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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 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 Clint Hickman, Chairman, District 4 Jack Sellers, Vice Chairman, District 1 Thomas Galvin, District 2 Bill Gates, District 3 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Joy Rich Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in an Informal Session at 9:00 AM on Monday, January 23, 2023, in the Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Clint Hickman, Chairman, District 4; Jack Sellers, Vice Chairman, District 1; Thomas Galvin, Supervisor, District 2; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 (entered meeting late). Absent: Bill Gates, District 3. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Joy Rich, County Manager; Andrea Cummings, Legal Counsel; Mia Vargas, Minutes Coordinator. PRESENTATION Chairman Hickman started the meeting and spoke about the County Budget for FY2024. He talked about taxpayer money for services, consumer business spending, inflation, and the continued increase in interest rates. He said economists are predicting a recession in the near future and businesses are preparing for a change to the economy. He talked about tech job losses from major companies. He quoted economist Jim Rounds, “government entities need to continue to be cautious with revenue forecast”. Chairman Hickman talked about preparing for 2024 by developing a sustainable spending plan. 1. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY JUDICIAL BRANCH Judge Joseph Welty, Presiding Judge, Superior Court Raymond Billotte, Judicial Branch Administrator (C-06-23-466-X-00) Judge Joseph Welty, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court and Raymond Billotte, Judicial Branch Administrator presented the FY2024 budget. Judge Welty thanked the Board and Joy Rich, County Manager, and said it was a pleasure to work with the Board. He stated Maricopa County is a highly effective professional organization and he talked about priorities and finding alternate funding solutions. Judge Welty said the Judicial Branch has made great strides to reallocate the existing budget in order to meet the needs of the Judicial Branch without requesting additional funding. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 2 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He stated the Judicial Branch is not seeking additional Capital Project Funding because the needs in Capital are being addressed by the County. He also addressed remodeling and projects in 2024. Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He talked about the Criminal Information Unit and the need to fill this position to assist with phone calls, public request and wait time. He also talked about a Jury Administration position to assist with processing payments for juror’s time served. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 3 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He explained the different positions that need to be filled in the Court Administration. He talked about two social worker positions that have lost their funding and is looking for ways to continue their funding. Judge Welty stated that with the increased demands on court administration, the various personnel needs listed are imperative. Chairman Hickman asked for the title of the social worker positions to possibly get the new DES Director to investigate it. Judge Welty replied that the position title is C2C Resource Navigator. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 4 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 5 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the previous slide and talked about the FY2023 Staffing Study. He emphasized that Maricopa County is an innovative organization and the need for technology to enhance business practices. Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He explained why the funding is needed For The Record (FTR) System and Remote Court Proceedings. Judge Welty said the pandemic created an urgency to implement the technologies and the continued need for that technology in the courts requires the ongoing maintenance of systems already in place. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 6 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He talked about needing a new Case Management System to work remotely in the field and the need for funds for the personnel to get that system up and running. He said he would work to partner with the State to help with licensing fees. Supervisor Galvin asked if the counties are working together in asking the State to cover the cost. Judge Welty said the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) responded, yes, the AOC began with the statewide system. He also explained why this system was needed in Maricopa County. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 7 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He explained why funding for a comprehensive workplace study could assist with resource allocation going forward.. Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. He explained the Special Revenue Fund and the Probation Fee Fund does not keep up with the costs of the positions they are designed to support. This deficiency is being managed through the General Fund Operating in the amounts shown. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 8 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide and talked about the three projects that were funded last year and to be able to carry forward the surplus that was not spent. He also talked about network segregation being more realistic financially than network independence. Chairman Hickman made a comment about network security. Judge Welty stated they have a shared interest in network independence and to come into compliance. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 9 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the above slide. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 10 of 34 Judge Welty reviewed the previous slide and expressed gratitude to the Board on behalf of the entire organization. Chairman Hickman made a few comments and thanked Judge Welty and Mr. Billotte for the presentation. Mr. Billotte thanked the County Manager’s office and the Budget office for working on solutions for the issues. 2. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY JUSTICE COURTS Anna Huberman, Presiding Justice of the Peace Leonore Driggs, Associate Presider Chris Reams, Administrator (C-06-23-470-X-00) Anna Huberman, Presiding Justice of the Peace, and Chris Reams, Administrator, gave the presentation. Justice Huberman reviewed the above slide. She stated that the Justice Courts focus on careful management, with thought and thorough examination into projects. Justice Huberman also stated they are not requesting additional funds. