Denton County Commissioners Court Courthouse on the Square 110 West Hickory, Denton, Texas * * * * * Formal Agenda Minutes
Not Official Minutes.  For official minutes, please contact the County Clerk at 940-349-2012.

July 18, 2000

Be it remembered that Commissioners Court of Denton County, Texas, met on this the 18th day of July, 2000, with Judge Kirk Wilson presiding. Commissioners Sandy Jacobs, Jeff Krueger, Jim Carter & Scott Armey were present, along with deputy clerk Kathleen Bransford, when the following proceedings were had, to wit:

Court opened with an Invocation by John Polster, President of Innovative Transportation Solutions, Inc., and was followed by the Pledges of Allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag led by Donna Stewart, Director of the Denton County Budget Office.

Mr. Polster: Father, God, we come to You this day to lift up our hearts in thanks for the day You have made. We pray Lord that we would rejoice in it. We pray Lord, God, that You will give wisdom and guidance to Commissioners Court as they make these decisions, Lord, that the world may know that You alone are God. We praise You, Lord, and we ask that as we go forth this day that thy will be done. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

ITEM 2 PUBLIC INPUT

Barbara Carey from Christian Community Action in Lewisville thanked the court for their moral and financial support of CCA for the past three years and how much that means to those in need in Denton County.
Willie Hudspeth announced that he and his volunteers are ready to start the restoration process of the drinking fountain on the Courthouse on the Square. He asked for the court's help in completing all paperwork, including that required by the State Historical Commission, legal assistance in preparing the paperwork and the help of the county's operation department.
Dessie Goodsen supports Willie Hudspeth's efforts and urged the court to do the same.
Comm. Armey requested that the District Attorney, Civil Division, explain the limitations and purpose of Item Two, Public Input.

ITEM 3 CONSENT AGENDA

TREASURER

5.A) Approval of Payroll.

PURCHASING

6.C) Approval of award for Tax Statement Preparation and Mailing Service, RFP #03-00-1324, to Compass Print & Mail Services and any appropriate action - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

6.D) Approval of renewal for Surface Treatment Aggregate, Bid #06-99-1234, to Tim Beaty Builders for Type D, Grade 4 and TXI for Type D, Grade 3, and any appropriate action - County Judge. (Briefing7-11-00)

6. E) Approval of specifications and authority to advertise for batteries, Bid #06-00-1378, and any appropriate action - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

6.F) Approval of renewal of gasoline, Bid #06-98-1177, to Douglas Distributing, and any appropriate action - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

6.G) Approval of renewal for Wireless Telephones/Service, RFP #05-98-1170, to Progressive Concepts, Inc., and any appropriate action - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

BUDGET

7.B) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #101950 for Operating Equipment and Operating Supplies for County Jail in the amount of $10,340 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.C) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #101980 for Personnel Advertisements for Human Resources in the amount of $10,000 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.D) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #102060 for prior year purchases for Law Library in the amount of $4,000 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.E) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #102030 for Substitute Court Reporter for 158th District Court in the amount of $6,000 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.F) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #102020 for Contract Labor for Information Services in the amount of $4,000 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.G) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #1020000 for Office Supplies for Emergency Management in the amount of $325 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

7.H) Approval of Budget Amendment Request #101990 for Office Furniture for Adult Probation in the amount of $6,600 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

HUMAN RESOURCES

8.A) Approval of Order Making Appointments. (The appointments for July 18, 2000, have been posted and advertised; and interviews were conducted as set forth in the Denton County policies adopted by the Commissioners Court, except as otherwise stated in the appointment orders. These appointments are within the budgetary restraints.) The following Order Making Appointments were approved: Fredricka Spiller, Accountant/Auditor; Gregory Tassin, D.O.II/Medical/Jail Health; Allison Jeanne Brown, P-T Computer Clerk Intern/Information Services; Douglas Lee, Corporal/Patrol/Sheriff; Billy Lantrip, Driver/Equipment Operator/Centralized Road & Bridge; Paula Brant-Proffer, Court Clerk/JP Pct.5; Leticia Chonay, Community Service Aide/Public Health; Jennifer Winstead, Court Clerk/JP Pct.6; Ann Porter, Court Clerk/JP Pct.7; Kelly Zwinggi, Interim Director of Centralized Road & Bridge; Betty Powell, Chief Administrator/Commissioner Pct.1.

