08-11-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 11, 2004 2767 County Coordinator On behalf of county employees, Mrs. Johnson encouraged commissioners to retain the 2.5% cost of living adjustment as suggested by the county department heads in June. Also, if new employees are added, she suggested asking the respective department head about available office space, or the need to budget for remodeling; and if they also budgeted for computers, telephones and related equipment for any new staff. An increase in the personnel budget includes $7,500 to update the employee orientation video. Buildinqs and Grounds Mrs. Johnson said the buildings and grounds budget includes one new employee; and the courthouse maintenance pick-up is in need of replacement. She also budgeted to install power factor devices for improving electrical efficiencies; a security contract for jail computer equipment; and to improve the duct/smoke detection system at the jail. She will continue to work with the jail engineers and architect and intends to have more information before the budget is finalized. The board took a break at 10:10 AM, and reconvened at 10:25 with all members present. Metropolitan Council of Governments Bob Bright, Executive Director of the Fargo Moorhead Metropolitan COG (Council of Governments), was present and indicated this is the third year in a row they have not requested a budget increase from member jurisdictions. Projects for 2005 include traffic count updates, assessing population growth to determine its impact on the future transportation system. and implementing a Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program. Auditor Game and fish license fees are deposited with the county treasurer instead of being retained by the Cass County Auditor, as in other counties. Mr. Montplaisir said these administrative fees are decreasing because more people are buying licenses through the Internet. An increase in the auditor's budget is attributed to the purchase of election equipment for handicapped voters at a cost of $5,000 per machine. Nearly all of that amount will be reimbursed by the Federal government. Senior Citizens Reuben Braaten and Marge Fee were present representing the Cass County Council on Aging. Mr. Braaten said the budget request of $83,588 is for 14 rural clubs and the council office. Mrs. Fee said the Page Senior Citizen Club is holding several fund raisers to payoff a loan for roof repairs. Brian Arett, Executive Director of the Fargo Senior Commission, was present. Increases in this budget are for the Meals on Wheels program and transportation. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the budgets for the Rural Cass County Council on Aging and the Fargo Senior Commission. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.