The draft budget was heard and discussed at the March 28, 2013 meeting (the staff report is attached for reference). The Commission asked questions regarding the proposed budget to clarify the following items:
1. That proposed increases in employee salary costs reflect step increases that are subject to discretionary action (although it should be noted that the budget also includes a 1% cost of living adjustment that was negotiated for the entire bargaining unit earlier this year).
2. As an outcome from the most recent bargaining negotiations, LAFCo employees now pay the entire 8% of their retirement contribution. The County no longer contributes towards the employee's portion of retirement benefits.
3. The label "Other Benefits" has been changed to "Cafeteria Plan Benefits" and includes costs for health, dental, vision and life insurance.
4. Additional detail regarding the IT charges have been included in the account name per Commission request.
There are three minor changes from the proposed budget reviewed in March:
1. Staff increased the budget set aside amount from $3,000 to $6,000 for "Auditing and Fiscal Services" because staff's March estimate turned out to be too low once bids were received and also the new amount reflects a three year audit cycle.
2. Staff deleted the $2,800 under "Small Tools and Minor Equipment" because staff went ahead and ordered the two new computers under this year's budget because: they are needed now, there is sufficient funding for them and it will be easier to have our three computers (the two new ones plus the Clerk's computer which was purchased earlier this fiscal year) all on the same replacement schedule.
3. Staff was recently notified of the updated IT costs for this next fiscal year which actually went down $3,059 overall.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Final LAFCo Budget Fiscal Year 2013/14
B. March 28, 2013 Staff Report for the Draft LAFCo Budget Fiscal Year 2013/14
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