HomeMy WebLinkAbout800805.tiff Legislative Report -- April 30, 1980
In this, the final legislative report for the 1980 session, we will complete
the review of the final status of legislation followed by the County throughout
the session.
SB 9, concerning weatherization grants. . .
This Bill is designed to provide state funding for projects which are
supportive of the federally funded weatherization program and carries an
appropriation of $100,000. SB 9 received concurrence on April 19 and is on
its way to the Governor for his signature.
SB 23, concerning workmans compensation coverage for members of boards and
commissions. . .
SB 23 became law on April 8. The law will allow the County the option of
determining which members of appointed county boards and commissions have workmans
compensation coverage through another entity and to discontinue providing duplicate
coverage by the County.
SB 44, concerning mileage allowances for county officers and employees. . .
SB 44 establishes the minimum of 14Q./mile and the maximum of 20C/mile as the
reimbursement rate to be paid to county employees and officers for travel expenses.
The actual rate paid by Weld County in 1981 will have to be established through
a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners. SB 44 was signed into law on
March 25.
SB 148, concerning making an appropriation for repair, resurfacing and maintenance
of existing highways and bridges. . .
The proposed one-time $60,000,000 appropriation for highway repair was removed
from the tax package and placed under SB 148. Of the original appropriation,
$2.5 million was taken off the top and earmarked for expenses such as ports of entry.
The remaining $57.5 million will be divided among the state, counties and cities on
a 60:22: 18 basis. Weld County's share is anticipated at approximately $600,000.
This Bill is awaiting the Governor's signature.
HB 1265, concerning payment of expenses of the state during fiscal year 1980-1981. . .
A few points of interest to Weld County in HB 1265, better known as the Long .
Bill, are listed below.
Social Services Appropriation
Within the Social Services appropriation, several cuts were made this year.
One appears as a reduction of eight of the number of FTE's allocated for the
General Assistance program. A second cut was made through the elimination of
funding for long-term lease counties for actual costs of providing building space
for county Social Services programs. Full funding for allowable space costs
was appropriated for FY 80-81; however, Weld County will find itself receiving
several thousand dollars less for the rent of the Walton Building during next fiscal
year. ,
800805
Legislative Report -- Ale",1 30, 1980
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The appropriation for travel reimbursements for the social services program
received only a 4% increase in funding over the current budget level. It is
estimated the 4% increase will not meet costs of current reimbursement rates, let
alone support costs incurred under the new rate of 20C/mile established through
SB 44 and HB 1019. It is anticipated a supplemental appropriation may be addressed
by the legislature in January, 1981 to cover the additional travel costs.
HB 1041 Planning Monies
Footnotes to this appropriation of $400,000 will require a hard dollar local
match for funds received. Further, the funds have been restricted, eliminating
it as a funding source for circuit rider manager/administrator programs. This
will directly impact the Larimer-Weld Council of Governments circuit rider city
manager program as it eliminates one of its funding sources.
Appropriation for Road Repair necessitated by the Prospect Dam Flood. . .
Weld County's Representative Walt Younglund has worked to get the County
some state funding for repair and reconstruction of roads damaged in the Prospect
Dam flood. In conversation with Mr. Younglund this morning he explained that in
the flurry of the last days of the session, a technical error was made and the
monies were not included in SB 148. Mr. Younglund caught the error and has
recalled the Bill from the Governor's Office. When the General Assembly reconvenes
on May 7, he will try to get the appropriation of $130,000 placed back into SB 148. He
informed this office that if he is successful the funds will come off the top
of the total appropriation within SB 148 and not directly out of the counties'
share.
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