8.B) Approve job description and reclassification of the Captain/Warrants/Civil Mental Health to Captain Special Services Section Commander in the Sheriff's Department with corresponding salary adjustment - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

CENTRALIZED ROAD & BRIDGE

10.A) Approval of Construction and Maintenance Agreements for the replacement of two bridges on Freeman Road - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

NON-DEPARTMENTAL

12.B) FOR RECORDING PURPOSES ONLY - Acceptance of the Denton County Rural Fire Prevention District Number 1 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report, year ended September 30, 1999 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

12.C) Approval of options for jurors who appear for Jury Services in Denton County Courts, to have theoption to donate their pay to the Salvation Army - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

LEGAL

13.B) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Lake Dallas Independent School District - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.C) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Little Elm - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.D) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Little Elm Independent School District - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.E) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Roanoke - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.F) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Krum - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.G) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Town of Bartonville - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.H) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Aubrey - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.I) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Justin - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.J) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Argyle Independent School District - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.K) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Town of Marshall Creek - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.L) Approval of Extension of Contract between Denton County, Texas and Halff Associates, Inc., for Phase II of Litsey Road from Independence Parkway to Henrietta Creek - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.M) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Town of Clark - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.N) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the City of Oak Point - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.O) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Northwest Independent School District - County Judge.(Briefing 7-11-00)

13.P) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Tax Collection between Denton County and the Sanger Independent School District - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.Q) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Ambulance Services between Denton County and the City of Lewisville - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.R) Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Fire Protection Services between Denton County and the City of Lewisville - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.S) Approval of Public Health Department Services Agreement between Metro West Health Plan Inc., and Denton County - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

13.T) Approval of the Trade Contract Agreement No. 90-9527 between Denton County and American Terrazzo Company for the Pre-Trial Center, Enforcement Center, Kitchen Expansion, Canopy Addition and Security Enhancements of the Sheriff's Department - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

Move to approve by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Armey.
Motion Carried 4-0-0 (Comm. Krueger was not present for this vote)
Court Order #00-0351

ITEM 4 COUNTY AUDITOR

4.A) Approval of Bill Report.
(Payments from Adult Probation, Community Corrections, Pre-Trial Services and District Attorney Check Fee Fund are presented for recording purposes only.)

DELETIONS FROM THE GENERAL FUND:

1. $310.00 to Mary Lou Crosbie, incorrect vendor;
2. $24,374.18 to Architexas, delete per department;
3. $464.01 to Nationwide Battery, incorrect amount.

ADDITIONS TO THE GENERAL FUND:

1. $35.70 to the National Safety Council for Defensive Driving Fees;
2. $1,209.90 to Hobby Lobby for custom frames;
3. $274.86 to George Wood Clothing for Pants & Uniform Shirts.

ADDITION TO THE 1999 ROAD CONSTRUCTION BOND FUNDS:
$100,000 to the City of Krugerville for an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for street repairs.

Move to approve Bill Report as amended by Comm. Krueger, second by Comm. Armey.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0352

4.B) Approval of (1) excess funds in the amount of $200,000 are available in the form of "1999 Road Bond Fund FM 1173 project funds"; (2) that the excess funds are not needed to fund any of the projects originally listed in the bond documentation; and (3) that excess funds in the total amount of $200,000 are to be allocated to the "Road and Bridge Paving" project to fund the costs of the additional road materials for the Road and Bridge Department - County Judge.

REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

ITEM 6 PURCHASING

6.A) Approval of specifications and authority to advertise for Property Insurance, RFP 306-00-1371, and any appropriate action - County Judge.

Move to approve by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Krueger.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0353

6.B) Approval of award of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings, Bid #03-00-1319, to Hallman & Keele, Inc., and any appropriate action - County Judge.

Move to approve by Comm. Carter, second by Comm. Armey.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0354

6.H) Approval of award of bid for Drywall & Miscellaneous Specialties, Denton County Courts Building, Bid #06-00-1376 to King & Company for $245,510, and any appropriate action - County Judge.

Move to approve by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Armey.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0355

6.I) Approval of award of bid for Masonry, Denton County Courts Building, Bid #06-00-1374 to Design Masonry for $13,800, and any appropriate action - County Judge.

Move to approve by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Armey.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0356

ITEM 8 HUMAN RESOURCES

8.C) Approval of addressing procedures to fill the vacancy for Road & Bridge Superintendent and Public Works Director and any appropriate action - County Judge.

