Board of Financial Institutions seeks modest other‑funds authority for IT costs; banking division requests housekeeping increases

Representatives of the Board of Financial Institutions briefed the House Ways and Means transportation and regulatory budget subcommittee Tuesday on modest other‑funds requests to cover technology and personnel costs.

Ron Bodvik, commissioner of the Consumer Finance Division, said the division regulates nondepository mortgage lenders, consumer finance companies, deferred presentment services and check cashing companies. He said the board operates as an other‑funds agency and sought authority to spend revenue received from regulated entities. "For this budget cycle, the consumer finance division has one request ... an other funds request for $85,002.59 for contractual services," Bodvik said, explaining the money will cover increases to IT services from the Department of Technology Operations.

Kathy Bickham, commissioner of Banking, described requests she called 'housekeeping' to fully fund existing positions and employer contributions. Bickham asked for $161,000 in personal services to cover a 2% general pay increase (no new FTEs), $62,000 for employer contributions (totaling $223,000), and $22,600 in other operating primarily for contractual services tied to IT cost increases.

Committee members asked about open positions. Bickham said she expects to fill one position on Feb. 17 and is advertising for another; Bodvik said his division currently has four open positions and has used technology to increase efficiency while monitoring licensee levels.

The committee thanked both commissioners and moved on to the next agency presentation.