MINUTES OF THE

FUNDING OF STATE AND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE

Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 9:00 a.m. - Room 403 State Capitol

Note: A list of others present and a copy of materials can be found at http://image.le.utah.gov/imaging/history.asp or by contacting the committee secretary, Alicia Laughlin, at 538-1032.

1. Committee Business

Chair Walker called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.

MOTION: Rep. Hogue moved to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Jenkins absent for the vote.

2. Principles

Rep. Pace and Rep. Shurtliff distributed a handout titled "Principles" and reported on their recommended changes to the principles. They indicated that they are not in favor of exempting certain counties from truth in taxation.

Ms. Camille Cain, Commissioner, Weber County, indicated the purpose of their proposed principles and stated that they would prefer to come away from the Task Force with a strengthened partnership between the State and counties. She addressed the county's recommendations to the Task Force.

Mr. Robin Arnold-Williams, Executive Director, Department of Human Services, complimented the Commissioner's presentation. She indicated that communication between the State and counties could be improved.

Rep. Seitz suggested that the Task Force make recommendations in intent language or in statute to the Legislature in order to make their decisions more permanent.

Dir. Steadman requested that the Task Force look at the big picture of the budgetary process by giving counties more input along the way, which would give them a more significant part in the process.

Rep. Pace commented on the timing of budget discussions. Ms. Arnold-Williams indicated that the budget time frames of the State and counties do not match and requested that the counties be able to give input at an appropriate time in order for their input to have the most impact on the process.

MOTION: Rep. Seitz moved that staff send a letter from the Task Force to the Legislative Management Committee recommending that the Executive Appropriations Committee hold a meeting in July to hear input from the counties and that the Joint Appropriations Subcommittees receive this input in August. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Jenkins absent for the vote.

MOTION: Rep. Pace moved, in 1B, after the word "involved," to insert "as partners" in the principles adopted by the Task Force. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Jenkins absent for the vote.

3. Mandatory and Non-mandatory Services and Costs

Comm. Cain distributed "Utah Association of Counties Priorities for State/Local Funding Task Force" and explained the recommended priorities as requested by the Task Force. Comm. Cain also distributed "Recommendations for Statutory Changes by State With Further Comments by UAC" and addressed the specific recommendations for statutory changes by the counties. She indicated that the recommendations are very important to the process.

Ms. Shauna O'Neil, Director, Salt Lake County Aging Services, spoke in favor of the county recommendations regarding aging issues.

Ms. Helen Goddard, Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services, responded to the county's recommendations.

Ms. Karmen Sanone, Salt Lake County Aging Services, commented on privatization. She indicated that the Area Agencies on Aging started the privatized seniors programs.

Ms. Arnold-Williams commented on the county recommendations for establishing minimum fees.

Mr. Harold Morrill, Director, Weber County Human Services, addressed user fees and requested that the county be able to return to make a more informed recommendation to the Task Force.

Rep. Pace requested input from rural counties before the Task Force makes their final decisions. Comm. Cain indicated that all of the counties have had input on the proposed statutory changes.

Mr. Lewis Garrett, Director, Davis County Health Department and Mr. David Cunningham, Director, Local Health Officers indicated that they would like to clarify in statute the roles and responsibilities between the State Health Department and the Local Health Departments. Mr. Garrett also addressed other recommended statutory changes of the local health departments.

Ms. Arnold-Williams addressed the statutory recommendations and indicated that the Department will provide staff with the information needed to draft the specific bills.

MOTION: Rep. Seitz moved that staff draft legislation for all unopposed statutory recommendations that have been presented. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Jenkins absent for the vote.

4. Health and Human Services Funding Mechanism

Mr. Smith distributed "Local Health Department Tax Levy, 2001" and discussed the current funding mechanism for local health departments and the tax levy permitted. He also addressed the current unused property tax authority for counties.

Dir. Steadman requested that the State respond to the county priorities presented to the Task Force and that staff provide more information about alternative funding sources and mechanisms that are used by other states.

Rep. Hogue requested that the League of Cities and Towns be invited to respond to the county recommendations at the next meeting.

5. Possible Legislation - covered in the above agenda item.

6. Other Items / Adjourn

MOTION: Rep. Shurtliff moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Jenkins absent for the vote.

Chair Seitz adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.