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 11 of 34 Justice Huberman reviewed the above slide and gave an update on the South East Regional Center (SERC) opening date of April 2023. She said there have been fluctuations in eviction rates since the pandemic and are currently on the rise. Justice Huberman commented briefly on the new precinct changes and the new Justice of the Peace appointments. Justice Huberman reviewed the above slide. She updated the Board on FY2023 requests. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 12 of 34 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 13 of 34 Justice Huberman reviewed the three previous slides. She summarized FY2023 Budget Request. Justice Huberman reviewed the above slide. She stated a local vendor with experience had been selected to begin a Staffing Study to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 14 of 34 Justice Huberman reviewed the above slide. She talked about Maricopa County Justice Courts (MCJC) and the focus on the future. Vice Chairman Sellers commented on the San Tan Court appointment. Justice Huberman was thankful for a simplified process and thanked the Board. 3. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE Nathan Wallace, Presiding Constable (C-06-23-469-X-00) Nathan Wallace, Presiding Constable, and Patrice Goodman, Constable Administrator, gave the presentation. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 15 of 34 Constable Wallace reviewed the slide above and he explained why funding is needed for those three items. Constable Wallace reviewed the slide above. He spoke about the net change in cost when restoring one position and inactivating the other. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 16 of 34 Constable Wallace said the net change between the two previously mentioned positions would be the Above Baseline Request as seen on the above slide. Constable Wallace reviewed the slide above. He stated that adding the second Warrant Deputy in the field would make it safer. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 17 of 34 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 18 of 34 Constable Wallace reviewed the three slides above. Ms. Goodman commented that the training from this program is above and beyond the standard. Constable Wallace reviewed the slide above. He said the current Warrant Deputy is a retired Chief of Police and he understands the scope of the job. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 19 of 34 Constable Wallace reviewed the slide above. Ms. Goodman commented on revenue projections and the increase in fines and fees. Vice Chairman Sellers commented on the challenging position of a Constable. Supervisor Galvin echoed Vice Chairman Sellers comments and appreciated their service to the communities. Chairman Hickman thanked Constable Wallace and Ms. Goodman for their presentation. 4. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Steve Watson, School Superintendent (C-06-23-468-X-00) Steve Watson, School Superintendent, and Matt Morales, Chief Deputy, gave the presentation. Mr. Watson thanked the Constables for their service. He said he was glad to report the recent appointments of 70 School Board Members. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 20 of 34 Mr. Morales reviewed the slide above. He stated the increase funding is needed to continue operations. Mr. Morales said they no longer have a Finance Director and have been working with the County Finance Department to better understand their finances. Mr. Morales reviewed the slide above. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 21 of 34 Mr. Morales reviewed the slide above. Chairman Hickman asked about the percentage reduction regarding space. Mr. Morales explained the percentage of space and why the increase of funding is needed. Joy Rich, County Manager, asked Mr. Watson if they were going to be staying in their current location. Mr. Watson said, they are looking at different options. Ms. Rich asked them to keep her informed of any changes. Mr. Morales reviewed the slide above. Supervisor Sellers asked what Forest Fees are. Mr. Morales gave a brief explanation of the term Forest Fees. Cindy Goelz, Chief Financial Officer came forward to clarify the term. She stated it is Federal money that is given to counties with Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 22 of 34 federal land because the counties cannot collect taxes on federal forest lands. That money is distributed to Transportation and Education within those counties. Chairman Hickman asked for clarification on the funding going forward for the two FTE’s. Mr. Morales responded saying the Forest Fees have been used to cover the two FTE employees. He said that funding source has been depleted and now there is a budget request to maintain those FTE’s. Ms. Goelz clarified how the funding gets distributed. Mr. Watson reviewed the slide above and talked about how the funds would be used. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 23 of 34 Mr. Morales reviewed the slide above. Mr. Watson reviewed the slide above. He talked about the 70-100 students per day that utilize the accommodation school. Mr. Watson said these students need the opportunity to get an education so they do not end up on the street in the future. He commented on the resources that other schools had available to them. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 24 of 34 Supervisor Sellers asked how the state was involved in the funding process. Mr. Watson responded and said the state allocates a certain amount of money per student. Chairman Hickman questioned the funding request. Mr. Watson, talked about the importance of working with challenging students at accommodation schools. Supervisor Sellers asked how Maricopa County got involved with accommodation schools. Mr. Watson said a state statute allows for accommodation schools and the Board of Supervisors shall help in funding. Mr. Watson thanked the Board. Chairman Hickman thanked Mr. Watson for his service to the County. 5. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Paul Penzone, Sheriff (C-06-23-467-X-00) Paul Penzone, Sheriff, Russell Skinner, Chief Deputy, and Jim Prindiville, Chief Financial Officer gave the presentation. Mr. Prindiville reviewed the slide above. