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Quorum: Yes

Chair’s Report:
Dr. Martin introduced Mike Knievel, Interim Community Services Director. Staff requested Mr. Knievel address the CFAB Board regarding the “white paper” presented by the CFAB. Although some of the $.50 increase may be justified by increased cost in utilities, insurance, worker’s compensation and salaries, the entire $.50 may not be justified. Mr. Knievel stated that per the OMB utility cost have increased 15%, insurance costs are up 15%, and workers; compensation up 10%. The second concern is that some agencies do not charge fees for their services. Dave Evans stated that the “white paper” stated that “many agencies cannot charge fees”, not all agencies. In many cases fees for some services are prohibited by law, i.e. Older Americans Act, which funds a great deal of Council on Aging specifically states that fees cannot be charged. Mr. Knievel stated that he believes even the impoverished are resourceful and that resourcefulness is a matter of economic integrity and pride. If we can link up to that economic integrity is not only recognized but utilized in the provision of public services, we are better served and the clients are better served, as well as the agencies. Growth and demand as a way of justifying the increase. Growth and demand is a legitimate justifier for requests. Not all demand gets translated into full funding. Indexing is another concern for consideration of increases. An adjusted cost performance index should be considered. This could grow to 3% and then automatically adjust which is more advantageous than having to request funds annually.

Dave Evans stated that the Board is requesting guidance so that they are not out of sync with county staff on Board requests. The Board does not want to design a new index. The County already uses the Consumer Price Index for compensation. Mr. Evans stated that if that index is good enough for county staff it should be good enough for county residents. The Board is willing to live with an index, but staff needs to define the index. Mr. Knievel stated that the County Budget Office made its annual presentation of its financial analysis to the County Council and County Management and gave the Board an overview.

Mary Lou Mirino asked Mr. Knievel if, in his opinion, Cultural Arts request for the per capita rate increase would be approved. Mr. Knievel stated that Council Chair has expressed that there should be consistency between the CFAB and Cultural Arts. He further stated whether that justifies the $.50 increase. The $.50 figure was not generated by the CFAB, but by Cultural Arts. Deborah Denys stated we could ask for $.50, understanding there is a possibility that we may only get $.30. In listening to the five year forecast presented by Mr. Knievel, the County is building the infrastructure stating that “if you build it they will come”, well, they’re coming and the need for services is increasing. Mr. Knievel stated that currently the Budget Office has not included the increase, or anticipated a change in the per capita rate requested by the Board. Mr. Knievel stated that staff has a meeting with the County Manager next week to present budget justification. Mr. Knievel was asked what information he needed from the Board to be able to justify the increase to the County Manager. Mr. Knievel referred back to the four items he detailed in his response to the white paper. However, the decision to recommend the increase to the County Council would come from the County Manager. Deborah Denys stated that the Board needs to contact Council members on an individual basis to communicate the need for the increase. Dave Evans stated that if County staff does not request the increase it won’t make any difference if Council was contacted because it would never come before the Council for a vote. Mr. Knievel stated that all citizens have the right to come before the Council, up to and including the budget hearings to discuss the budget. Mr. Knievel stated that the Budget Department was aware of the requested increase, however, the Budget Office takes their direction from the County Manager. At this time, no official request has been made to the Budget Office and officially denied. Mr. Knievel stated that he had the Boards white paper and the request for the increase in the budget discussions. Deborah Denys stated that since the request had not been addressed in the budget process, that the Board should contact Council directly. Ed Jasper stated that the information missing from the white paper is why there is a short-fall. One of the reasons is the reduction in contributions to United Way. If services have to but because of lack of funding, the clients needing service will come to the County. Agencies are not reaching their financial goals because the resources are not available. Ed Jasper stated that he is in support of the per capita rate increase and believes the Board should proceed continue to pursue the increase. He further stated that in his meeting with the County Manger next week he would endorse the request. Deborah Denys stated that she was disappointed with the fact that the Board requested several times did the official request go in and the answer was yes or no and the apparent answer was no. It is disturbing that when an official Board makes a request to a government entity and is not allowed due process. The Board feels a commitment to the community serve as volunteers. She feels that the Board should contact Council members individually. Mr. Jasper was under the impression that the Board had not submitted an original request. However, he was advised that the “white paper” was presented and titled “agenda item request” Kimberly Cook stated that additional information regarding the need for the increase, the loss of local funding and the other concerns from Mr. Knievels’ letter. With regard to the charging of fees, Deborah Denys suggested that the wording be changed “many agencies” don’t charge fees. Dave Evans suggested that the wording be changed to” Due to contractual or grant restrictions many agencies cannot charge fees, and if they did many of their clients could not pay them”, Ed Jasper stated that even if fees are charged they do not provide enough income to fill the gap. Mr. Jasper again reiterated he would discuss the issue with the County Manager next week.

Dave Evans suggested that the Board update the “white paper” and each Board member contact Council members.

Staff advised Board of status of two programs currently funded through the CFAB (Youth of Valor ($15,000),and Emergency Services). As a result of the monitoring we were advised that the Youth of Valor program had not been in operation this year. The County has paid $3,750 for this program. Staff is recommending that the contract for the Youth of Valor program be cancelled and the $3,750 paid be deducted from the Emergency Services contract. Staff further recommends that the $15,000 initially allocated to the Youth of Valor program be re-allocated to summer camp scholarships. There are currently 250 income eligible children on the waiting list for summer camp scholarships. Staff also advised that due to unresolved monitoring issues payments to the agency are currently suspended. Agency Director has been advised of this recommendation. Motion by Deborah Denys and seconded Dave Evans to accept the proposal as presented by staff . Motion passed.

Next meeting scheduled for July 18 for budget sub-committee.

Public Participation:
Kevin Para of Women’s Care Center in New Smyrna Beach
Tom Lindzon of Council on Aging of Volusia

Adjourned: 3:45 pm

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