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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 9:00 AM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Maricopa County, Arizona (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Library District, Stadium District, Improvement Districts and/or Board of Deposit) "The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities” Board Members Jack Sellers, Chairman, District 1 Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman, District 2 Bill Gates, District 3 Clint Hickman, District 4 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Jen Pokorski Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 Chairman Sellers opened the meeting and asked the Clerk to call the roll. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in an Informal Session at 9:00 AM on Monday, January 22, 2024, in the Supervisors’ /Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Jack Sellers, Chairman, District 1; Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman, District 2; Bill Gates, Supervisor, District 3; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 (entered meeting late). Absent: Clint Hickman, Supervisor; District 4. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Mia Vargas, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Andrea Cummings, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 1. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY JUDICIAL BRANCH Judge Joseph Welty, Presiding Judge, Superior Court Raymond Billotte, Judicial Branch Administrator (C-06-24-446-X-00) Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 2 of 29 Joseph Welty, Presiding Judge, and Ray Billotte, Judicial Branch Administrator, came forward to give the presentation. Judge Welty discussed the Priorities as seen on the slide above. He talked about process in the Judicial Branch and acknowledged that the budget for the coming year would be lean. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 3 of 29 Judge Welty discussed the task of forecasting staffing needs and the reasoning for the increase in Adult Probation staffing. He said during COVID, the caseloads decreased and now pre- pandemic levels have returned. The increase of 77 positions is conservative and necessary considering the history, size, and growth of Maricopa County. Supervisor Gates mentioned the perceived staffing shortage currently and asked how it is being handled. Judge Welty said the caseload ratios are being adjusted to meet the appropriate standards. Supervisor Galvin asked about retention and attrition. Judge Welty responded and said the hiring and retention of Detention Officers has been a problem in many counties and Maricopa County recruitment has been improving. Mr. Billotte stated an increase in compensation has improved the staffing situation. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 4 of 29 Judge Welty discussed the importance of technology and the reasons for the budget increases. Chairman Sellers asked if this increase is to address security needs? Judge Welty said the Data Security Tool is related to the Data Security and that OET has additional security measures in place independent of this Data Security Tool. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 5 of 29 Judge Welty said this request was to “right size” the already approved program. He gave highlights regarding the Case Management contingency increases. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 6 of 29 Mr. Billotte discussed the current Probate Accounting, which is manual. He said with the increase in caseloads, it will be money well spent to transition to an electronic case management system. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 7 of 29 Judge Welty discussed the increasing costs associated with the Jury operations, Court Transcripts, and Security. ~ Supervisor Gallardo entered the meeting ~ Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 8 of 29 Judge Welty stated additional vehicles for Adult and Juvenile Probation are needed and have been budgeted and were approved for 2024, but those vehicles cannot be ordered and delivered before the end of FY2024. He asked to have those vehicles allocated to FY2025. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 9 of 29 Judge Welty briefly discussed the details of the Capital Projects listed on the slide above. The remodeling of the floors at the Central Court Building and the continued remodeling at the Juvenile Facility were mentioned. Judge Welty stated due to the consolidation of the courts in the Southeast Valley, the Law Library has seen double the traffic and requires continued redesign and rehabilitation to accommodate the public who are seeking services. ~ Supervisor Hickman joined the meeting remotely ~ Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 10 of 29 Judge Welty talked about the 3000 employees who make up the courts system in Maricopa County and the importance of competitive compensation. He thanked the Board for their support. Chairman Sellers thanked Judge Welty and Mr. Billotte for the presentation. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ 2. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY JUSTICE COURTS Anna Huberman, Presiding Justice of the Peace Leonore Driggs, Associate Presider Christopher Reams, Court Administrator Jenn Harrold, Deputy Court Administrator (C-06-24-445-X-00) Anna Huberman, Presiding Judge of the Justice Courts. attended the meeting remotely and introduced Leonore Driggs, Associate Presider, and Chris Reams, Court Administrator. ~ Supervisor Galvin briefly left the meeting ~ Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 11 of 29 Judge Huberman opened with a thank you to all who contribute to the courts in Maricopa County. Judge Huberman stated that with no baseline requests, she chose to review a summary of 2024 and the future of the Justice courts. She talked about the impacts of boundary changes and the increase in eviction rates that have not been seen since 2009. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 12 of 29 Judge Huberman provided update details of the previously funded projects listed on the above slide. All six PC Lan Technicians have been hired and technology has contributed to a more efficient workforce. The initiatives have resulted in improved process from automation, and additional staff to assist citizens. She was proud of the resulting better customer service. Judge Huberman summarized the focus going forward with the slide above. