McLean County Times

McLean County Finance Committee met Feb. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Finance Committee of the McLean County Board met on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL.

Members Present: Chairman Jim Soeldner, Members Catherine Metsker, Chuck Erickson, Laurie Wollrab, Jacob Beard and Josh Barnett

Members Absent: Member Carlo Robustelli,

Other Members Present:

Staff Present: Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator; Ms. Cassy Taylor,  Assistant County Administrator, Ms. Jessica Woods First Assistant Civil State’s Attorney; Ms. Julie A. Morlock, Recording Secretary;

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Ms. Becky McNeil, Treasurer, Ms. Marshell Thompson, McLean County Animal Control; Ms. Jessica McKnight, Health Department

Administrator

Others Present: Ms. Tammy Brooks, Health Department

Chairman Soeldner called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.

Chairman Soeldner presented the Minutes of the December 17, 2019 special meetings and January 8, 2020 regular meeting of the Finance Committee for approval.

Motion by Wollrab/Barnett to approve the Minutes of the December 17, 2019 special meetings and January 8, 2020 regular meeting of the Finance Committee.

Motion carried.

Chairman Soeldner confirmed there were no members of the public or employees.

Ms. Kathy Michael, County Clerk presented her monthly reports and stated early voting would start tomorrow. Ms. Metsker asked if that was in all locations. Ms. Michael stated they are mandated to have early voting 40 days before election in one major location and the County’s location is here at the Government Center. She stated they would open locations at the Mall, Waterson and Bone Student later. Mr. Soeldner stated the State had some issues with mailings and asked Ms. Michael if this affected her. Ms. Michael indicated that the State Board of Elections notified areas of the issues and she had sent follow up letter to two individuals affected in our area. She stated they have been testing their systems and feel confident they area ready. Chairman Soeldner asked if there were any additional questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. Marshell Thompson, Director, Animal Control Program presented her monthly reports and updates. Mr. Soeldner stated he and some others attended a tornado drill and asked her about readiness for animals after an emergency. Ms. Thompson indicated they are ready to help animals in those situations and have contacts and partnerships so they could reach out for assistance. Chairman Soeldner asked if there were any further questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. McNeil presented her monthly reports. She went over new investments on the Investment Report. She then went over the tax revenue report and indicated that revenue is up compared to last year. Ms. McNeil stated PPRT amount we received is up and has not been able to get information from the State as to why it is so much higher. She reminded the Committee that PPRT payments have gone up and down in the past, so she wants to make sure this amount is correct. She then went over Shared Sales Tax and Property Tax Numbers. Ms. McNeil stated that the Employee Benefit report shows higher expenses for January of 2020 than in January of 2019. She then explained the Fund, amounts it consists of, and years building the fund. She indicated the Fund equity has not gone down as we have had revenue to meet expenses. Mr. Beard asked how this Fund growth affects our insurance premiums for the next year. Ms. McNeil indicated they would work with Jeff Gilmore of Benefit Planning Associates to analyze our history to make sure we have a reserve that will allow us to remain sustainable. Ms. McNeil went over the Nursing Home Fund report and indicated it included the transfers, but cautioned they are still in transition from 2019.

Motion by Metsker/Wollrab to accept and place on file the County Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Reports.

Motion Carried.

Ms. McNeil stated that external auditors are here starting the audit process for this year and things were going well. She indicated these were new auditors and encouraged the Committee and the Board to continue to regularly rotate external auditors as she felt it is good to have a new group reviewing information. Mr. Soeldner asked if there were any other questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve the critical hire requests received. Mr. Rodriguez indicated they added a position to the request for the State Attorney’s office and the other position was for a second sanitarian in the Health Department. Ms. Metsker stated it was her understanding it was difficult to find individuals to fill sanitarian positions and asked about reasons for these departures. Ms. Rodriguez indicated she thought one of the individuals was leaving due to relocation. Ms. Metsker stated she wanted to make sure we were offering competitive salary especially for positions that are difficult to fill. Mr. Soeldner asked Ms. Jessica McKnight and Ms. Tammy Brooks of the Health Department to come forward. Ms. Brooks indicated one was relocating because spouse took another job and another returning to their home state, so neither was due to salary. Mr. Soeldner asked what hardship this would create. Ms. Brooks indicated the Environmental Department is good at cross training so while it would add a burden to existing staff, they hoped it would be short term.

Motion by Beard/Metsker to recommend approval of critical hire requests. Motion Carried.

(28:30) Chairman Soeldner presented for action a request to approve the Proposed Insurance Program for Policy Year 2020 – Risk Management. Ms. Woods indicated the package is higher this year due to inflation as well as increases in the worker’s compensation and nursing home insurances. She provided a document that illustrated current insurance coverage information and recommended coverage information. Ms. Woods then went over each of the types of insurance coverages (Commercial, Auto, Worker’s Compensation) what they cover, who we currently have,

who she was recommending, reasons for that recommendation and cost for that insurance. (33:43) Ms. Woods asked if the Committee wanted to expend extra premium to get a lower deductible for the Auto Coverage. Mr. Beard asked if this covered medical. Ms. Woods confirmed it did. There was discussion among the members and determined that they did not want to spend the extra for the lower deductible. (37:19) Ms. Woods went over coverage for Excess Liability and Property insurance recommendation. Ms. Woods also pointed out that new Commercial would not cover K-9 units.