NO ACTION

ITEM 9 ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT

9.A) Approval of staff recommendation for election judges, alternates and polling sites for the election year 2001 - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

Move to approve by Comm. Krueger, second by Comm. Carter.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0357

ITEM 11 STANDING ITEMS

11.A) Approval of any appropriate action regarding project development, construction progress, and change orders to ongoing Denton County Projects: Sheriff's Office/Jail, Centralized Road & Bridge, Carroll Building, Denton County Courts Building, Denton County Annexes, and future Denton County Satellite Facilities - Commissioners Court.

NO ACTION

11.B) Approval of any appropriate action regarding ongoing, planned, and proposed county and state transportation projects; Denton County's Better Safer Roads Program; and any necessary action regarding the modification of the Denton County Master Thoroughfare Plan - Commissioners Court.

NO ACTION

11.C) Approval of any action regarding Denton County boards and committees - Commissioners Court.

Move to reappoint Julia S. Kidd to the Health Advisory Board by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Krueger.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0358

Move to appoint Dr. George Rojas to the Health Advisory Board and Sidney C. Coleman and Richard "Dick" Metivier to the Building and Property Sub-committee by Comm. Armey, second by Comm. Carter.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0359

Move to appoint Dr. Ralph Fitzgerald and Sandra Thurman to the Health Advisory Board by Judge Wilson, second by Comm. Jacobs.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0360

ITEM 12 NON-DEPARTMENTAL

12.A) Approval of nomination for Judge of County Criminal Court Number Five - County Judge.

Judge Wilson announced the selection of Richard S. Podgorski to this position by the Denton County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

ITEM 13 LEGAL

13.U) Approve the Confinement Expenses Collection Agreement with Municipal Services Bureau - County Judge. (Briefing 7-11-00)

REPOST FOR NEXT WEEK

ITEM 15 RECESS

ITEM 16 RECONVENE

ITEM 7 BUDGET

7.A) Approval of any action regarding Denton County's 2000/2001 Budget - Commissioners Court.

(The following is a paraphrasing of the essential points made during this Budget Session.)

Item 1. Employee Raises

Donna Stewart, Denton County Budget Director, explained that the recommended budget does include a One Step increase but even this 4 percent raise came with drastic cuts in the budget. She recommended that if the commissioners want a greater increase in the raise, not to look for anymore cuts in the department's budgets.
Corporal Doug Lee, President of the Denton County Law Enforcement Association, presented to the court 8,000 signatures collected by the association in support of equitable salaries for law enforcement officers. He praised the court for their efforts of the last two years: 4% and higher raises county-wide, overtime pay plan, the step pay plan and the incentive pay program; all of this was without raising taxes. Despite these accomplishments, county law enforcement officers have not achieved parity and the turnover continues to be high. Therefore, the Denton County Law Enforcement Association asks Commissioners Court the following: to hold the effective tax rate at its current level and apply raises to approach parity; secondly, the association asks the court to place an initiative on the November 7, 2000 ballot to allow the voters of Denton County to approve a modest tax increase to provide parity for all law enforcement officers and county employees.
Comm. Jacobs praised the association for collecting that many signatures and commended Corporal Lee for his leadership role.
Cami Sandifer, Assistant Chief Investigator for the District Attorney's Office, as a representative of the District Attorney's Office, as an officer and as a citizen expressed her support for raises for law enforcement. In the last two years, over 25% of the investigators in the District Attorney's office have left for better paying positions. This kind of turnover causes the citizens of Denton County to lose faith in their sense of security. She requested the court place this as a initiative on the November ballot.
Rob Rainer, as a citizen, urged the court to keep the best law enforcement agents for the protection of the county's citizens. He stated his belief that the officers in this county should be paid on par with the cities in this area.
Comm. Armey praised the court for not raising county taxes in the last eight years while also maintaining and building upon a sound infrastructure. The county is now at a crisis point relating to employee salaries across-the-board and this is due to several factors: prosperity, 2% unemployment, and competition with the private sector. He praised the Denton County Law Enforcement Association for their gathering all those signatures albeit not enough to mandate an election. Even though it would not affect this year's salary crises, he believes that a non-binding referendum can be placed on the November ballot. Comm. Armey praised Donna Stewart and her staff for once again bringing to the commissioners a no-tax-increase budget but a 4% raise is unacceptable. Significant gains must be made both this year and the following years until employees are being retained and being paid a competitive rate. His suggestion: slide the pay grade scale 8% for all employees and, in addition, give the annual step increase which would equal an approximate 10- 12% salary increase. In order to do this, the court must identify an additional 2.9 million dollars. Having achieved his goal of a no-tax increase budget over eight years, bringing the effective tax rate down from 30 cents per hundred dollar evaluation to 23½ cents per hundred dollar evaluation, Comm. Armey is now focusing on finding the cuts for his primary goal this year of instituting salary increases. If the cuts are not available, he is now willing to hold the effective tax rate at its current level.
Comm. Carter pointed out that there is no waste to paying fair wages. In fact, money is saved because of increased efficiency and less turnover. He supports holding the tax rate at its current level.
Comm. Jacobs supports Comm. Armey's plan of the 10-12% raise. She would vote for a tax increase before making anymore cuts in the budget, as long as the extra funding went for pay raises only. This county has been asked to do more for less and she is not willing for that to continue. If it takes keeping the effective rate as is - which means a tax increase - then she would vote for it today. (APPLAUSE)
Judge Wilson also supports moving employee pay to a more market-oriented position. As of today, he is not willing to commit to a tax increase, not even to the effective rate, but he does want to see if cuts can be made and that 2.9 million can be found by the court.
Donna Stewart reiterated that the budget cannot afford any more cuts. Her recommendation is to leave the effective tax rate the same. Unfortunately, the tax rate cannot be determined until the first week in August. However, she thinks the effective tax rate will lower by 1 cent which equals a savings of approximately 2.1 million dollars, equaling 5 or 6% increase of the budget.
Judge Wilson agrees with Comm. Armey that the court must look for cuts wherever possible and then determine the effective tax rate. He encouraged citizens to give their county representatives an opinion on the tax rate. The court has done a remarkable job in making this county one of the lowest taxed urban areas in the state and in the country..
Comm. Armey asked Colonel Don Alexander, Director of the Elections Department, to research the referendum issue to give commissioners time to make a decision.
Comm. Jacobs suggested that the November ballot initiative be placed as a standing item on either the briefing or formal agenda.

Item 1(cont.) ELECTED OFFICIALS

Donna Stewart pointed out that the recommended budget calls for a 4% raise for elected officials which she recommends be included on an annual basis.
Comm. Krueger proposed that the court adopt a budgetary philosophy setting a standard applicable each year. His proposal: elected officials receive one-half of what the rank-and-file receive, not to exceed 5%. This would alleviate the court having to make this decision anew every year and would maintain a balance with the cost of living rate for future years.
Comm. Carter agreed with Comm. Krueger's proposal and would expand on that to where a commissioner never has the opportunity to approve a raise for him or herself. The salary a commissioner has when elected would be maintained for his four year term.
Comm. Krueger disagreed with Comm. Carter's proposal considering that other counties will be continuing to give their elected officials raises, this county would have to keep playing catch-up to achieve any salary parity. As an example, Collin County consistently gives 2 to 3% raises to their elected officials every year without any fanfare or publicity. Denton County should institute such a policy.
Comm. Carter proposed that a raise would be done every two years rather than every four years but he did recognize a problem in the fact that new commissioners could be making more than incumbent ones.
Judge Wilson informed the court that Comm. Carter's proposal was discussed a few years ago only to be advised by the District Attorney's office that salaries for all elected officials must be raised at the same rate.
Carmen Rivera-Worley, District Attorney, Civil Division, substantiated the fact that all commissioners must receive equal compensation. It is within their purview to make a policy statement but this policy is not binding through the years. Each court in each year is obligated to review salary and raises.
Comm. Armey suggested that in a budget philosophy, as Comm. Krueger suggested, that no judges exceed 5% of the average of other counties. He would like to see the county approach the average without ever going over the average.
Comm. Jacobs, in addressing the discrepancies revealed in the salary survey, asked Comm. Armey if he would consider an equity adjustment done first, with a policy set-up for next year in which the court makes up one-half of the discrepancies this year and the following year adhere to a budgetary philosophy that the average will never be met or exceeded.
Comm. Armey prefers Comm. Krueger's concept because of its internal mechanism but he does like the correlation to other counties.
Comm. Jacobs recommended a continuing study of this county's salaries in relation to other counties in order to properly address equity adjustments. Even with a possible 10 to 12% raise, this court is only addressing the immediate problem due to job descriptions that will still be far below average and others that will be close to average. The same holds true with the elected official positions.
Comm. Armey likes the idea of holding the elected officials to half of what the employees receive and also, not to exceed the average. He believes that eventually the salaries will gravitate toward the average.
Comm. Jacobs agrees with the concept of the policy but does not believe the salaries will gravitate toward that average. In order to do that, this county would have to be paying its employees above the average of other counties, and that is not going to happen. Comm. Jacobs reminded the court of what the Salary Grievance Committee suggested two years ago - that the court study equity adjustments before looking at an increase.
Comm. Armey would like to see the salaries raised to 95% of the average, which would at least be keeping this county in pace with others. (He asked Donna to do this study, including elected officials)
Comm. Jacobs pointed out that equity adjustments for the lowest paid is more fair that an across-the-board raise.
Judge Wilson is not ready to vote for elected officials raises until a raise for employees is determined along with the effective tax rate. He suggested this be delayed until next week.
Comm. Krueger reminded the Judge that the court is simply looking at a budget philosophy, not a budget impact.
Comm. Armey agreed that if this court could set a pattern that keeps pace, so that every year when the mandatory vote is taken, it is consistent and fair and continues to approach the average of other counties and agencies.
Comm. Jacobs feels that the elected official raises should always be less than what is given to the non-elected employees.
Judge Wilson suggested the court break for lunch.

