03-17-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—March 17, 2014 4274 Mr. Ammerman estimates an increase of 2,675 cases managed by Cass County as a result of the new ACA Medicaid assistance requirements. He said there is not sufficient staff within their department to meet processing deadlines by the end of this month. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to hire two (2) full-time Eligibility Worker I positions at a B23/H pay grade whose primary responsibility will be the newly eligible Medicaid Assistance processing and caseload at a cost of $130,636. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said he has issues with the county paying for state and federal mandates and bearing the brunt of the costs. Mr. Vanyo supports only one additional employee. Mr. Pawluk asked about two new staff added a few months ago and how they will help to process these cases. Mr. Ammerman said those employees will temporarily be re-purposed to help with the Medicaid applications, but after the immediate needs are met and the case loads slow down, will return to the generic unit. Mr. Ammerman said the request today is for two staff to be dedicated to the Medicaid cases. Mr. Peterson supports adding one employee. Mr. Ammerman said about 2,600 cases need to be monitored and renewed, and the addition of two more eligibility workers will help in long-range planning to manage the caseloads. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Scherling, and Mr. Pawluk voting "Yes"; Mr. Vanyo and Mr. Peterson voting "No". 11. ELECTED POSITIONS, Discussion on appointing Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder Mr. Pawluk said state law allows for the offices of Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder to be appointed rather than elected. He said his intent is not to change the status of the positions now since it is an election year, and the three incumbents are planning to run for office in 2014. He is interested in considering the option for the future as a way to ensure individuals in these positions have the necessary requirements for the job. Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, said in the late 1990's state lawmakers approved "tool chest" legislation that allows the Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder to be appointed. He said the county commission considered this option in 2006, but declined to move forward with any changes to the positions. Mr. Peterson served on the Local Governance Committee in 2006 when this issue was studied. The committee recommended these positions be appointed because they are more technical in nature. He likes the opportunity for staff to be mentored, and with elected positions, training or mentoring is not an option. Jewel Spies, County Recorder, and Charlotte Sandvik, County Treasurer, were present. They both prefer to be elected because they feel the citizens of Cass County have the right to vote for their positions. Mr. Vanyo was in favor of this idea in 2006 and is still supportive of the option. He said the hiring process for appointed department heads ensures the county maintains good leadership within the offices. He is looking toward the future of these positions.