05-20-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--May 20, 1991 673 15. 16. "ARBOR" FUND/"COMMUNITY CHEST" FUND, Motion to establish fund fails In an effort to tap all sources of funds for the county, Mr. Risher said he would like to establish an "arbor" fund (like the one the State currently has) and a "community chest," both to be funded by a volunteer donation of county taxpayers by noting the amount donated in the space provided on the county property tax bill. He suggested that the "arbor" funds be placed in the park fund and used exclusively for the purchase and planting of trees on or near county property. He suggested that the "community chest" funds be used to increase the county's self-image. MOTION, failed Mr. Risher moved and Mr. Eckert seconded that the Commission approve establishing an "arbor" fund and a "community chest" fund, the volunteer funding space to be provided on the county property tax bills. Discussion: Mr. Eckert said he doesn't favor placing the money collected for the "arbor" fund in the county park fund because they are separate sources of funding but he favors the concept. Mrs. Toussaint thinks the Commission should have a definite plan of what fund to place the money in, what department will o'versee it, and where it will be spent before any money is collected. She suggested tabling it until more research has been done on the issue. Mr. Shannon asked if Mr. Risher is aware of a current tree-planting program at Brewer Lake. Mr. Risher said the tax bill is being prepared soon and a decision needs to be made so that a check-off box can be added to the tax statements. Data processing coordinator Mike Steiner said there would be some cost involved in modifying the tax package because the system is not currently set up to handle an overpayment, which is how the volunteer funding would register. He asked the Commission not to delay a decision because the tax package is being prepared soon. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Risher and Mr. Eckert voting in favor; Mr. Shannon, Mrs. Toussaint and Mr. Wieland opposing. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, Committee to review Human Resource department; stipend approved for Ginger Kaufman Mr. Shannon said that because of confusion regarding roles/ responsibilities and goals of the Human Resource Office, and to allow adequate planning, a transition plan regarding this department is needed. He read a suggested motion as follows: "that the Human Resource Office be temporarily assigned to the County Auditor through December 31, 1991, or until a permanent plan is adopted. No salary adjustments or stipends will be approved for the County Auditor, Auditor's Office staff or any Human Resources staff until a final plan is finished and all positions affected are reviewed by an outside consultant according to the new personnel policies. The Human Resource Office functions will be defined and administrative structure clarified following the completion of county personnel policies by a joint committee of the Board of Cass County Commissioners and the