ITEM 15 RECESS

ITEM 16 RECONVENE

ITEM 14 EXECUTIVE SESSION

For purposes permitted by Texas Government Code, Section 551.071 - Contemplated or Pending Litigation or Settlement Offer, Section 551.072 - Real Property, Section 551.074 - Personnel Matters, and Section 551.076 - Security.

Move to Convene in Executive Session under Item 14.E only by Comm. Carter, second by Comm. Krueger.
Motion Carried 5-0-0

CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
RECONVENE IN FORMAL SESSION

14.E) Consultation with Attorney, Contemplated Litigation pursuant to Section 551.071 (1)A), Government Code: Potential Litigation re claim of James Casey - County Judge.

Move to approve the recommendation of Counsel to the Sheriff that this matter be assigned to the District Attorney, Civil Division, by Comm. Carter, second by Comm. Krueger.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Court Order #00-0361

ITEM 7 BUDGET (CONTINUED)

7.A) Approval of any action regarding Denton County's 2000/2001 Budget - Commissioners Court.

Item 1 Employee Raises (continued)

Comm. Jacobs requests the court to address equity adjustments as well as internal and external market equity and she referred to several reports compiled by Human Resources concerning both turnover and salary survey. These reports aid the court in trying to rectify equity, especially external equity. Specifically, she focused on the job descriptions within the county as compared to other counties and how the turnover rate compared to the equity adjustment. In some positions, this county is actually paying more than others in the survey.
Amy Phillips, Director of Human Resources, explained that turnover is caused by many factors but salary and "perceived equity" are the overriding reasons.
Comm. Jacobs requested that each time a department head requests an equity adjustment for a position, she would like Mrs. Phillips to use the salary survey to determine if that person is leaving due to salary or some other reason. Unfortunately, the salary survey report only covers 67 positions and Denton County has 500 positions. The court cannot do equity adjustments this year without a more encompassing survey. Comm. Jacobs asked Human Resources to gather more information in the coming year - more salary surveys, fine-tuning of job descriptions and a ball-park figure to place in the budget so that next year the court would have better material to address equity adjustments next year. Comm. Jacobs asked the court to do two things with the information: consider this information as the court looks at equity adjustment requests and consider placing money into the budget to better address market incentives and whether or not the county has equity needs and where they are specifically located.
Comm. Carter asked Amy about the compression study that Human Resources was going to do.
Amy Phillips responded that in her research of compression studies, she found that they are expensive to do and too expansive - the study does not necessarily pinpoint those positions that are at the low end. To do this, she has asked all department heads to identify those positions they feel are undervalued and report back to Human Resources.
Comm. Jacobs would like to see an elimination of some positions because of redundancy and this would save the county money. Surveys are available from many sources for a minimal fee and the county needs more up-to-date figures.