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 13 of 29 Chairman Sellers asked if the staffing shortage she mentioned is creating any immediate problems. Judge Huberman said 2023 was particularly challenging but they are managing. She said she planned to resolve some of the training issues internally before asking the Board for additional staffing. Supervisor Gates asked about the effects of the pandemic and working remote and has that trend continued. Judge Huberman said they have retained a lot of the virtual access which seems to benefit the core customer. She added that virtual services including a remote workforce is a lot more work for the courts. Chris Reams said there are many aspects currently affecting the staffing and the courts are focused on more efficiencies in-house before asking for further assistance from the Board. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ 3. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE Nathan Wallace, Presiding Constable Patrice Goodman, Constable Administrator (C-06-24-444-X-00) The Clerk said Nathan Wallace, Presiding Constable, and Patrice Goodman, Constable Administrator were both attending the meeting virtually. Mr. Wallace said the Constable’s Office is asking for the above baseline request. He highlighted the requests seen on the slide. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 14 of 29 Mr. Wallace discussed the details of the slide, explaining the history and subsequent need for a vehicle. The above map shows the size of the Ironwood Precinct Constable territory. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 15 of 29 Mr. Wallace stated the slide shows the proposed vehicle. Mr. Wallace discussed a Constable meeting and the resulting request for salary adjustments seen on the slide above. Mr. Wallace asked if there were any questions from the Board. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 16 of 29 Supervisor Gates asked if there are any other Constables that have a County vehicle? Mr. Wallace said all Constables except one have County vehicles. Supervisor Gallardo said he wasn’t aware of the use of personal vehicles by the Constables and supports the use of County vehicles for these positions. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ 4. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Steve Watson, School Superintendent Matt Morales, Chief Deputy Superintendent (C-06-24-443-X-00) Chairman Sellers introduced the next presentation and Steve Watson, School Superintendent, and Matt Morales, Chief Deputy Superintendent. Heather Mock, Assistant Superintendent-Finance, was introduced by Mr. Watson who would lead off the presentation. Ms. Mock thanked the Board and the many County departments that have helped orient her in this first year. She acknowledged the 700,000 plus students that the Maricopa County Schools serve, with 70,800 teachers. Ms. Mock said there are seven funds that support the Superintendent’s Office, and she would review each during the presentation. The General and Detention Education funds listed above are allocated funds from Maricopa County and support the mandated functions of the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 17 of 29 Ms. Mock reviewed the details of the Special Funds slide that covers Small Schools Service, allocated by Arizona and the Department of Education. The other is School Grants that are funds applied for by the department and is one of the largest cash funds. Ms. Mock talked about the legislative fund details and the value to the families, teachers, and schools. The School Communication fund was discussed, detailing some of the financial management processes. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 18 of 29 Ms. Mock gave a summary of the Educational Supplemental Program, she termed “small but mighty”. Mr. Morales talked about the request and outlined the Lease/Rent components as seen on the slide above. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 19 of 29 Mr. Morales reviewed the Above Baseline Request slide and discussed the importance of continuity for Detention Education and the needs related to the program. Superintendent Watson discussed the Maricopa County Regional School District which includes the Accommodation School and Detention Education and its budget challenges. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 20 of 29 Superintendent Watson touched on state funding, Title 1-D grants, and asked Ms. Mock to explain the details from the slide above. Ms. Mock explained Title 1-D, saying it is designed for neglected or delinquent youth to ensure they receive an equitable education. This allocation will no longer go to the Detention Education and the allocation structure is changing per Arizona Department of Education (ADE)and the federal government. Ms. Mock said the Superintendent’s Office is waiting on ADE for the final decision and guidance. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 21 of 29 Mr. Watson reviewed the Above Baseline Request slide that covers four positions. He stated these positions would be for the Accommodation School and Detention Education. He added that these are some of the most vulnerable kids and graduation is an important milestone in terms of their future success in society. Chairman Sellers asked what the success rate was for graduation in these programs. Mr. Watson said the success rates are high on a percentage basis and he cited an example of the positive impact these schools have on young people. Supervisor Gates asked about the renegotiated lease that was covered on the real estate slide. Mr. Morales explained the circumstances of the previous lease agreement (eight plus years ago) and the changes over time including the increase cost of real estate. Mr. Watson added that Maricopa County Public Health (MCPH) is in the same building, and he said they have a cooperative relationship and have shared the space with MCPH as needed. Ms. Mock talked briefly about the benefits of this lease agreement that will extend until 2031. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ 5. