February 21, 2018
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: P. Curran, P. Stockin, J.
Burdick, B. Harris, J. Ricci, C. Crandall (Absent: D. Fanton)
Others Present: L. Ballengee, G. Barnes, T. Boyde, D.
Decker, W. Dibble, D. Healy, K. Hollis, R. Hollis, J. Hopkins, C. Knapp, B.
Riehle, T. Ross, D. Root, M. Washer
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 11:02 a.m.
by Budget Committee Chairman Phil Curran.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Stockin, seconded by
Legislator Harris, and carried to approve the Budget Committee minutes of
January 17, 2018.
Sales Tax Report
County Treasurer Terri Ross distributed the 2018 Allegany
County Sales Tax Report reflecting receipts totaling $2,100,926.97. The
year-to-date figures show an increase of $74,941.14 or 3.699 percent more
compared to last year at this time.
Fund Balance History
Ms. Ross distributed a report dating back to 2002 that reflects
the history of General Fund balance. Ms. Ross indicated that the 2017
information will be provided when the annual report is filed. Ms. Ross
discussed the report and noted that the total general fund balance at the end
of 2016 was $31,918,022 after appropriations. Legislator Harris asked if there
is a regulation by the state as to how much we can have reserved, and if there
is a limit the Treasurer’s Office prefers to not go below. Ms. Ross stated they
are not required to hold back 10 percent for fund balance; however, they do
like to have in place what the County would need to operate for two months
should there be no money coming in. That amount is approximately $19 million,
and what Ms. Ross prefers the general fund never go below. Legislator Healy
noted the bigger the reserve the better bond rate we are offered. Legislator
Harris asked if there is a certain point where we have too much and it affects
us negatively. Ms. Ross indicated that the State will never tell us we have too
much, and it’s good to be in a position where we can look at using cash to
offset charging the taxpayer. County Administrator Timothy Boyde stated there
are some recommendations from General Finance Overview (GFO) as to what you
should have in your fund balance, and the County is in line with those
recommendations, adding we need to be good stewards but also should look at our
surplus and decide what is acceptable. Mr. Boyde indicated that the third floor
renovation, Landfill closure, and ground floor renovation will all be paid in
cash. Ms. Ross noted that we are in a great position because the only
outstanding debts the County currently has are our two buildings. Legislator
Decker commented that he views the fund balance as an unmandated insurance
policy to protect our employees and ensure we pay the bills.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:28 a.m. following a motion by
Legislator Ricci, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Confidential Secretary to the Clerk of the
Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
