HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.min.spec.12161980PITKIN .COUNTY ;�¢?
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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SPECIAL MEETING 16 DECEMBER, 1980
PRESENT: MICHAEL KINSLEY, ROBERT W CHILD, JOSEPH E EDWARDS, JR
Public The Board convened a public hearing and first reading on the 1981 budget.
Hearing:
1981 County Manager Curt Stewart explained to those attending the many constraints
Budget
facing the County as a result of the November election; he anticipated an
increase in revenues of 515% while expenditures were expected to increase by
approximately 12 %. As a result, fees for various services have been increased
while other services have been reduced or completely eliminated. Substantial
fee increases were to be implemented for the services of the Planning Office,
civil process fees in the Sheriff's Department, permits in the Building Department,
room rental rates at the Community Center and fees for the use of the dump. The
purchase of new vehicles for the Sheriff's Department has been reduced, staff in
the Extension Office has been cut, and the replacement of windows in the Courthouse
has been postponed. Various services running a substantial deficit have been
severely curtailed or completely eliminated; these include an additional secretary
for the new commissioners, the youth program and juvenile coordinator, open space
acquisition, the County Fair and the bus program. Final cuts included the busway
and maintenance facility for the busses, capital improvements for the jail and
the trails.
John Eldert of the Finance Department explained that the non - essential services
were cut back the most, basically involving social services and environmental
Programs. He expected a budget deficit of three hundred fifty- thousand dollars
($350,000) for the current year, rising to seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000)
in 1982 and as great as one million dollars ($1,000,000) by 1983 should the
County maintain those services now provided. Eldert explained that the County
has created the position of financial planner so as to better project the ability
of the County to provide those services.
Kinsley then opened the meeting to public comment.
Glen Scott of the ambulance service noted that their request for County
assistance was cut by several thousand dollars. As a result, the organization
planned to drop the paramedic program, had reduced salaries by nine thousand
dollars ($9,000), overhead costs by one thousand seven - hundred dollars ($1,700)
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and capital expenditures by one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition, he
anticipated the need for a voluntary staff and a substantial reduction in the
Commissioner's Meeting 16 December, 1980 - 1
% quality of service offered. He requested that the Board consider an additional
k three thousand dollar ($3,000) appropriation for the ambulance service .
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Harry Truscott of the Financial Advisory Board suggested that the budgetary
constraints now facing the County were the result of poor planning and management.
Truscott suggested that the County adopt a five (5) year plan for each department
utilizing the services of each commissioner in determining the budgetary
capabilities of those departments. In addition, he suggested implementing
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a citizens housing authority to assume the responsibilities of the Housing Office,
the result of which would be a substantial savings to the County as well.
Dave Randall spoke on behalf of the Human Resource Council and for himself,
He commented that the proposed budget for 1981 did not include energy, food,
health services, transportation, health care of housing. He questioned why all of
the human services had-been cut while the funding for Roads and Bridges was increased
by 44%. He noted that the deficit incurred by the Road and Bridge Department
accounted for 50% of the general fund and argued against such a priority. He
suggested that, as the services of the Road and Bridge Department only apply to
25% of the tax base, those funds be directed to human services instead. He felt
that the residents of Starwood, Red Mountain and McLain Flats Road should form
their own improvement districts and, as a result, free those funds for more
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appropriate uses.
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Budge Bingham, representing the Visiting Nurse Association and the Senior
Citizens, deplored the cuts made at the Community Center and asked for some
assurance that the center would not be closed down. Kinsley advised him that
there were no immediate plans for doing so. Edwards commented that the center
was purchased with federal funds conditional to using the facility for community
functions. He intimated that should the County dispose of the center, it would
be required to reimburse the federal government for the amount of the funding.
Terese David asked the members of the audience to express their support for
the community center by a show of hands. An informal count of sixty -five (65)
was reported.
Gunther Mohling suggested obtaining funds from the City as a means of
reducing the deficit at the center. Kinsley commented that the City has shown
M little interest in doing so and doubted they could provide a sufficient amount
to maintain the viability of the facility.
