Carbondale Reporter

Jackson County Finance and Administration Committee met March 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order (5:03 PM)

Members Present: D. Bost, Endres, Erbes, Hunter and S. Bost

Members Absent: Comparato and Peterson

Also Present: Jennifer Lindsey, Robert Burns, Jeff Whitbeck, MaryBeth Varner, Dana Dailey, Frank Byrd, Sarah Patrick, Michelle Tweedy, Kenton Schafer, Josh Barringer, Maurice McCann, Kristy Solverson, Sharon Harris-Johnson, Peggy Degan

Liz Hunter led the meeting in Keith Larkin's absence.

Approval of Minutes

I. 19-4033 February 11, 2019 Minutes

A motion was made by Erbes, seconded by S. Bost, to approve the February 11, 2019 minutes as presented. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

Chair's Report

II. 19-4034 BS&A Software Annual User Conference

This is for informational purposes. Hunter asked that it be put on the Executive Committee April agenda.

Insurance

A. Worker's Compensation Update

B. Payment of Health Insurance Claims

A. None

B. Tweedy reviewed the information provided in the packet related to the health insurance claims. Erbes moved and Endres seconded to release all the health insurance claims after the March 22, 2019 payroll in the amount of $373,130.70, motion carried.

III. 19-4035 Benefits Buzz

For informational purposes.

IV. 19-4036 Health Insurance Taskforce

Endres updated the committee on the process so far. The first Health Insurance Taskforce (HIT) meeting is being scheduled for the end of the March. Right now the board staff is gathering

information on fully insured plans.

V. 19-4037 MWM Consulting

A motion was made by Erbes, seconded by S. Bost, to approve the proposal from MWM Consulting for actuarial services for the retiree health insurance evaluation. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

Finance

A. Payment of County Monthly Claims

i. Renewal of Southern Illinoisan subscription

B. Payment of Board Member Travel Expenses

A. Endres moved and S. Bost seconded to pay the county monthly claims in the amount of $238,084.42, motion carried.

i. The consensus of the committee is that this is a decision for the Chairman.

B. D. Bost moved and S. Bost seconded to pay the board members' travel reimbursement in the amount of $3,796.53, motion carried.

New Business

Solverson addressed the committee about Degan's retirement. Degan will be retiring effective November 30, 2019 but her last day will be August 12, 2019. Solverson emphasized that the Public Defender's office cannot go four months without a director. Due to this she plans to post the job vacancy in May or June and have someone start by August 15, 2019 at the latest. This will require supplemental funding from the Board. McCann passed out some information on the costs. Solverson pointed out that Degan has not been a full-time Public Defender and she plans to hire a full time Public Defender. This will mean additional costs in the future but with the increase in case loads it is necessary. Additionally, Solverson stated that this may allow less funding to be paid to outside counsel due to the number of conflicts being decreased. Also, if the Public Defender is full time and is paid the required 90% of the State's Attorney's salary the county will be reimbursed two-thirds of the salary by the State. Nehring asked about specific numbers that show the increase in caseloads. Solverson stated that she did not have them but she or McCann could get them. She also explained that not only is there an increase in case load but the complexity of the cases has increased so they are taking more time. Degan spoke about how important it is to have a full-time Public Defender. The committee asked that this item be placed on the April agenda.

VI. 19-4038 Public Building Commission Budget Adjustment

a. Outstanding Claims

A motion was made by Erbes, seconded by D. Bost, to authorize the payment of $525 to Cameron Law Firm to close out the Public Building Commission bills. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by D. Bost, seconded by S. Bost, to authorize putting the remainder of the Public Building Commission funding into County General Contingency. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

VII. 19-4039 County Fee Study

Burns updated the committee on the progress of the fee study. The company should be in later this month to begin their on site analysis.

VIII. 19-4040 County Clerk Office Renovations

Byrd reported that he is still needing some renovations but he did get some filing cabinets from the Health Department. This item will remain on the agenda.

IX. 19-4041 FY18 County Wide Audit Update

Tweedy informed the committee that the FY19 audit is moving along on schedule. Auditors will be in the Courthouse beginning next week.

X. 19-4042 Petitioning State Government-Not for Profit Hospitals

S. Bost updated the committee on what he has been doing. He is working with Assessments to get some information. He is planning to speak at the 186 school board meeting on March 19.

Labor

Old Business

Executive Session

XI. 19-4043 Executive Session under 2 (c) 2 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss collective bargaining matters

Adjourn

S. Bost moved and Erbes seconded to adjourn, motion carried.

https://www.jacksoncounty-il.gov/Home/Components/MeetingsManager/MeetingMinutes/ShowPrimaryDocument/?minutesID=4902&isPub=True&includeTrash=False