08-21-2000 BUDGET - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 21,2000 2173 Mr. Thoreson also discussed the overtime issue with the Sheriff's Department and how Sheriff employees are paid overtime after 171 hours worked versus 160 hours for all other county employees. He feels the Sheriff employees should be paid the same and if the Commission approves, the overtime line item would increase from $50,000 to $75,000. Mr. Montplaisir asked if the 160 hours would be based on a 28 day cycle or 40 hour work week. Mr. Rudnick said it would depend upon each employee's schedule. Mr. Thoreson said the department proposes raising special event charges to $30 per hour. Currently, the county charges $25 per hour for special events, i.e. dances, fair work, Fargodome events. Mr. Koenig feels the charge per hour should be higher. Mr. Wieland suggested charging $30 per hour before midnight and $45 per hour after midnight. Mr. Thoreson said the department budgeted for three new patrol cars, five unmarked cars and one used ambulance for bomb squad use. He reviewed vehicles that are scheduled for replacement. Mr. Wieland asked if two marked vehicles could be moved to the unmarked fleet. Mr. Thoreson said there are costs involved to remove radio equipment from the marked cars and prefers to keep two unmarked Dodge Intrepids for another year. As another option, Mr. Thoreson offered to eliminate the vehicle radar at $6,000 and one unmarked car at $20,000. Mr. Thoreson said an additional sergeant is budgeted to handle warrants. He feels warrants are not receiving the attention they need and the additional staff person will help the situation. Valley Water Rescue Rob Bye, Pete Fendt and Bill Borgen were present. Mr. Bye said Valley Water Rescue was formed seven years ago and has 16 volunteer divers who respond to water related incidents throughout the region. The organization is requesting $4,400. He said they have applied for grants and have received donations from different organizations and individuals. The county presently pays for general liability insurance and pager service. The commission feels these costs should be included in the total budget for Valley Water Rescue. Emergency Management Mr. Ellingsberg reviewed the budget. He said in order to devote his time as the Support Services manager, he budgeted for an emergency manager position. He also would like to budget for an A12 clerical position as he may move the current secretary into the new warrant clerical position. He is able to apply for 50% reimbursement for both positions. Mr. Wieland asked why the clerical position is needed since the new emergency manager will devote his or her time exclusively to emergency management. Mr. Ellingsberg said the clerical position could be eliminated if the emergency manager position is approved. Reserves Mr. Ellingsberg reviewed the budget. He said the reserves are considered salaried employees and a contract was agreed upon between the county and the reservists. He said in 1999, reservists put in 3,304 hours to the county.