Item 1 Non-Classified

Donna Stewart advised the court that the recommended budget calls for a 4% increase. This item will be discussed after the presentation by the District Attorney's office.

Item 1 Interns

Donna Stewart said that the recommended budget calls for a 4% increase.
Judge Wilson asks all department heads to scrutinize their budget for where some intern positions could be eliminated.

Item 1 Director of Facilities Management

Comm. Krueger would like to add to this item, the position of Human Resource Director. Both these positions should be brought in equity with the Directors of Purchasing and Budget.
Comm. Jacobs noted that in some positions, this county is paying close to average or above the average. All department heads should not be making the same salary, as the averages indicate.
Comm. Krueger agrees that these department heads need to be brought close to whatever average the county determines.
Comm. Jacobs noted that there is no position in the survey for Road Superintendent nor for County Planning. A comparative analysis is needed so that the court can be consistent with a formula.
Comm. Krueger agreed that consistency is the key word in developing a standard.
Comm. Armey asked the court to keep in mind that the comparative analysis with Collin County is skewed because several of their directors are not department heads because they are under the County Administrator.
Comm. Jacobs added that no matter what the position is called, this county still needs to seek consistency.
Judge Wilson asked that this item be placed under Non-Classified for further discussion.

Item 2 Tax Assessor-Collector

Mary Horn, Tax Assessor-Collector for Denton County, asked for a mini-van and got a passenger van, so is now requesting a Ford Taurus Station Wagon, which will better suit her department's needs. She needs additional funds for contract labor, postage, and printed forms. She requested an additional $3,000 for tax statements
Comm. Carter asked if some kind of cost estimate has been done on tax statements.
Mary Horn pointed out that her department cannot show a profit from these tax statements. She also noted that her office will be collecting for 49 entities within the county next year as opposed to 8 entities in 1993. Tax statements cost approximately 33 cents a piece including all printing and handling. The cost to the entity is 55 cents and this could be increased but she feels the added revenue being brought in by her department more than offsets the cost.
Comm. Jacobs asked Mary Horn if she would mind having James Wells, County Auditor, look at the costs estimates because legally employee labor could be added in to the figures.
Mary Horn, with her increased work load, needs at least one more employee for the Carrollton office.
Judge Wilson asked Mary if she were moving toward the Internet-type of registration.
Mary Horn has offered to the state to be the first county to test market for internet registration.
Comm. Jacobs added that the fact that Denton County is one of four counties to be in the state's e-commerce study should help. She also substantiated Mary's claim of long lines and frustrated people in the tax office in Carrollton.
Mary Horn on reclassifications: requests 25 positions to be adjusted from pay grade 14 to 16. In a 13 month period, her department has replaced 19 of the total 25 positions with the same statistic having occurred the year before. This takes a toll on her entire office. The feedback from employees is that they are leaving to other offices within the county or to other jobs that pay more and have less pressure and responsibility. Her office needs capable people but capable people will not accept such a low salary. She trains her personnel to do everything within the office so that the comparable positions and salaries in other counties cannot be fairly applied to her department.
Comm. Jacobs asked that these reclassifications be recorded by Amy Phillips for her to give her recommendations and why.

Item 3 Historical Park Complex

Betty Alford, Chairman of the Denton County Historical Commission, apologized to the court for not keeping them informed as to the progress the Historical Commission has made on this project. Fund raising is presently going on and so far has raised about $7,000 but the Selby House still needs $30,000 to complete its restoration. The Commission has applied for grants. A grant from the City of Denton will probably cover the tourism part of the Selby House but none of that came be used for educational purposes. So, the University of North Texas and the Denton Independent School District has been incorporated in to the curriculum so that every year, all fourth graders will study at the house.
Georgia Caraway, Director of the Courthouse on the Square Museum, was pleased to announce that the City of Denton did agree to fund the Museum $80,000 and the Selby House $25,000 out of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds. Unfortunately, HOT funds can be used for tourism purposes only so that left the educational segment of the Selby House without funding. In order to have a manager at the Selby House for when 1000 children do come, Mrs. Caraway is asking the county to help with the manager's salary and the two interns.
Comn. Jacobs asked for clarification before she could make a decision. She quoted from a Professional Service Agreement that the Historical Commission, not Denton County, has been gifted the Bayless-Selby House. The County has not budgeted nor intends to budget funds for this project. A modification to the agreement also supports the fact that the house was not given to the county, nor that the county accepted it. From this documentation, it clearly states that the county has not, nor is expected to, budget funds for the project.
Betty Alford clarified that the "project" is the restoration. Once the restoration is complete, then the Selby House will be turned over to the county.
Comm. Jacobs, referring back to the agreement she has, said it defined "project" as the acquisition, relocation and restoration of the structure. So that point needs to be clarified. The only commitment made by the county was for the relocation.
Georgia Caraway said more adjustments could be made because the Selby House will not be opened until January, 2001.
Comm. Carter asked if the operation of the Selby House needs to be full-time and that the Commission might look at scaling that back.
Georgia Caraway cautioned that this house must be open for the tourists and for the children, because those are who the Selby House must serve.
Comm. Armey advised starting out part-time and working up to full-time.
Comm. Carter asked if the statistics regarding the number of tourists visiting the museum could be made available to the court.

