75th Legislative Session -- 2000

Committee: House Appropriations

                                            P - Present
                                            E - Excused
                                            A - Absent

Roll Call
P      Cerny
P      Burg
P      Sutton (Daniel)
E      Derby
P      Clark
P      Pummel
P      Klaudt
P      Wudel
P      Putnam, Vice-Chair
P      Richter, Chair


OTHERS PRESENT: See Original Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Chair Richter

BUREAU OF PERSONNEL

Ms. Annie Mertz, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document#1).

Ms. Sandy Zinter, Commissioner, Bureau of Personnel, reported the increase of $275,105 in other funds is for an automated payroll/human resource information system. (Document #2).

In her presentation Commissioner Zinter explained the need for a new system, stating that the current system is inefficient and prone to error.

She said some of the funding for the new system would come from an unexpected savings in health insurance and the balance from funds built into agency recommended budgets.

In a brief discussion on whether they would use in-house programming or purchase a system, Commissioner Zinter replied that they were looking at purchasing from a vendor. She said purchasing from a vendor that met their requirements would be less time consuming than having it done in-house, which could take up to several years to complete.

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BUREAU OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Mr. Dale Bertsch, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document #3 ).

Mr. Curt Everson, Commissioner, gave a brief overview of the budget, explaining that there were only minor changes (Document #4). He explained the funding for development of a computer system that would be used to pay for computer development projects.

Mr. Jim Neiles, Finance Officer, reviewed the summary of the sale/leaseback transactions (Document #5).

In response to questions from the committee regarding the computer system as requested by the Bureau of Personnel, Mr. Everson said there is a concern in reagard to required reporting to the federal government.

The committee recessed at 9:25 a.m. and reconvened at 10:05 a.m.

Vice Chair Putnam presiding.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & REGULATION

Mr. David Becker, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document #6).

Mr. David Volk, Secretary, introduced members of his staff.

Ms. Darlys Baum, Executive Director, Housing Development Authority, explained that the
budget is an informational budget only. She reported that Governor's Affordable Housing Project has been moved from the Department of Corrections to their budget which represents the request for 16 FTE and $1,048,000.

A brief discussion followed on the guidelines for ownership of the houses and Ms. Baum explained that the only requirement was the person either be 62 or disabled.

Ms. Jeannette Schipper, Director Administrative Services, reported the increase of $60,000 in Highway Safety was for the purchase of new motorcycles for the motorcycle safety education program.

Col. Tom Dravland, Highway Patrol Superintendent, reviewed the request for 1 FTE for a new vehicle maintenance mechanic. He explained that the fleet of highway patrol vehicles has been returned to them. Included in the increase of funding was the purchase of 54 new highway patrol vehicles and 2 motor carrier vehicles.

In order to retain good highway patrol officers the highway patrol is also requesting additional funding for their personnel.

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Mr. Dennis Rounds, Petroleum Release Compensation, reviewed the December fund statistics and explained that the Governor is seeking to increase the removal and cleanup of old tanks. Mr. Rounds said they have been working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department to help locate abandoned tanks so removal may begin.

MOTION:      ADJOURN

Moved by:      Representative Pummel
Second by:      Representative Cerny
Action:      Prevailed by voice vote.

Jeanette Black

Committee Secretary