08-11-2014 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—August 11, 2014 4342 Mr. Klein discussed the new position and said his office has consisted of two staff for the last 30 years. The work load has increased as the county has grown, and legislative changes over the last few years have resulted in more residents applying for tax relief programs, i.e. Veteran's Credit and Homestead Credit. He discussed 2015 legislation which may impact the type of position needed. Also, he said the employee would not be hired most likely until after the legislative session has concluded next spring. The position would help to gather assessment data and photos to be entered into the tax system data base. Mr. Vanyo agrees that due to the uncertainty over upcoming legislative changes, the new employee could begin later in the year after the legislative session has ended. Mr. Pawluk asked when a reappraisal was last completed for Mapleton, Page, Hunter and Gardner. Mr. Klein believes the last complete reassessment was done in the late 1980's. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to approve one additional staff person for the Tax Director's Office to begin July 1, 2015, reducing the request from $68,180 to $35,000. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to eliminate $25,000 budgeted for additional reappraisal work. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 16. GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Jim Gartin, President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), was present. The request for 2015 is one mill, which will generate about $574,200 to go toward administrative support activities. Mr. Vanyo is supportive of the work being done by GFMEDC. There was discussion about the "zero mill increase" and what the figure would be for 2015. Mr. Montplaisir said it would be $566,000. MOTION, failed for lack of a second Mrs. Scherling moved to approve the 2015 preliminary budget for the GFMEDC at$566,000. The motion died due to lack of a second. MOTION, failed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the 2015 preliminary budget for the GFMEDC at one mill. Discussion: Mr. Peterson asked what would happen to economic development in the area if their organization did not exist. Mr. Gartin said the economy in the region is robust, but he believes the effects on long-term growth would be seen in two or three years without the assistance of their organization. Mr. Gartin said much of the work done by the GFMEDC is for planning for the future. Mr. Peterson said he struggles with the concept as there is nothing tangible to be shown for the efforts. Mrs. Scherling said given the budget constraints this year, the commission is reviewing all the budgets very closely considering the legislative intent that needs to be followed. On roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Scherling and Mr. Pawluk opposed; Mr. Bennett and Mr. Vanyo voting in favor.