COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                               SEPTEMBER 7, 2004


The Elmore County Commissioners met in special session on the above date in the Commissioner’s Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

The special session was held to consider the proposed budget for fiscal year 2005 and to take public comment on the proposed budget. Present at the meeting were Chairperson Mary Egusquiza and Commissioners Larry Rose and Calvin Ireland. Also present at the meeting were Clerk Gail Best and her Chief Deputy Merrilee Hiler. Present at the meeting, in the audience, were Judy Devol, representing the Mountain Home News, Commissioner candidate Connie Cruser, State Representative Pete Nielson and candidate for State Representative Tim Corder.

Judy Devol asked what the Grant Fund was and Clerk Best replied it was the Domestic Violence Grant. Judy also asked why, in the war memorial, the new person was getting paid the same as the previous experienced person. Clerk Best stated that the War Memorial was the Glenns Ferry and Mountain Home American Legion buildings and that no salaries were included, the Veteran’s Service Officer in Current Expense was for the Service Officer. Commissioner Rose explained that there was the regular three percent increase there for salary, but there was more money budgeted in the “B” budget to cover training, travel, supplies and equipment.

Tim Corder asked about where the Tier II Pilt funds were in the budget. Clerk Best stated that the Tier II funds were in the revenue line in current expense and did not show up in this budget document since the revenue and expenditures were paid from the single line item.

Pete Nielsen had several questions regarding the budget, the most major being why the large increase in salaries - beginning with the Auditor/Recorder’s Office. Clerk Best explained that since 1987 some employees have worked a thirty-five hour week and some a forty hour week. Clerk Best said that since the mid 1990's each year there are some employees who are moved to a forty hour week. In fiscal 2005 the decision has been made to move all remaining thirty-five hour employees to the forty hour schedule to be able to produce more work without hiring new employees because it is less expensive. Clerk Best added that the action appears to inflate the salary increases, but that in actuality everyone has a step increase.

The expense of running the departments in the Justice Fund were discussed in general. The Pilt money received by Elmore County and how it is being used was discussed. Mr. Corder was quite surprised when Clerk Best stated the County has been receiving ten cents on the dollar from the Federal Government as payment. Mr. Corder said that really was not fair to the County.

Motion by Ireland, second by Egusquiza to adopt the proposed budget for 2005 as presented.
EGUSQUIZA - AYE

ROSE - AYE
IRELAND - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

/S/ MARY EGUSQUIZA, Chairperson
ATTEST: /S/ GAIL L. BEST, Clerk