Item 4 Elections Administration

Don Alexander, Director of Elections, told the court that his department needs two positions (Grade 14) reclassified. One of these two positions needs to be upgraded because of the huge amount of programming involved. Also, the programming must be accurate, adding to the pressure, especially on election night. Since January, his department has done 24 contract elections. The Elections Office has remitted to the County Auditor approximately $110,000 since the first of the year and so, Mr. Alexander feels this should more than offset his request for a reclass and an upgrade.

Item 6 Justice of the Peace, Pct. 6

Judge Ron Marchant requested that the court grant him one new part-time employee due to the increase of workload in every area. His area serves 70,000 people and represents a growth of 134% since he took office. He presently has three employees working in his office.
Comm. Jacobs pointed out that Judge Marchant has the fewest number of employees of any of the JPs in the county. She urged the court to grant the Judge's request because the statistics warrant it.
Judge Wilson assured Judge Marchant that the court will do everything within its power to grant his request and this court appreciates the fact that Judge Marchant has never been before the court.

Item Constable Hatzenbuhler, Pct. 4

Constable Hatzenbuhler asked the court to reinstate funding for the Absent Student Assistance Program (ASAP) with the North West Independent School District (NWISD). The program needs two deputies at a cost to the county of $25,377.00. He believes in the program and thinks the county should fund it because the NWISD needs the county's support for at least one more year.
Comm. Krueger asked the Constable what do the deputies do during the summer.
Constable Hatzenbuhler replied that they help his office with warrants and filling-in for employees on vacation.
Comm. Carter added that this program has been well received by the school district and, considering that this district covers some 240 square miles, it is a lot of work to track down absent students. He would like to see ASAP continue.
Comm. Jacobs recalled that the initial request was for the school to take over this program completely. She thinks the school district can find the funds.
Comm. Armey asked Donna Stewart if she has the figures on how much money this program has generated for the school district.
Comm. Krueger said the state-wide average of these type of programs can see an increase in funds as much as $100,000 from the state.
Comm. Jacobs added that the county taxpayers are really not the ones seeing the benefit of this program - it is the school district that benefits and thinks the school should pay for it.
Comm. Krueger reminded the court that the county also sees substantial savings from the juvenile court system.
Judge Wilson asked Constable Hatzenbuhler to go back to the school district and ask them to look again at their budget.
Comm. Carter stated his belief that this is an area in which the court should not try to judge on a dollar and cents value. This program has saved some kids from some bad situations and how much is that worth? He would support the county helping to fund this program.
Comm. Armey asked if the contract with NWISD requires financial information as to their revenue from this kind of program and, if not, our contract with them needs to do that.

Item 5 Justice of the Peace, Pct 5

Judge Barbara Gailey needs to continue the new employee that the court has already granted this office up to October 1, 2000. This employee would bring in revenue more than equal to the employee's salary. With 898 warrants pending, this office needs the additional help to bring in that revenue.
Judge Wilson thanked the Judge for appearing before the court and the court will consider her request.

Item 8 Constable, Pct 3

Constable Raburn informed the court that his workload when he started was about 1/3 of what it is now and his staff was about 1/3 of what it is now. In the interim, his workload has increased to much that he would opt for having a new position, an Administrative Assistant, rather than a new vehicle.
Comm. Carter pointed out that this is a unique request in that it is a savings and he complimented Constable Raburn.

