Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
(A license is what you get when the government steals your rights away from you and then sells them back.)
County Commission Meeting
February 10, 2016
A. 1. On closure of County Offices for hazardous weather conditions on February 1, protocol and procedures, Gary Perea, Chairman and Kathy Ricci, Human Resources.
Policy is that each employee determines their ability to get to work.
Gary Perea, after conferring with Ricci, road department and the Sheriff, decided to close all non essential offices. This has caused a problem with payment to the county employees. They do not get paid for the day and must take the day as annual leave or comp day.
Richard Howe “It was the right to decision. The complaints by the employees, personally , I think this was whining. You have a good job and this decision was made for your safety.”
Perea “We need to make an adjustment to the policy.”
Mike Wheable “Let’s put in on the next agenda. “
Perea “Can we make this retro active?”
Suggestion was made that the county should have an information officer.
( I don’t like retroactive. Doing anything retroactive is not right. The closure was the right thing for the safety of everyone. Policy makers need to have some foresight.)
C. 1. Broker of record for county health coverage will be the Leavitt Group.
3. Elizabeth Frances, Finance Director
a. FY 2016 estimated ending General Fund Balance. The county would use $673,035 of ending fund balance. Commission wants to bring this down to $400,000.
Taxation Estimate (Budget) – $7,793,545.00
Taxation – $7,691,399.03
Short – $102,145,97
Analysis based on – assessed taxes by the state, Proceeds of Minerals revenues (money may have to be returned to the mines due to overestimates and overpayments).
There is an appeal by one of the mines in the county which could result in the County refunding property tax. This will be known in late March.
Interest income may be $50,000 short.
Francis “The mines are just getting their information in to the Department of taxation . It will be May before we know what that will be. We may have to send money back if they over estimated.”
The mines have been paying taxes on by estimating income, with the price of minerals dropping, the tax paid could be over paid and the county will have to return some tax money. In 2018 taxes will no longer be estimated, but until then taxes from the mines could be returned.
(With the prices of minerals dropping the commission must add taxes or cut. Cutting is best for all of us. The people can not afford more taxes and if the county can cut they will be on a better basis to control the money they do get. Hopefully they put in a plan to save for hard times and save on the hard decisions.)
d. Dedicate 3 cents of the Valorem tax from the Indigent Fund. In to the General fund.
1. Additional $86,740 of revenue in the General.
2. Increase flexibility on how funds are spent.
3. Allow the Indigent Fund to spend down its fund of $1,532,552.
How’re, if this action is taken the following must be understood.
1. NRS requires budget for the Indigent Fund must be 104.5% of the prior year budget.
2. If there are large medical claims for indigent persons, the County must pay them.
3. The proposal change may not be permanent.
The Indigent Fund balance of $500,000 should be established.
e. Start allocating General Funds expenditures to other special revenue funds.
(The county has to juggle money from one place to another to maintain their spending. Every year this get worse. I hope someone can follow the money trail. What would you like to tell the County Commissioners?)
City of Ely
February 11 2016
Public Comment
Tammy Catgren spoke about the cost to the city for the light at 5th and Aultman. The total cost from 2013 to 2016 is $4,515.00. $2,085.14 was paid by insurance. A new signal has been paid for and has been delivered. I don’t see any need to change to a new system.
Fire Chief – We definitely need a new ambulance, we have raised the money for it. Also a snow plow is needed.
City Attorney – there is a attorney fee of $46,000 the city must pay, this is due from the law suit brought by the Rail Road.
Cars parked on the roads may get red tagged and towed. There is a 48 hour limit.
City Engineer – Ely needs 300 more people to get highway grants. If all people receiving services (water, sewer) are counted we maybe able to get these funds.
City Building Official – A motel was closed due to safety hazards. State Health and Safety Inspectors will be here to inspect other establishments.
There are many more interesting items in both the County and City meetings. I would like to see you attend. If you have any comments, I encourage you to send a letter to the editor. Your voice is needed!
Geri Wop
