08-12-2014 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—August 12, 2014 4355 Mr. Kline briefly discussed current transportation studies and upcoming projects for 2015. Mr. Peterson commended him and his staff for their efforts. MOTION, passed Mr. Peterson moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the 2015 preliminary budget for MetroCOG as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 22. COUNTY COMMISSION The budget includes $350,000 under the remodeling line item to cover architect fees for a new juvenile justice center. Mr. Berndt asked about possible cuts to this item considering the board approved to lease space from Clay County Juvenile Detention. He said some of the dollars could be used for consulting costs toward re-purposing and design of the former juvenile detention space on the first floor of the Annex. Mr. Peterson suggested $100,000 would be sufficient and Mr. Berndt said any decisions about the space would be brought back to the commission. Mr. Montplaisir noted that travel expenses were not included for Commission District #1 and would need to be added into the budget. He said travel funds are provided for each of the five districts. MOTION, passed Mrs. Scherling moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to remove $250,000 from the remodeling budget and add $3,000 for Commission District#1 travel expenses. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Peterson discussed $2,000 for dial-up internet access fees paid to commissioners. He said county employees are not reimbursed for internet connection costs, and believes the policy should be consistent for everyone, including commissioners. MOTION, passed Mr. Peterson moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to remove $2,000 for internet dial-up access fees paid to commissioners. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Peterson, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Vanyo voting in favor; Mr. Pawluk and Mrs. Scherling opposed. MOTION, passed Mr. Peterson moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to approve the 2015 preliminary budget for the County Commission as amended. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 23. SHERIFF'S OFFICE The board reviewed changes to the Sheriff's Office budget made after yesterday's meeting. After the changes, total department expenditures increased by $54,774. Mr. Montplaisir reviewed the "zero number of mills increase" provision enacted by the state legislature that requires each taxing entity to account for inflation in taxable valuations and adjust mills accordingly. He said the Sheriff's Office accounts for 50% of the General Fund budget. There was discussion about converting the juvenile pod at the Cass County Jail for the adult population. Sheriff Laney is requesting $411,943.12 to open the new pod which includes four full-time positions and five part-time (.7 FTE) positions, which he intends to fill by transferring the current juvenile staff.