County makes end-offiscal- year approvals

     The Jones County Supervisors took action on several items during their June 30 board meeting to close out Fiscal Year 2020, and move into FY 2021.

     The board approved an interfund transfer for local options tax road and bridge projects. This directs the transfer of $350,000 from the Secondary Road Local Option Tax Fund to the Secondary Road Fund.

     The money is intended to go toward HMA overlay and patching at various locations throughout the county, and the Shaw Road PCC paving and box culvert replacement project.

     The board approved an interfund transfer of $822.93 between the REAP Fund and the General Basic Fund for non-grant funded costs associated with the Mon Maq Dam project.

     The board approved an interfund transfer of $27,426.20 between the Conservation Land Acquisition Trust Fund and the General Basic Fund. The expenses incurred include:

     • $6,418.65 at Eby’s Mill Wildlife Management Area

     • $19,722.91 at Lost Canyon/Whitewater Canyon

     • $223.97 for the Naturalist education program

     • $1,060.69 for improvements at the Hale Wildlife Area

     The board approved an interfund transfer of $53,740 between the Capital Projects Fund and the General Basic Fund. The amount represents a portion of the unspent appropriation for General Service and Memorial Hall.

     The board approved an interfund transfer of approximately $8,640 from the Debt Service Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for the remainder of the Debt Service Fund balance.

     The board approved the Conservation Department’s unspent FY 2020 claims, pursuant to action taken on March 31, 2020. This allows Conservation to access $30,082 of unused payroll spending authority.

     Conservation Director Brad Mormann commented that some of the funds are going toward the purchase of new cabin furniture at Central Park.

     The board approved designating a portion of the General Fund balance for county facility capital projects, as well as an election equipment replacement fund, and an aerial tax mapping project fund. The facility capital projects fund includes $249,124; Conservation Department capital improvements includes $40,000; aerial mapping includes $73,526; and the election equipment fund includes $80,000.

     The board approved designating a portion of the General Fund balance for the Wapsipinicon Trail Project, and various Conservation Department projects. County Auditor Janine Sulzner explained that this is money that has been received for special purposes and will only be spent for those specific purposes.

     The Central Park Historic Bridge Improvements project contains $41,933; unspent grants and donations for the Wapsipinicon Trail Project amount to $19,521 ($9,000 is for the wetland project associated with the trail); Emergency Medical Services Training contains $13,800.

     The board approved designating the balance of the Secondary Road Local Options Tax Fund for road and bridge projects. The current balance is estimated at $2,346,932.

     The board discussed and approved issuing a letter to all county department heads concerning additional fiscal restraint. This is in relation to the impact COVID-19 has had on the county’s FY 2021 budget.

     “I think it’s a good idea that everyone watch their spending,” commented Supervisor Joe Oswald. “Save on purchases that are not necessary at this time.”

     “If you can get by, get by,” added Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach.

     The board approved the FY 2021 Salary Resolution. All of the salaries are equal to the amounts approved during the FY21 budget discussions, with the exception of Conservation. The proposed wage increases for Conservation staff includes an additional $12,469, stemming from the Conservation Board approving a 6 percent increase plus an additional $1,000 instead of the 3.5 percent budgeted.

     “That’s more than we approved,” noted Supervisor Wayne Manternach.

     Sulzner explained the Conservation can make up the difference from other line items in their budget. The Conservation Board has the authority to set their staff’s wages, which the board of supervisors make record of.

     “This has happened the last five or six years,” said Zirkelbach, “and it goes through. We’re the ultimate holder of the purse strings.”

     The board approved the FY 2021 Master Departmental Appropriation Resolution. This sets up spending authority for each county department. In doing so, Oswald made the motion to reduce Conservation by $9,000.

     “I don’t disagree with some of the raises,” he said of his reasoning.

     The vote failed 1-3 (Supervisor Ned Rohwedder was absent.)

     “We’re reopening something we’ve hashed through time and time again,” said Manternach of salary discussions. “I’m not willing to do it again. It’s all or nothing.”

     “It needs to be addressed,” added Zirkelbach. “I’m not faulting the employees and what they do.”

     Zirkelbach made the motion to reduce Conservation by the full $12,469. The vote passed, with Oswald opposed.