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 25 of 34 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the General fund slide above and talked about the impact of pay raises, salaries, and overtime. Supervisor Sellers asked how much of the increased overtime is due to the staff shortage. Sheriff Penzone explained the overtime is due to being understaffed. Mr. Prindiville commented on overtime costs and how they are currently built into the payroll expenses. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 26 of 34 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the General Fund Other Critical Needs slide above and explained the needs in these categories. Sheriff Penzone commented on Fixed-Wing Airplane request and how important it is to have safe and reliable transport for the extraditions. Following questions from the Board, Sheriff Penzone and Mr. Skinner explained how the agreement with the Department of Public Safety operates and Mr. Prendiville talked about the useful life of the airplane requested. Sheriff Penzone commented on Deputy Service Aides and how that staffing has helped take some pressure off the deputies. Mr. Prindiville reviewed the Compliance Fund Critical Needs slide above. He said the increased cost of body-worn cameras was more than anticipated with the improved technology. Supervisor Galvin asked about other vendor options for body-worn camera contracts. Mr. Prindiville and Sheriff Penzone said they are looking at other vendors. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 27 of 34 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the previous slide and said the contract costs for the upgrades are the reason for the high costs going forward in addition to replacing end-of-life technology. Mr. Prindiville reviewed the slide above. Sheriff Penzone clarified the need for additional vehicles because there is a void not a need to replace vehicles. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 28 of 34 Chairman Hickman asked what the average cost of a vehicle was. Sheriff Penzone explained the costs vary based on supply and demand. He said the need is great right now due to the short supply in the past. Sheriff Penzone reviewed the Detention Fund slide above. He commented on the challenges with fentanyl in the jails and the importance of this budget request to combat that threat. Sheriff Penzone said the need for outside security personnel and improved equipment is necessary to keep staff and inmates safe. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 29 of 34 Mr. Prindiville reviewed the Summary slide above with budget requests totaling approximately $43 million. Mr. Prindiville reviewed the slide above. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 30 of 34 Chairman Hickman commented on ITR Post-Occupancy Findings and the new jail structure. He asked if the operations were going smooth so far. Sheriff Penzone explained the process and challenges with the new structure. Mr. Prindiville reviewed each section on Capital Projects slide above. Sheriff Penzone commented on his interest in the MASH Animal Shelter. Chairman Hickman questioned the funding for the MASH program. ~ Supervisor Gallardo entered the meeting ~ Mr. Prindiville commented on the S.W.A.T and K-9 facility all being located on the Durango Campus which would add continuity to those operations. Chairman Hickman asked about the evidence yard and its expanding footprint. Mr. Skinner said the evidence yard continues to grow as the County grows and the evidence property is moved out as cases close. Chairman Hickman thanked Sheriff Penzone, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Prindiville for the presentation. 6. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE FY 2024 BUDGET MARICOPA COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT Jeff Fine, Clerk of the Superior Court Michael Nimtz, Director (C-06-23-471-X-00) Jeff Fine, Clerk of the Court, Mike Nimtz, Director of Clerk of Court and Nancy Rodriguez, Executive Director Clerk of the Court gave the presentation. He also introduced the team involved in putting this budget together. Mr. Fine reflected on the great team that he works with. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 31 of 34 Mr. Fine reviewed the slide above on Strategic Focus. Mr. Fine reviewed the slide above on Investments in Technology and explained each bullet point. He stated most of the information handled in the courts is done through technology which helps provide services remotely and access to justice for the public. Mr. Fine said technology will continue to assist the Clerk’s office in the management of documents and day to day business. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 32 of 34 Mr. Fine reviewed the slide above and explained each bullet point. He talked about using technology to provide customer service assistance and efficiencies that include AI with natural language process. Mr. Fine talked about legislative bills that may affect the courts this coming year. He mentioned a bill that would effectively consolidate the state Criminal Justice agencies information into one source and be available to the public. He said it was unknown if the bill would go through, but this serves as an example of what is possible with technology. Mr. Fine stated there is a lot of information coming from the Legislature at this time. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 33 of 34 Mr. Fine reviewed each bullet point on the slide above on Emerging Workforce Needs. He noted the Clerk of the Court is fortunate in regard to staffing and recent recruiting has gone well but staff still faces challenges with increased cost of living. Mr. Fine also emphasized the need for funding new positions and accommodating transfer of positions. Mr. Fine reviewed the slide above on Capital Improvement Request. Mr. Fine thanked the Board for their support and he said the employees are a priority because they do a great job taking care of the community. Supervisor Gallardo asked Mr. Fine how court fees are established. Mr. Fine said the baseline for filing fees is set in the Arizona Revised Statute (ARS). He said there are provisions in ARS for waivers and deferral of fees. 7. EXECUTIVE SESSION Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider the items on the Executive Agenda dated Monday, January 23, 2023, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to the statutory authority listed for each item. Motion to approve by Supervisor Jack Sellers, seconded by Supervisor Thomas Galvin Ayes: Clint Hickman, Jack Sellers, Thomas Galvin, Steve Gallardo Absent: Bill Gates MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. ______________________________ Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 Page 34 of 34 Clint Hickman, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board