LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

 

Monday, January 7, 2008

Administrative Center – Room 3220

10:30 a.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Ann Fisher, Charles Spiker, Sharon Hampson, John Medinger, Roger Plesha, Jason Gillett (exc @11:56)

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None 

MEMBERS ABSENT:   Pat Schippers  

OTHERS PRESENT:  Assemblyman Michael Huebsch, Steve O’Malley, Jerry Huber, Melissa Gilbert, Jeff Bluske, Charlie Handy, Gregg Stangl, Ray Ebert, Cheryl Stephen, media

 

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Ann Fisher, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Plesha/Medinger to approve minutes of December 10, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Schippers absent.

 

At this time, Steve O’Malley noted per the direction of the committee, he contacted each of the three State legislators by email inviting them to attend these meetings.  Assemblyman Huebsch responded and will be attending today’s meeting.  Supervisor Spiker said he also talked to Senator Kapanke and he will also be attending when available.

 

WI RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY FOR MCO EMPLOYEES

Steve noted this is a result of converting from Care Management Organization (CMO) to regional organization called Managed Care Organization (MCO).   An informational sheet was sent with the agenda.  These employees will no longer be La Crosse County employees but rather employees of the long term care management district.  The issue is that the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) has a once-a-year sign-up period, which is November 15th, for governmental entities requesting participation in the retirement system; the MCO did not officially get adopted until after the November 15th deadline date.  Jerry Huber and Melissa Gilbert reviewed in more detail.  The anticipated startup for MCO is May or June which means the new employees would not be WRS eligible until January 2009.  This will affect 110-120 employees which is also causing strain on the new organization.  This yearly signup date is set per State Statutes.  The County, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Counties Association, would like to seek legislative sponsorship of a bill that would allow for a second signup period, such as May 15th for these newly created long term care districts.  MOTION by Plesha/Hampson to pursue legislation that will create a second signup window of May 15th with the Wisconsin Retirement System.  Assemblyman Huebsch did not think there would be a problem in seeking this additional signup window though he will be contacting WRS.  Motion carried unanimously; Schippers absent.   

 

DIALOGUE WITH MICHAEL HUEBSCH, STATE ASSEMBLY 94TH DISTRICT

Assemblyman Huebsch noted the State Legislators will reconvene in two weeks; this legislature will deal with health care and economic development.  For this particular committee, he suggested quarterly meetings with area legislators, including Lee Nerison; following the monthly Cracker Barrel meetings seems ideal and these fall on the 2nd Monday of each month.

 

Page 2 – Legislative Committee Minutes of January 7, 2008

 

 

 

Supervisor Medinger asked if there is need for budget adjustment bill.  Assemblyman Huebsch said better numbers will be known in February, but most do not foresee a spike or dip in Wisconsin economy.  Some discussion on campaign finance reform. 

 

Steve O’Malley noted the reimbursement from the State for Probation/Parole holds is suppose to be $40/day; if that exceeds the State budgeted amount, then reimbursement is less – sometimes as low as $29/day; for the past 10+ years, this is occurring and the counties are not receiving actual costs which is State responsibility; how can the counties approach this issue?  Assemblyman Huebsch said there is not good strategy in how to finance this; counties and the state need to look at long term solution.  Steve noted numbers range from 40-60% of the inmates as probation/parole holds.  Supervisor Spiker noted per Sheriffs’ authority, they do not have to accept and could force the issue.

 

Discussion on unfunded mandates.  Assemblyman Huebsch requested a list of those the County would like to eliminate and he would assist in the elimination of them.  Steve noted in addition to probation/parole holds, there is the under funding of family and children services, plus other areas such as public defenders and child abuse investigations.  Discussion on shared revenue and when paid to the counties.  Spiker noted 15% is received in July and balance of 85% is received in November; a better payment plan is needed.  Assemblyman Huebsch said he would look into this matter.

 

LEGISLATION RE RETURN 17-YEAR-OLDS TO JUVENILE COURT

Huber reviewed the fiscal impact on the counties if 17 year olds return to juvenile court system.  Assemblyman Huebsch noted the first goal is to protect society; need to give Judges flexibility based on individual’s previous crimes.  Supervisor Medinger suggested keeping an open mind; 17 year olds are still children by law, noting the importance of offering programs and giving them an opportunity for rehabilitation.  Assemblyman Huebsch said he would keep an open mind on this matter.  Supervisor Medinger suggested for the next meeting to invite staff (Sheriff, DA, etc.) to further discuss this matter.  Supervisor Hampson noted age and maturity is actually 25 years of age; locking them up does not work; per the informational sheet, 99% of them are for non-violent crimes; access to education and mental health services will be the key in saving these kids.

 

REPORT ON WISCONSIN USE VALUE ASSESSMENT

Charlie Handy reviewed use value assessment.   A fact sheet was sent with the agenda. He noted concerns with current legislation; one being developers are using this process to reduce their taxes significantly and he noted certain areas where this is happening.  Per current law, agricultural land can be assessed differently.  Charlie noted significant gain in farm profits over the past 3+ years and the use value assessment has not yet reflected these significant gains.  He also noted only 5 penalty reports were submitted out of the 18 municipalities; in one particular case, the assessor was called for the information and by the next day the report was received; it was completed in May, 2007, and received January 2008.  These reports are needed in order to do a good job of reporting.  Is there a way or law change that can change the developer’s loophole?  Should we make sure of assessors’ professionalism and accuracy?  General agreement to draft a resolution for committee consideration.  Supervisor Gillett noted counties in other states have a County Assessor.  Jeff Bluske noted that he has discussed this with the Dept. of Revenue and they think there is a way to work this out; they too would like to see countywide assessor; he has also talked to the President of the WI Assessors Association and they will

 

Page 3 – Legislative Committee Minutes of January 7, 2008

 

 

 

also support a countywide or district assessor as it would bring back professionalism.  General agreement by committee members to draft a resolution for consideration.  Supervisor Hampson suggested inclusion of what other counties and states are doing.  Assemblyman Huebsch suggested awareness of woodland, and the need of getting the Towns Association involved and educating them on long term value.     

 

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

NEXT MEETING

Monday, February 11th at 10:30 a.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Committee Chair Fisher declared the meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

 

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder