2017-07-10_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Weed Control Progress Report June 30, 2017 Period from June 10 to June 30, 2017 submitted by Stan Wolf New Business 2018 Proposed Budget: The 2018 proposed budget needs to be submitted to the Auditor’s office by July 15, presentation to the County Commission on July 27 at 8 am. A copy of the 2018 proposed budget is enclosed for your review. In summary, the operating budget will remain flat with slight increases for inflation for salary and benefits. New equipment recommendations are as follows: $ 8,000 - overhead door installed in present vehicle building $33,000 - one ton dual wheel pickup $ 7,000 – 8’ bed with storage boxes for new pickup $ 1,500 – 400-gallon water tank (replace current 300 gal tank) $ 3,500 – UAV drone Total $53,000 – new equipment This is an increase of 4.2% in operating expenses not counting the equipment expenses listed above. The final numbers could change due to payroll and benefits changes and IT equipment additions. One thought to consider would be to cost share Leafy spurge flea beetle sweep nets. We could make sweep nets available at a reduced cost to interested county residents with funds coming from the Landowner Assistance line item. Suggested motion: Move to accept the proposed 2018 Weed Control budget for presentation to the Cass County Commission. 2018 Proposed Mill Levy: Last month the Auditor’s office presented information regarding the revenues comparing the current 1.45 mill levy with several reduced mill levees. It is the recommendation of the Auditor’s office to reduce the mill levy to 1.4 mills. Suggested motion: Move to recommend to the County Commission to reduce the Weed Control Mill Levy from 1.45 mills to 1.4 mills. Monthly Report Spray Contractors: J & J Spraying has started spraying the I 94 right of way on June 20. To date they have covered most of I94 covering 800 acres. Walker’s Lawncare also started on June 20 covering 350 acres working on Highway 38, Co 26, 34, and 2. Total costs to date $41,834.00