Taga Paterson, chairman of the Advisory Board for the Community Center,
understood that the budget cuts were the result of the November election.
noted that the community center was used extensively in the past year and was
an important facility for the community. noted that most of the programs offered
at the center would now require voluntary staffing, and asked that the Board
Commissioner's Meeting 16 December,-1980 - 2
provide moral as well as financial support for the facility. He also suggested
improving communication between the two boards so as to ensure that the County
retain an active role in the running of the center.
Liza Hayer, a cook at the community center, commented that she was distressed
at hearing of the cuts on the community center staff and asked that the County
maintain it's support for the facility.
Dodie McCabe, representing Ballet West, noted that the group used the center
frequently and would increase it's useage to a year round basis at the first of
the year. She deplored the closing of the center and noted that there was no
comparable facility in town for the troupe.
Erhert Schmidt, representing the New Creation Christian Center, noted that
his group used the center frequently and asked that the center not be closed
as there was no other facility in town for them.
Greg Holtzen, also representing the New Creation Christian Center, noted
that the closing of the center would leave his group and others like it with
no other place in which to congregate.
Doug Graveal noted that the bus program had been severely curtailed and expressed
frustration on behalf of the county workforce who resided downvalley and relied
on this program for their livelihoods. He understood the reasoning for the
cuts and asked why other valley entities were not participating in the funding
of the system. He particularly noted that downvalley employees who work late
at night have no other alternative other than to drive into Aspen. He commented
that the downvalley busses were utilized to capacity last year and asked that the
County maintain an evening bus for downvalley residents whose work keeps them in
Aspen until late at night.
Greg Anderson ocmmented that he supported the community center at any cost and
suggested that the Board give it every chance to function.
Jay Metcalf, from the Aspen Community School, deplored the cuts made at the
center and suggested that the Board take into consideration the support for the
facility expressed by the audience this evening.
George Burson, a teacher at the High School, noted that the two groups whose
interests are rarely taken into consideration by this community include the
elderly and youth, both of which use the community center regularly. He felt that
depriving youth the use of the center might result in an increase in juvenile
delinquency. He suggested implimenting an initiative to repeal the law which
was responsible for imposing such severe budget constraints.
Michael Conley, director of Mountain Rivers Alcohol Recovery Center, noted that
his organization was mandated to recieve 25% matching funds from the local entities
which he services, including Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield Counties. He explained
Commissioner's Yeeting; 16 December, 1980 3
that he has recieved a thirteen thousand dollar ($13,000).federal grant and
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will require an additional forty -seven thousand dollars ($47,000) from the local
entities. He noted that his original nine thousand dollar ($9,000) request
had been denied by the Board and asked that they reconsider a three thousand dollar
($3,000) appropriation so as to assist the organization in providing services to
Pitkin residents. Mountain Rivers Alcohol Recovery Center had moved it's offices
from New Castle to Glenwood Springs, and was considering an office in Aspen so
as to make'itself more accessible. He explained that the organization provided
a vital service to the community and a necessary option fro law enforcement agencies.
Conley askedthat the Board seroiusly reconsider a three thousand dollar ($3,000)
contribution towards the maintenance of those services.
Gene Marsh, former director of the Community Center, and Glen Scott both
expressed full support for Mountain Rivers, noting that the services provided
were fully reimbursable.
Frank Balstrom, representing the New Creation Christian Center, expressed support
for the community center and asked that the Board reconsider any attempt to
close it down.
Mardell Berkholder, representing the League of Women Voters, expressed support
for the community center and noted that the facility was developing just as was
envisioned two years ago when it first opened. She suggested giving it
additional time so as to allow it to reach it's full potential.
Marsha Branlinger expressed support for the center, noting that the Superintendent
of Schools was to commence a program at the facility based on the theme " a community
that cares ". She stated that Aspen has many resources, the majority of which are
out of doors. The community center was the only resource for youth that provides
indoor recreational opportunities. She also noted that she has used the center on
a commercial basis, offering a program to two hundred (200) pre- school children
in the community. Branlinger relied on the community center to facilitate this
as there was no comparable facility in town.
Pearl Cam, a resident of the center, noted that there are several small
ways in which the elderly could contribute to the maintenance of the facility.