Ms. Woods indicated the Cyber Insurance would stay same, but they could increase the coverage and provided information on others ransom insurance. (43:07) Ms. Wollrab asked for information on coverage. Ms. Woods went over basic coverage. Ms. Wollrab asked if emergency services would be covered if we could not use our software for emergency calls. Ms. Woods indicated there is also some coverage under tort immunity. Ms. Metsker indicated she did not feel coverage amount was enough. Mr. Soeldner asked if they had a local representative as he felt it would be good to have them come and explain coverage. Ms. Woods indicated she could bring more information to Stand up. Mr. Beard asked that Mr. Nelson attend to answer questions. Ms. Wollrab asked if this would also cover overtime that might be needed. Mr. Barnett asked if the EJUS system would be covered. Ms. Woods confirmed. Mr. Barnett also asked if our Information Technology Department does education and training on cyber security. Ms. Rodriguez confirmed they have mandatory training each year and are working on a new authentication processes.

(51:50) Ms. Woods then went over Nursing Home Insurance Coverage. Mr. Beard stated the Nursing Home insurance went up and asked about the cause. Ms. Woods indicated several factors are taken into account including lawsuits, star rating, and inspection ratings and tags issued. Mr. Beard asked where nursing home insurance is paid. Ms. Taylor indicated 75% comes from Tort Fund and 25% comes from the Nursing Home Enterprise Fund.

Ms. Metsker recommended accepting Staff’s recommendations on all but the cyber insurance and suggested waiting to vote on that portion until they had additional information. It was agreed they would vote on the cyber insurance portion at Stand-Up.

Motion by Metsker/Wollrab to recommend approval of Proposed Insurance Program for Policy Year 2020 – Risk Management except for Cyber Insurance. Motion Carried.

Chairman Soeldner presented for action a request to approve an updated Sexual Harassment Policy. Ms. Cassy Taylor indicated there were changes in law and those changes are proposed in this policy. Mr. Erickson asked if definitions were from the State Statutes. Ms. Taylor indicated definitions were proposed language from IDHR. Ms. Wollrab asked them to confirm if a complaint was filed after 10 days they would still address it. Ms. Taylor confirmed. Mr. Erickson asked about rights of the accused. Ms. Taylor indicated they would be offered same rights as the person making the claim. Mr. Erickson asked them to confirm the accused would be allowed due process rights. Ms. Woods confirmed. Mr. Erickson asked them about actions if a person is wrongfully accused. Ms. Taylor indicated the person that made the false claim could be disciplined up to and including termination. Ms. Taylor stated she would not be able to speak to rights outside of this policy. Mr. Erickson asked if we should have something for the accused. Ms. Woods stated she did not feel our County policy could give them any recourse if they are wrongly accused. She stated we can only discipline the accused or the accuser up to and including termination not more than that. She indicated accused could file a civil suit. Mr. Erickson asked if information submitted to the County Administrator subject to discovery in a civil suit. Ms. Woods stated she felt it could be obtained through discovery process in a civil suit.

Motion by Barnett/Wollrab to recommend approval of Sexual Harassment Policy

Motion Carried.

Mr. Soeldner presented for action a request to approve Zero Tolerance Drug Free Workplace Policy. Ms. Taylor indicated because of the new law regarding cannabis they made changes to our policy. Ms. Wollrab asked under reasonable suspicion section if we needed to make it clearer we are limiting that to the workplace. Ms. Taylor indicated the scope was outlined earlier in the policy that limited it to the workplace. Ms. Wollrab asked about expectations for those who have DUI’s not associated with work. Ms. Taylor stated that different departments have different policies regarding DUI’s and some of that relates to safety positions that have stricter guidelines regarding DUI’s. Ms. Wollrab asked about random testing and if we are considering random testing of office workers. Ms. Taylor stated it protects the County and while we are not asking them to be more strict, if they have a random testing policy Staff wants to make sure it is handled without discrimination and by computer selection. Ms. Wollrab asked them to confirm it would be based on department by department and not county wide. Ms. Taylor confirmed. Ms. Wollrab asked how policy applies to those who provide medical care, such as at the nursing home. Ms. Taylor stated they looked for state and federal regulations regarding those types of policies and was not able to find any language related to nursing care. Ms. Wollrab asked if we random drug test at our nursing home. Ms. Taylor stated we do not. Ms. Wollrab asked if we should. Ms. Taylor indicated that would be up to the Department. Ms. Wollrab asked about access to medications and if we have drug diversion policies. Ms. Taylor confirmed we do have those policies and they are regulated by State code. Ms. Wollrab stated she was surprised there was not random testing for patient care givers. Mr. Barnett asked for more specifics on actions when an employee tests positive but had not consumed while working. Ms. Taylor indicated there are two categories of employees including safety sensitive and then general employees. She stated that random testing would apply to those in safety sensitive positions. She also reminded them that the State regulates CDL so if they test positive there would be disciplinary actions. Ms. Rodriguez indicated if they are not in a safety position and are able to perform their duties they would not be terminated.

