2016-03-01-minutes-budget-strategy-with-misdemeanant-probation

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2016-03-01 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONER’S CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 4:00 P.M. MARCH 1, 2016 Board members present: Chairman Obie O’Brien; Vice-Chairman Paul Jewell and Commissioner Gary Berndt. Others: Mandy Buchholz, Deputy Clerk of the Board; Judge Darrel Ellis; Judge Jim Hurson; Judy Pless, Budget & Finance Director & Pat Gigstead, Misdemeanant Probation Chief Probation Officer. SPECIAL MEETING MISDEMEANANT PROBATION COMMISSIONERS At 4:05 p.m. Chairman O’Brien opened a Special Meeting to discuss budget strategies with Misdemeanant Probation. Commissioner Jewell stated that he had asked for the meeting to get an update on Misdemeanant Probation’s current budget. He expressed concern for the recent PAF that came before the Board decreasing the hours of one of Misdemeanant Probations employees and felt some type of discussion needed to be had to see what the plans were to rectify the situation. Chairman O’Brien questioned what revenue options were available or had been considered. Judge Ellis explained how fees are tabulated, collected, as well as the challenges of collecting. Judge Hurson discussed the fee amounts that other Counties collect and how they are doing with collecting. Judge Hurson discussed what options he considers waiving and what fees he will not. He stated that they are currently in the process of contracting with a new collection company that appears to be more aggressive and ambitious in collecting. Commissioner Jewell had Judy Pless, Budget and Finance Director review the financial trends that are currently available for Misdemeanant Probation. There was brief discussion on how the funds are being used. The Board requested to receive updates and if any ideas are generated to bring them forward.