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Show DAVIS REFLEX JOURNAL, DECEMBER 5. 1984 Budget By TOM BUSSELBERG Reflex-Journ- Editor al i F ARMINGTON Next Wednesday county commissioners are expected to approve an $11 million-plu- s budget-doin overall amount from last year but, when adjustments for removal of some departments, up by just over nine percent for 1985. wn , , A PUBLIC hearing on the countys federal revenue sharing, at $3.9 million, is set for 11 a.m. while the general budget hearing for the $11,1 39,224 amount will follow at : 5 in the county commission chambers. For the first time, that total doesnt include the health department, with a $1.4 million-plu- s budget or the old federal Title XX, also called the Employment and Training fund, totalling $1,094,000. 1 1 1 Set For Dec. 12 COUNTY department heads submitted tentative budgets in October for county commission-auditor scrutiny in October, with countless hours spent, often paring down original requests to meet revenue projections. That job is made especially hard thanks to the legislative 106 percent ceiling that allows budget growth only to that level from one year to the next, giving no room for population or other gains. Heres a breakdown of the budgets, department by department, that, if approved, will take affect New Years Day: -- THE COUNCIL on Aging budget totals $88,583, up from an estimated $821,202 for this still to be completed year. It includes only a portion from county coffers, of $165,000, or The lions share is passed just under through from federal and state contracts, while a projected $162,500 is anticipated to be earned from project income or the meals, classes one-fift- and other senior citizen center activities. -- The mental health budget, the largest of any department, is projected at $2.9 million plus a $344,000 fund balance, totalling $3.2 millast year. Nearly lion, up from $2.9 million-plu- s half that revenue comes from state contracts with only about seven percent generated from the general countv fund. -- THE PARAMEDICS budget is set at ' $614,293, up from $561,104 estimated for 1984, increase. That an about eight percent reflecting programs funded primarily through property tax levy. -- For the first time, Human Services funding will be administered through the county although the agency has served the area for many years. Its budget is set for $306,000. -- ROADS FUND is set at $1,190,333, including a $910,333 fund balance. Other funds making up that total come from state allocations h. FARMINGTON There was a lot of infighting as well as words of caution during the weekly Solid Waste District Management Board meeting last Wednesday night. BOARD members, comprised of mayors and council members representing 12 Davis County communities, heard some very cautious remarks from Warren Gregory, representing the bond firm of He told the group that they have until next Wednesday (Dec. 12) to make final decision as to whether or not to issue bonds worth $64 million for a proposed y garbage burn plant. Smith-Barne- y. y. I dont know if we can achieve with the steam contract all that we set out to achieve, he said. We have bargained in good j faith, but the military has its own needs and missions and they make decisions regarding these matters within their own time frame. waste-to-energ- IT WAS earlier reported that Nov. 28 (last weeks meeting) was the absolute deadline for making the decision, and that the bonds would be put on the market the following day. But seeing that board members had not even been presented all of the necessary documents for making such a decision, the deadline was extended two weeks. THE BIGGEST controversy to arise from last weeks meeting was the debate over a proposed contract between the developers, and Hill Air Force. There was even controversy as to whether or not the proposed agreement was forwarded to the Air Force Logistics Command for review before final approval by the Department of Air Force. steam-purcha- Katy-Segher- , se s, MR. GREGORY solemly told the board that if you have any concerns or do not fully understand the risks you will be taking in bonding for this facility, then dont sign the contracts. I dont want to hear from you in a few years saying that you did not understand all the stipulations of this agreement. Some things have changed in the last four years that we have worked together on this project. - I percent willing to go ahead with an BUT IF you are 100 affirmative decision, Im prepared to go forward. I want you to be certain of your convictions. I dont want to be a part of anything that is not good. . He said, it is not the end of the world if Davis County doesnt go ahead with this plant. Just be certain of what you want to do. HE PRAISED the mayors for their efforts and then told them he had a figure to give them that he hoped was not too shocking. , He said printing of documents is very expensive and are bought by third parties who know nothing of Davis County. They base their decisions solely on our reputation and so everything must be strictly in accordance with what can be offered, he said. be HE THEN noted that cost of printing and associated fees would approximately $100,000. Com. Glen W. Saunders, chairman of the board, said the steam MR. GREGORY explained that it appears now that the only type agreement available to the developer with the Air Force will contract. be on a year-to-year If you cant live with this agreement, then dont buy my bonds, he said. And if you feel that this agreement is not in the best interest of the county, then step back. HE ALSO urged that if financing doesnt make sense to you, then you shouldnt go ahead with the project. It will only fall apart. Then he told the board: 20-ye- ar WHAT IF there is no year-to-ye- ar steam-purcha- se contract is terminated? agreement? Or what if Centerville Mayor Neil Blackburn said that without sale of steam the tipping fee would be three to four times what it would be with a steam agreement to help offset costs. UNDER THE current plan, tipping fees would be $21.68 per ton the first year and could be reduced to about $14 per ton. Both figures are considerably higher than cost of using the countys two landfills. Will Jefferies, project coordinator representing the Wasatch Front Regional Council, said there would be a cash settlement and penalty if the base terminated its agreement. WITH THIS money, we could convert the plant to a facility and the conversion would necessitate the plants closure for only a few weeks, he said. Jim Hurst, representing a citizens opposition group, said several Hill Air Force Base officials met with his group Tuesday and said no contract pertaining to possible purchase of steam by Hill AFB has been forwarded to higher command. g power-generatin- federal pass-throug- program h administered by the state community and economic development office and Wasatch Front Regional Council for this area, cities can apply for funds out of an $800,000-plu- s allocation, awarded based roughly on the countys population vs. the whole amount given to Utah. IN WHAT will be the fourth year for the program, cities must submit for reproposals by view by county, regional and state authorities with funds awarded probably sometime next summer. Over the years, moneys gone for downtown rehabilitation, curb, gutter and sidewalk repair, water wells and related water improvement projects, among other things. Guidelines are set stipulating funds go to improve economic conditions and benefit a certain number of people although those are altered, depending on the latest restrictions. Around $900,000 was received last year and its predicted at near that again this year, with half earmarked again for the economic development revolving loan fund. Those funds are to be awarded to businesses meeting strict criteria as loans, coupled with coventional financing, to be paid back at set times but aimed at stimulating economic growth. THAT PROGRAM, though, means half as much for the cities and county housing authority to mid-Februa- guarantee, he said. Asked about the possibility of a agreement, Com. Saunders replied: They havent backed down completely, but negotiations are still apart. Then there was some differences of opinion about the need for a longer contract, or if Hill Air Force Base would even buy the steam. the TOM BUSSELBERG North County Editor FARMINGTON Usually, relations between mayors have been amicable, to say the least. WHEN IT comes to community block grants, though, and the money pie has to be separated, relations have sometimes been a bit strained with some cities representatives noticeably upset over the outcome to the point one took the matter to state officials. Its getting that time, again, though, when the block grants must be planned for. Under that - feasa-bilit- I $230,336; planning, $288,436, 373,794; sheriff, $1 ,580,763, $1 ,942,294 jail, $918,775, $986,278; animal control, $247,841, $300,531. By contract is the biggest risk we face. ITS STILL POSSIBLE to get an agreement, but there is no LEANING forward on the podium, he urged the board to be particularly cautious of two basic items: (1) achieving a suitable steam contract with Hill Air Force Base, and (2) financial GARY R. BLODGETT Clipper News Editor attorney, $469,378, $559,341; assessor, $339,283, $337,154; surveyor, $200,245, Block Grant Time Again Biim Manats Cautions Remarks By and interest. -- The county library is seeking $1.1 million up from $1,1015,725 estimated for this year, and includes a $32,883 fund balance. -- OTHER areas include with last year figures first: commission, $163,610, $156,918;.' district court, $131,962, 143,408; precinct court, $98,347, $1 14,820; juvenile court? $114,217, $143,000; public defender, $52,000, $60,000 recovery services, $91,362, $101,641; administrative services, $41,271, $357,520; personnel, $66,003, $69,604; information systems $582,875, $512,768; auditor, $175,296, $246,633; clerk, $302,953, $321,508; treasurer, $98,035, $1 14,869; recorder, $289,215, 226,468; utilize. At last weeks mayoral council of governments session, Clearfield City Manager Donald W. Wally Baird proposed a population-base- d allocation scheme, similar to whats been suggested for more than a year by West Bountiful Mayor Grant Secrist. IN MR. Bairds proposal, if the population formula were used, cities would have to prepare an acceptable project application to utilize those assigned funds. If it didnt meet specifications, the funds could either be reserved for that entity in the future or divided among those with acceptable projects. Project eligibility has been figured by the mayors: the first year all mayors met and mulled through the applications after hearing oral presentations and reviewing writ- ten material. Last year, an assigned committee had that task. There have been some problems with that method, however, thanks to improper scoring or representatives having to leave the session before completine their work. UNDER MR. Bairds proposal, staff would do the figuring, although it would go beyond the handful of county planning depart- ment economic development experts, including knowledgeable cities personnel, as well. He worked with community development block grants under the large city entitlement program previously and some of those ideas come from such programs. Mr. Baird said in a written presentation his proposal came after the Clearfield City Council felt there were some obvious problems in allocating funds through the competitive process with his ideas removing allocation from the political arena and popularity-contes- t atmosphere. BUT AS Sunset Mayor Norm Sant said the only ones who have complained are those who didn't get funded and then theyd be quiet later when their money was forthcoming another year. Woods Cross Mayor Lawrence Ury asked about planning projects five years ahead as is done with state road projects affecting cities and the county, but as County Planning Director Rick Mayfield said, the state will kick back or reject an allocations formula proposal based strictly on population, adding it has been tailored for