Motion by Wollrab/Beard to recommend approval of Zero Tolerance Drug Free Workplace Policy.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Soeldner presented for action a request to approve an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Establishing a county Retailers’ Occupation Tax in the County of McLean, Illinois. Ms. Rodriguez indicated Staff did research and she provided tax rate information to the Committee. She indicated that to meet State deadlines to have access to tax revenue Staff was recommending the Board move forward with a 3.75% tax. Mr. Barnett asked for clarification regarding taxes above 3% in incorporated areas. Ms. Rodriguez clarified the County can charge up to 3.75% in the County and municipalities can only charge up to 3%. Mr. Beard asked about

the costs we will incur for expungement work. Ms. Rodriguez indicated she had been in discussions with State Attorney, Circuit Clerk and Information Technology about this, but have not been able to determine a cost. Mr. Erickson asked them to clarify that 3% is the most we can charge in a municipality. Ms. Rodriguez confirmed. Mr. Soeldner asked them to confirm we will not collect tax until July 1st. Ms. Rodriguez confirmed. Mr. Soeldner asked about timing on receipt of funds. Ms. Rodriguez indicated it does have to do through several layers at the State before we receive funds.

(1:23:19) Mr. Beard indicated he had done research and would like to see a lower tax rate. He stated he felt part of the goal of legislation was to decrease black market usage and felt research showed that by maximizing tax the black market would stay in place. He stated without known costs he felt we should start with a lower tax and increase as we see what our costs are going to be. Mr. Soeldner asked Staff to confirm they could raise tax in quarter increments on an annual basis. Ms. Rodriguez indicated they would check. Mr. Erickson said he had read that taxes did not have an affect on the black market and would not support reduction. Mr. Barnett stated he felt there would always be a black market and did not feel that a lower tax would affect that. He stated he felt we would have increased costs to the County, and it would be harder to increase later. Ms. Rodriguez confirmed they could raise in quarter increments but there was not a time restriction. Mr. Erickson agreed with Mr. Barnett that the costs for the County will be there and stated he did not feel those should come from the general fund.

Ms. Wollrab stated she felt there is a lot of speculation and she agreed with Mr. Beard that she did not see harm in starting with a lower rate. She asked Staff to confirm that the expungement costs would be a one-time cost. Ms. Rodriguez confirmed cost for expungement would be one- time. Mr. Erickson stated the County is the one that will be stuck with the bill with increased mental health issues, addiction, increased court and jail costs and want to make sure we have enough funds to assist with costs. He provided comparison to cigarettes where users pay an increased cost and not general society. He said he hoped the legislature took that into consideration and that was why they put limit at 3% as legislature felt that would cover costs. Mr. Barnett asked if there were guidelines on what we can spend tax money on. Ms. Rodriguez indicated it was her understanding it went into general fund for the elected officials to decide what to do with it. Mr. Barnett stated he would rather tax marijuana and not raise property taxes. Mr. Beard indicated we would still receive the 1⁄4% shared sales tax for mental health. Mr. Soeldner indicated that as the cigarette tax went up, they saw a drop in usage and felt it might be same in this situation, where costs would turn individuals away from marijuana. Ms. Wollrab indicated as a member of the Mental Health Advisory Board she had received a study showing harm to society from a range of drugs and the largest harm came from Alcohol and Marijuana was down on the list. Ms. Wollrab stated that she wanted to go with cautious approach and see what happens.

Motion to Amend by Beard/Wollrab amending Section II.A.(1) of the Ordinance from 3.75% of the gross receipts from sales in unincorporated areas of McLean County to 1% and amending Section II.A.(2). To 1⁄4% of gross receipts from sales in a municipality located in McLean County.

Roll Call Vote: Beard and Wollrab voted yes, Erickson, Barnett, Metsker and Soeldner voted no.

Motion Defeated.

Motion by Barnett/Erickson to recommend approval of an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Establishing a county Retailers’ Occupation Tax in the County of McLean, Illinois.

Roll Call vote: Beard and Wollrab voted no; Erickson, Barnett, Metsker and Soeldner voted yes.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Rodriguez presented her report on recent employment activities. Ms. Rodriguez also provided information on an updated discrimination policy based on updates to legislation. Chairman Soeldner asked if there were any questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Chairman Soeldner asked for an update on Human Resource position. Ms. Rodriguez indicated they recently posted for that position. Mr. Soeldner indicated the rules committee would be meeting next week and if Committee members had anything, they should submit those to Staff or the Chairman.

Mr. Erickson recognized Hank Graham from the Boy Scouts who was attending the meeting to observe community leaders in action.

Chairman Soeldner presented the Finance Committee with bills for review and approval as transmitted by the County Auditor.

Motion by Metsker/Wollrab to approve the presented transfer and bills with prepaid total and fund total amount of $1,279,480.45.

Motion carried.

Chairman Soeldner asked if there was anything else, hearing nothing he adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7167