She noted that most of the senior citizens were willing to pay for the use of the van
and contribute towards it's maintenance as well.
Bruce Porter, the pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship, noted that
his organization would support any and everything to keep the community center
functioning.
Kinsley advised the audience that the services provided by the Road and Bridge
Department have always been a traditional priority of any governmental entity as
it involved a basic service. He noted that the level of funding budgeted for this
Commissioner's Meeting
16 December, 1980 - 4
a
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department was insufficient for the current year. He noted that the bus program
was originally created by the Board.aud stated that this service was reluctantly
cut due to the lack of funding. Garfield County has consistently refused to
contribute to the program while Eagle County has done so only marginally. He
felt the County would have to direct it's efforts towards a valley wide bus
district in future if the program was to be maintained.
The Community Center was also a creation of the Board. Kinsley strongly supported
that maintenance of the facility and advised the audience that they could ensure
the continuation of the facility by initiating a referendum to do so.
Child noted that previous budget meetings were.poorly attended and felt that
the turnout tonight indicated strong and vital support for the.maintenance of
the community center.
Edwards noted that most counties do not subsidize services such as those
provided by the community center. The facility ran a deficit of one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000) for 1980 and most counties think this expenditure
id inappropriate for a governmental entity. He advised the audience that they had
the same power to initiate a referendum as did those who were responsible for
the budget constraints. Edwards felt the Board had little flexibility or
discretion in budgeting for 1981 as the County must prioritize basic services.
Kinsley asked for additional comments; there being none, the hearing was closed.
Kinsley then moved to adopt the 1981 budget on first reading with the following
changes; approval of the three thousand dollar ($3,000) appropriation to Mountain River
Alcohol Recovery Center; approval of a three thousand dollar ($3,000) appropriation to
the ambulance service; and a seven thousand dollar ($7,000) appropriation to the County'.
Engineer for professional services. Edwards seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
tg__�
Deputy County Clerk
APPROVED:
Miclia_el Kinsley /
Robert W Child
Joseph E Edwards, Jr.
Commissioner's Meeting 16 December, 1980 - 5
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1980 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING EXHIBITS
December 16 Land Use Code A No Referenced Exhibits.Only Public Notice included
Amendments in record
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PROOF OF PUBLICATION -/� ���
STATE OF COLORADO ) COp�/ Of NOtit@
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County of Pitkin ) •
I, R.s=��a�A � L�y�aWaT� do so[emnly su�ear that
I am the ��h1�Bher of THE ASFEN TIMES;
that the same is a weekly newspaper ptinted, in whole or in part,
and published in the County of Pitkin, State of Colorado, and has
a general circulation therein; that said newspaper has been pub- �r � �-• :; :- ;
lished continuously and uninterruptedly in said County of Pitliin, �.'��ti'�C nptiCe",�—
for a period of more than [ittytwo consecuti��e w�eeks next prior s P�� ,
to the first publication of the annexed lega] notice or advertisc- ., . � '
ment; that said neK�spaper has been addmitted to the United States pUBI.i�N0'1�E '
t�ROPOSED'BUDGET FOA�PITKIN
mails as second-c2ass matter under the provisions of ihe Act of , Cp�Ty;COLORADO: •,
March 3, 1879, or any amendments thereof, and that said news- j�utice is hereby Bi���'�°p•o�
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paper is a weekly newspaper duly qualiEied for gublishing legal b"dget h'°b�'�`4i°��iedai+ee*t�
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notices and advertisements with the meaning of the laws of the ,,�a el,,,,i�,g ye.r o[1981.A.00pY
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State of Colorada. P�d. for
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That the annexed le al notice or advertisement was ublished be aonsidered at a��peC °1�°g:
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in the regular and entire issue of every number of said weekly ��;,�w,�.Meecins,l�.i°tl►°��'
kin County Courthwse oa'ltitr�daY.D�'
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newspaper for the period of �.— consecutive insertions; and ���e���,�m�"
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newspaper dated �r.emher 4 A.D., 19�Q., and that Genenl Goveen+�1°'t '1�'1�'
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