Item 9 Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1

Judge Sandra Chapman addressed the filing system in her office, which was a leftover from the District Clerk's office and does not meet the specifications of her filing system Also, she is still using a thermal fax machine and feels that a new machine would be a savings in the long run. The Judge also requested an upgrade of her Court Clerk to Office Manager, Grade 18, Step 3 minimum. She would also ask that the court not cut her contract labor funds. Judge Chapman pointed out that the revenue from her office is $675,000, so she cannot understand why her requests cannot be granted when the total impact is $6,033.
Comm. Armey asked the Budget Director, Donna Stewart, if there was any money left over from the Carroll Building filing system upgrade.
Donna Stewart said she would look into that.

Comm. Krueger excused himself from the remainder of the session.

Item 12 Retirement Options

Donna Stewart recommended that the court continue to the current retirement plan and add a COLA for retirees @ 70% of the Consumer Price Index with no increase to the budget. At 80%, the increase would be $5,700.
Comm. Jacobs asked Donna that in order to stay at the same level, the court would have to drop coverage by 10%. Does an inconsistency in the retiree's monthly paycheck show-up if we were to stay at 70%.
Amy Phillips explained that if the court did not vote for any increase at all, the annuity would stay the same. Two years ago the court adopted 50% of the CPI and last year, 80% so there has not been a pattern established.
Comm. Armey asked what causes the rate to fluctuate?
James Wells, County Auditor, explained that the cost to the county on the COLA has increased, based on the number of active retirees, the dollar amount they are receiving and the impact on the overall retirement plan of the county.
Judge Wilson requested that the Budget Director place $5,700 in the request line, giving retirees 80% of the CPI.
Comm. Armey thinks it is better to maintain a certain percentage.
Comm. Jacobs agreed. She would like to see the county be consistent.
Comm. Armey asked if 80% is consistent with what other entities are doing?
James Wells answered that most counties do not do it at all.
Comm. Armey asked that a survey be done on other counties.
Judge Wilson recommended the court adopt the 80% and locate the additional $5,700.

Item 11 Constable, Pct. 2

Constable Floyd has applied for and is waiting for grants for two vests in the amount of $1300 to be approved but the grantor tells the Constable that the paperwork has been stopped in the County Judge's office.
Judge Wilson recalls that paperwork and insists that he forwarded it on to the District Attorney's Office, Civil Division. He asked the Constable to meet with his staff and the paperwork will be tracked down.
Constable Floyd accepted the denial of another License and Weight Deputy but implored the court to grant him an Administrative Assistant for License and Weight to handle all the paperwork and many other duties in the office. Also in this division, he requested an additional $500 for printed materials - citation books.
Comm. Carter advised the court of a huge increase in the exploration of gas in the western section of Denton County. It may be one of the hottest exploration areas in Texas but along with this comes discourteous truck drivers, problems for residents in that area and roads being torn-up due to overweight trucks. Constable Floyd's office is instrumental in trying to solve this problem. Comm. Carter will support whatever this constable's office requires to maintain the present level of law enforcement in that area.

Item 20 Mayhill-Cooper Creek Volunteer Fire Department

Judge Wilson explained that this VFD covers the unincorporated area of Denton County that is the extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Denton without the benefit of any city sponsor. This county has been asked to serve like a city and sponsor the fire department for next year in the amount of $25,000. The City of Denton has agreed to co-sign a loan for a $130,000 fire truck and, Judge Wilson believes, will ultimately take over this district as the city expands. This is an arrangement worked out by the Fire Chiefs' Association.
Comm. Armey requested a letter from the Fire Chiefs' Association supporting this concept.
Judge Wilson noted that the association would not be meeting until late August but that the individual fire chiefs are writing letters supporting this request. Chief Vann is in charge of getting those together.
Comm. Armey doesn't believe this would reduce funding for any other fire department.
Judge Wilson agreed.
Comm. Jacobs asked if this was a one-time remedy or on a continuing basis?
Judge Wilson responded that they would be asking this county to be their sponsor until the City of Denton takes over enough of this fire district and then the city will be the sponsor. Ultimately, the area in question will be included in one rural fire district.

ITEM 17 ADJOURNMENT 4:00

Move to adjourn by Comm. Jacobs, second by Comm. Carter.
Motion Carried 4-0-0

This set of minutes prepared by deputy clerk Kathleen Bransford and reviewed by County Clerk Cynthia Mitchell.