Carbondale Reporter

Jackson County Finance and Administration Committee met Oct. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order

Committee Members Present: Liz Hunter, Milton Maxwell, Keith Larkin, Scott Comparato, Julie Peterson, Andrew Erbes and Dan Bost

County Board Members Present: Laurie Nehring, John S. Rendleman, Cheryl Endres and Jose Mendoza

Also present: Jill Stokes, Dana Dailey, Samantha Shepard, Maureen Berkowitz, Cheryl Graff, Isaac Smith, Brandi Williamson, Henry Long, Derek Misener and Michelle Tweedy

Finance and Administration Chair Liz Hunter called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Finance

I. Budget Hearings

a. Emergency Management

b. Senior Adult Services

c. Regional Office of Education

d. 708 Mental Health Board

Mr. Derek Misener presented the committee with the Emergency Management budget. The budget presented reflects a request fora hand held radio at an approximate cost of $1,000, contingency in the amount of $1,555 to offset any cost of living adjustments granted and $5 less than the previous fiscal year. The department receives a grant that reimburses the cost of the department. A 6%reduction may result in the county losing its grant reimbursement.

Mr. Henry Long, Executive Director of Senior Adult Services presented the committee with the Senior Adult Services budget. The budget reflects the same request for property tax support as it did the previous year. Federal Title III income is projected to increase in the upcoming year and Project Income varies each year due to donation received for meals and transportation. The citizens of the county are informed of the services provided by agency referral or word of mouth, the service does not advertise. The service encourages all senior citizens to visit and socialize, The transportation provided by Senior Adult Services is door to door whereasJackson County Mass Transit is curb to curb.

Regional Superintendent Cheryl Graff presented the committee with the Regional Office of Education Budget. The budget presented reflected a reduction in expenditures from the previous year. Jackson County will be responsible for $145,000 of the total budget with the remaining balance allocated Alexander County ($7,020), Perry County ($39,780), Pulaski County ($7,020) and Union County ($35,100). The committee inquired if Alexander County was able to pay for its proportionate share and if the Illinois State Board ofEducation could provide collection assistance.

Ms. Brandi Williamson, Chair of the Jackson County Mental Health 708 Board presented the committee with the Mental Health 708Board budget. The budget reflected the exact request from the various agencies providing mental health services to the citizens of the county and $5,000 for the administrative services provided by the Jackson County Board. A 6% reduction would eliminate the mini grants offered in the past and the denial of the larger requests for agency funding.

Old Business

Jackson County Supervisor of Assessments Maureen Berkowitz informed the committee that she reviewed the equalized assessed values utilized in budget preparation and came to the conclusion that they were adjusted for exemptions but did not include the reductions made by the Board of Review. Ms. Berkowitz informed the committee that the equalized assessed value is an ever moving target and the committee would be well advised to adjust the dollar amount of the levies.

New Business

Adjourn

Motion by Maxwell, Seconded by Erbes to adjourn at 5:55 p.m., motion carried.

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