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Russ Skinner, Chief Deputy James Prindiville, Chief Financial Officer (C-06-24-442-X-00) Chief Deputy, Russ Skinner, Chief Financial Officer, James Prindiville and Ann Scheel, Executive Chief of Administration came forward to present. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 22 of 29 Chief Skinner reviewed the above slides, explained the value of having the Co-Responder Team in place over the past year. He said there are continuous improvements being made to better serve the citizens. Chief Skinner reported that MCSO responded to 995 incidents that fell under this program over the past year. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 23 of 29 Chief Skinner said with the success of the program, it was important to expand the team and he talked about the funds needed to expand to better serve the community. Chairman Sellers asked about staff vacancies at MCSO. Chief Skinner said the Sheriff’s Office is currently soliciting to fill positions in Detention, Sworn Officers, and Civilians. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 24 of 29 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the Vehicle Study slide and discussed the incremental additions to fleet to reduce the costs and ease the inventory demands. He talked about the other aspects of vehicle outfitting and maintenance. Chairman Sellers asked if vehicle acquisition was a problem. Mr. Prindiville said it was not a big challenge for MCSO but, acquiring patrol vehicles is difficult across the country. Supervisor Galvin asked about the buses that were not operational. Mr. Prindiville said the busses are in various states of disrepair with only one being operational. Mr. Prindiville discussed the slide above in detail. He reported that many of the listed items need updating or upgrading. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 25 of 29 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the Budget Request Summary slide and stated that approximately $13 of the $16 million requested are one-time items. He said MCSO is currently trying to purchase $4 million of these items out of this year’s budget. Supervisor Gates thanked Mr. Prindiville for the presentation. The group talked briefly about upcoming requests for a plane and Mr. Prindiville said the research is ongoing and MCSO will get back to the Board when that research is complete. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 26 of 29 Chief Skinner discussed the Contingency Request slide, with the focus being on the upcoming elections and related security issues. Supervisor Gates asked what the overtime costs were for the 2022 election. Mr. Prindiville said it was approximately $1 million for security. Chief Skinner reviewed the Capital Projects slide. Supervisor Gallardo asked about the location and function of the shooting range. A discussion ensued regarding location, details of training, equipment, and certification. Ann Scheel, Executive Chief of Administration, suggested the Board may want to come to the firing range for a tour. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ 6. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2025 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT Jeff Fine, Clerk of the Superior Court Michael Nimtz, Director Nancy Rodriguez, Exec Director Clerk of the Court (C-06-24-441-X-00) Jeff Fine, Clerk of the Courts, introduced his staff, Nancy Rodriguez, Executive Director, and Michael Nimtz, Director. Mr. Fine thanked the Board for their time and consideration on the budget items to follow. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 27 of 29 Mr. Fine explained that the five elements listed on the slide above were the basis for operations. He said the connection between the Clerk’s office and the court system is vital and he talked about collaboration with partners and the importance of the customer experience. Mr. Fine said the coming year will be an extension of the past years because many initiatives are multiyear. Mr. Fine discussed each item on the slide, all funded by special revenues, and Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 28 of 29 highlighted the importance of technology, electronic filing, and how it speeds up the processes and assists in the court operations. Supervisor Galvin asked if other government agencies are using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Mr. Fine said he was informed that Maricopa County is the leader with some of this technology and this is helping tie people with information. People can navigate their cases more easily. Mr. Fine said the level of assistance that is realized by the public using technology for information is great. Mr. Fine explained the above baseline requests, talking about the software renewal requirements that are needed to support the data center and data security. He said this renewal process is done every five years. Mr. Fine talked about the special funds that cover the costs of some of the personnel needs. Those funds have been shrinking and this request is to make up some of those costs. Mr. Fine offered to answer any questions the Board had. Supervisor Gallardo asked about the fee waiver programs and how to get word out to the public that these programs are available. Mr. Fine said there is a portal on the webpage that explains some of these options and he would like the public to be more comfortable using the electronic services. ~ Presentation only. No action taken ~ Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 22, 2024 Page 29 of 29 7. EXECUTIVE SESSION Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider the items on the Executive Agenda dated Monday, January 22, 2024, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to the statutory authority listed for each item. Motion to approve by Supervisor Thomas Galvin, seconded by Supervisor Bill Gates Ayes: Jack Sellers, Thomas Galvin, Bill Gates, Clint Hickman, Steve Gallardo MEETING ADJOURNED After discussion of the items listed on the Executive Session agenda and there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _____________________________ Jack Sellers, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ___________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board