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 County Audit
The audit for the previous fiscal year was recently completed. Adam
Pulley, an auditor with Clifton-Larsen-Allen, was present at the
meeting to explain their findings and answer any questions the board
members may have had. Pulley said that there were no significant
issues or problems with management found during the course of the
audit.
“There was an uptick in activity this year,” said Pulley in
reference to capital assets in 2014. Pulley said that uptick is
likely due to several construction projects in 2014, such as
repairing the Safety Complex after a lightning strike and the new
roofing and HVAC system.
Pulley also said there were deficits in the IMRF and Airport
Improvement funds of $11,800 and $10,000 respectively. “They’re not
huge deficits, but it is something noteworthy,” said Pulley.
Pulley said there were no new debts issued by the county in 2014.
Revenue from income tax was two percent lower than the previous
years, while sales tax increased by seven percent.
"The unassigned balance in the general fund decreased about 10.5
percent," and the fund balance "would be about 1.78 million for
fiscal year '14," Pulley said.
 Chuck Ruben said that during the auditing process, everything went
as smooth as possible. “Usually there’s a call from somebody over
something, so this year was perfect,” said Ruben.
Liquor Permit
Cara Barr of the Logan County Alliance requested that the board
consider approving the presence of wine in Latham Park during the
upcoming Arts in the Park event in July. Barr said they are hoping
to pair the wine tasting event with the art fair to create a more
elegant atmosphere.
“Our vision for this event is to incorporate our traditional fine
art fair that’s taken place in Latham Park for about 40 years, and
tie in the wine tasting as well as some food vendors,” said Barr.
Barr said the Alliance has reached out to the Lincoln Police to
provide security for the event, and fencing will be put up for
security purposes. Barr said there would be a $15 fee to get a
wristband that will allow the vendors to serve people wine, and six
tickets for tasting. They are expecting eight wine vendors, although
they could hold ten.
Barr spoke on the concern of setting a precedent, saying the Chamber
has been running events for 100 years, and the County would not
likely be contacted by other groups wanting to have alcohol in the
park just because of this event.
Andy Anderson asked what people will do with children at such an
event. Barr said the Open Arms Christian Fellowship will be holding
their Annual Family Fun Day in Scully Park the same weekend, which
would give kids something else to do.
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Anderson also asked if this would interfere with the Women’s Club
and their fundraising efforts at the same time. Barr said based on
past events, the food vendors at the Art Fair should not interfere
with the Club fundraiser.
“We aren’t out to hurt any other organization,” said Barr.
Anderson said he has issues with how this event would be organized, and he
thinks that the food vendors would still interfere with the Women’s Club.
Emily Davenport also asked about children entering the park, or if people with
children would be discouraged from attending. Barr said that that no one would
be discouraged from attending. Davenport also asked if Barr had spoken with the
Sheriff’s office about having officers in the park. Barr said the county police
could offer overnight patrols and additional security during the day if need be.
Scott Schaffenacher said that the Liquor Committee could not come to an
agreement prior to the Workshop meeting. Of the six members on the committee,
two voted yes, two voted no, and two abstained.
Gene Rohlfs said he thought there was a possibility of brewers present as well.
Schaffenacker said the committee had thought so, too, but it no longer seems to
be the case. Anderson said the Board might not want to limit it to wine in case
someone shows up to serve beer. Schaffenacker said he would rather set a limited
precedent by only allowing wine. Anderson said that beer sold better than wine
for the last two years. Ruben said the motion can be amended Tuesday night to
allow for beer in addition to wine.
Board members present at the meeting were Chuck Ruben, Gene Rohlfs, Robert
Farmer, David Blankenship, Pat O’Neill, Andy Anderson, Emily Davenport, Kevin
Bateman, Jan Schumacher, David Hepler, Rick Aylesworth and Scott Schaffenacher.
[Derek Hurley]
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