budget request for
    Administration Office and Board of Supervisors stating that they do not have much in
    their budget that is non-personnel so his reduction is based on taking a staff member to
    half time. Kelly stated she is not in favor of cutting a staff member to half time. The
    Board suggested trying to save some money by having the IS Department video tape the
    meetings. Seright stated that Bill Riley had spoken with Chad Bishop and thought they
    could possibly save $3,000 - $4,000 on televising the meetings. Board consensus was to
    review their contract with MP&W and MCC and see if there is a way to save some
    money. Seright stated that Bishop is supposed to send her a contract today. Watkins
    stated that the Board should take the steps to start capturing the franchise fee on the cable
    bills for residents in rural Muscatine County. Board consensus was to get information on
    pursuing the franchise fee. Kelly suggested reducing Board expenses to $250, but the
    Board did not agree. Shoultz suggested a total amount for the entire board rather than by
    district, but the consensus of the Board was to keep each district at $500. Dean stated she
    is also not in favor of reducing administration staff to half time. Board consensus was to
    put the full-time staff person back in budget. Kelly suggested emailing Board packets.
    The Board felt they could try that and see how it works.
    Administrative Services Director Eric Furnas reviewed the FY10/11 budget request for
    General Services stating that the biggest reduction is in staff by not filling vacant
    positions of which he has two, a third maintenance position and a full-time janitorial
    position. Furnas stated that a part-time person cleans DHS and three full-time custodial
    persons clean the other buildings. Furnas stated that he has had contact with Sheriff
    White about using a work crew to mow the lawns. Human Resources Director Nancy
    Schreiber stated that the Sheriff plans to use Transport Officers to supervise the work
    crews which could cause some additional cost if they end up falling under a correctional
    officer status. Dean stated she remains concerned about cleanliness in the Courthouse
    and other buildings with less staff. Furnas stated that he cannot guarantee they will not
    see a decrease in services. Dean stated that she does not want to see a decrease in
    cleanliness at the Courthouse.
    The Board reviewed the FY10/11 budget requests for Court Services and
    Nondepartmental.
    Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
    Tuesday, January 12, 2010
    Page 2
    The Board reviewed proposed Capital Projects for the FY10/11 County budget. A
    $750,000 capital project was budgeted through debt service for geothermal at the
    Courthouse. Board consensus was that repairs need to be performed on windows in the
    Administration building and on sidewalks at the Courthouse. Budget Coordinator Sherry
    Seright stated that those projects as well as a tuckpointing project at the Historic Jail for
    which a grant would have a 50% match are not currently in the budget.
    Discussion was held regarding salaries and step increases. Schreiber stated that the cost
    to the General Fund of step increases is approximately $13,000. Kelly stated she would
    like to see steps in the budget if at all possible. The Board also discussed the annuity
    benefit. Schreiber stated may need to wait a year to decide some of the issues with the
    health insurance, but find a way this year to get money in that fund. The Board directed
    Schreiber to develop options for them to consider next week. The Board directed
    Schreiber to include steps only in the budget workpapers, but to also have the effect of a
    1% increase as an option by department.
    The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 A.M.
    ATTEST:
    _________________________________
    ____________________________
    Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor
    Esther J. Dean, Chairperson
    Board of Supervisors

    Back to top