their approval. A DECISION will be necessary by the December meeting, mayors were informed. it W&mSwmmI StMdifys Omstmm IB By TOM BUSSELBERG shops-classroom- - A custom fit KAYSVILLE training program would help get into the the vocationally-traine- d while them faster market giving job a marketable, specialized skill. TO THAT end, the Davis Area Vocational Center board of trustees has given the green light to creating such a program that would target closer cooperation with small industry, explains Center Director Jack Shell. Were hoping we can get people working in training instead of all classroom-related- , meaning hours vocational center training in a specific area instead of taking general courses. They can go to work earlier and meet employer needs earlier, while the employer can claim a 50 percent salary tax break, he said, noting thered be emphasis on students achieving competence in necessary skills before enterint OJT. IN OTHER action, as time draws near for legislative session, the board was informed of a recurring problem; the DAVCs building needs have been listed 26th on the state building boards priorty list-nthe bottom. That means nearly $90 million in other projects would get funding first, if its available, putting off much of the $5,028,000 requested for new facilities that would in theyd complete 150 clude electronics, electrical and Also graphics included would be remodeling of the old auto body shop area and purchase of 40 acres for future campus needs. THE BUILDING board pared that request to $3.9 million, advising land purchase over three years with a $232,000 down payment. Mr. Shell noted agreement from area state senators and representatives that the project should gain a higher ranking, adding, every effort will be made during the session to obtain funding, reflecting a similar fight thats been waged over the year. The board also approved expanding its membership from six to eight, reducing the number of Davis school board members from five to four, retaining the Morgan County school board seat but adding three for business-industrrepresentatives. FOLLOWING adoption of a career-laddteacher incentive program several months ago, the board approved an incentive plan for classified employees, including custodians and secretaries, developed by Business Manager Leon Tate. Geared to help generate some money (for employees) if they do a good job, it was developed with the idea monetary rewards should be sufficient to make a difference" but "benefit only those who meet the standards-criteri- a and be ear s. y er equally applied to all. BASED ON a point system deevaluapending on a multi-facete- d tion, that figure will be multiplied by the employees salary. If a staffer earns $10,000 yearly and armed a top 4.2 rating, he could receive a $500 incentive. Its an attempt to reward all equally if theyre substantially equal in performance vs. only the top" performers, Mr. Tate says. In addition, a non monetary rewards system will also be set up within the next year while the monetary rewards should be forthcoming in this fiscal year that ends June 30. The board also discussed the Heaps Fined CLEARFIELD Former Layton City mayoral assistant and recorder Randall Heaps was formally sentenced with both a fine and short jail sentence, Monday. HANDED DOWN in the Clearfield division. Fourth Circuit Court, was a $1,000 fine and restitution order of $1,620.16, set down by Judge Alfred C. Van Wagenen. A one year jail sentence was suspended--excep- t for 30 days, and a court spokesperson confirmed he was due to have started serving 15 days of .that sentence Tuesday morning. In lieu of the other 15 days, he agreed to give 30 r community service days. eight-hou- THE SENTENCING given was the maximum allowed for a Class A misdemeanor. The court action came as a sort of culmination to months of investigation prompted last May when the county attorneys office was approached and asked to look into Layton City A procedures. THAT LED to a three month investigation, complete with hiring of a financial auditor, to dealve through the citys financial records and also involved investigation by members of both the county attorneys office and Sheriffs department. Interviews were conducted, and material gathered, into a myriad of was believed to tie city operfinancing-accountin- issue of vocational governance, gaining attention statewide and a topic of debate among educators and lawmakers for several years. The board agreed a director should be appointed over state vocational activities who could be a spokesperson at the highest level vs. dillusion through either the state board of regents that is concerned with colleges and universities or the state board of education. g areas-whate- ver th ations. Mr. Heaps was suspended in August after serving 18 years. The action, taken by the city council, was followed by Mr. Heaps, pleading no contest" to a reduced atempted misuse of public funds charge early last month. THE RESTITUTION was ordered for several items, principally several trips, including balance on one in 1983 to New Orleans with a side trip to Cancun, Mexico, others to Detroit with a side trip to Niagara Falls, N.Y., and an Atlanta trip, tb SPECIAL vocational board should be created, if necessary, the board decided, to give that voice for vocational centers that serve a unique role. Both high school students and those who haven't received diplomas plus adult graduates attend the centers, giving different focus from the two established, more specialized boards. Changes are proposed for vocational education on a federal level, as well, Mr. Shell indicated, thanks to a new federal vocational act that could see changes in funding processes Utah and other states would have to follow. Attempts have been made to more closely tie that and funding to business-industrspecial group needs. y I THINK it could benefit centers quite a bit, Mr. Shell said, we serve primaril; speadding, cial groups. Hes slated to attend a planning meeting in Los Angeles in where that program will be explored. mid-Janua- |