County wrestles with the future
Preparing for the end of the year
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The Carroll County general fund cash balance numbers for the past year tell the story of the county's continuing financial dilemma. Two months ago, on Aug. 31, it was reported Carroll County's general fund balance was in the red by approximately $1.3 million. The actual number was $1,027,328.43.

According to the auditor's financial report ending Sept. 30, and distributed at the Tuesday morning council meeting, the deficit has grown to $1,369,640.16. However, the issue of what is sure to be a significant shortfall at the end of the year, and no money in reserve to make up for it, was not addressed until the end of the meeting.

"I want a plan about how we are going to be able to legally operate on Dec. 31 and still pay our bills," councilman Ron Slavens stated. "How are we going to make the books balance?"

Slavens said a few months ago he predicted an estimated shortfall of $1.7 million by the end of the year and that prediction seems to be coming true. He urged the council to insist upon reliable account balances, citing the E911 account balance as not correct due to fund transfer posting errors.

"We're going to have to bite a big bullet," Slavens stressed. "We need the correct dollar amounts in each account by the end of the year."

President Rob Baker cautioned that moving money around at this time of year would not be advisable because it may have to be moved again to satisfy account balance requirements.

Slavens disagreed with Baker. He said the council had to know what each true account balance was before they could start transferring funds to pay bills.

It was decided the issue will be addressed at the next monthly meeting, scheduled for Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.

It was noted that 10 percent of the general fund is used to pay health insurance for county employees with the current plan. Baker reiterated his desire for the insurance broker to present facts about alternative health plans as soon as possible "rather than waiting until April."

Auditor Beth Myers said she would contact the broker and make the formal request for a presentation as soon as possible.

Joint courts

Carroll Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Smith, on behalf of the joint courts accounts, requested transfers to pay for transcripts for indigents, translators and per diem petit jurors.

Steve Ashby asked if the county was legally obligated to pay for translators for persons other than the accused. Smith replied that if witnesses do not speak English, the court provides a translator.

Smith said he would be before the council in November asking for an additional to pay for law books on order.

"We've spent more money than what we've got," he said.

Smith said two funds previously overlooked or unused were discovered. He said one contained approximately $3,000 and the other contained approximately $16,000. He said those amounts would be taken into consideration when determining what additionals would be requested by the end of the year.

Ashby said the county has dispersed approximately $5,700 per day more than it receipted since he was elected into office. He suggested the spending had to be curtailed.

Sheriff's Department

Morgan Stanley Investment Corporation was approved as trustee for the Carroll County Police Retirement and Benefits Plan. Sheriff Tony Burns said the police merit board, with members Rita Emmons, Dave Wilcox, Mike Fife (president), Lee Hoard and David Weckerly was in agreement with the measure. The firm will also manage the account.

According to Morgan Stanley representative Chris Calloway, the state dictates how the program will operate and at what funding level. The county makes a base financial contribution to the plan. Money from the plan is invested and the investment returns are added to the total funding level. If the investment returns fall short of the funding level required, the county is obligated to fund the difference. Therefore, smart investing with positive returns is desirable to save taxpayer dollars.

Slavens requested quarterly merit board reports for consistent information concerning the fund's financial situation, given the county was "ultimately responsible" for reaching the acceptable fiscal threshold. He further suggested a council member sit on the merit board to ensure communication about finances.

Baker said a report every six months would suffice. He said the council would expect a report by July 2008.

Other business

Myers said Emergency Medical Services collections were improved significantly from two years ago.

A joint meeting with commissioners will be held Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Agenda items include, but are not limited to, county credit card policy, personnel policy, and cell phone policy. Agenda additions are to be forwarded to Myers prior to the meeting.

EMS director Mike Durr was granted permission to hire three replacement paramedics.

Transfers approved:

• Park Board - $200 from pond maintenance to mileage and to mowing supplies;

• Emergency Management Agency - $500 from emergency equipment to fuel;

• Joint Courts - $1,800 from psych and expert witnesses to transcripts for indigents, $1,200 to translators and $1,000 from per diem grand jurors to per diem petit jurors; and

• Assessor - $3,000 from clerk to part-time.