08-13-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 13, 2001 2329 One item of discussion was the replacement cost of uniforms, budgeted at $300 each for 65 employees, for a total of $19,500. Mr. Ellingsberg said that figure will decrease after this year because they anticipate buying almost all new uniforms for all of the staff. Mrs. Schneider questioned buying all new uniforms because existing staff already have them. Mr. Ellingsberg is recommending the civilian officers wear a different uniform than the B32 and higher positions. He feels this would be beneficial to the office. Mr. Thoreson said the department has budgeted $300 per year per employee for new uniforms for a number of years. He said it averages out because a new winter coat costs $325 from a uniform supply company, and those wear out in three or four years. Mr. Wieland requested a budget figure in actual dollars, not by averages. Mr. Ellingsberg said he will provide an accurate dollar amount for the number of shirts, pants, belts and jackets to be purchased next year. The jail budget includes 17 new Correctional Officer II positions, and it was noted this is about two less than the Transition Team recommended. Mr. Montplaisir said the jail consultant is preparing a report to the Commission on staffing. In the interest of time, Mr. Meyer suggested moving to the next department because others are waiting for their budget hearing. Mr. Thoreson said he would like to discuss salaries at another time because at least one classification, the B32 positions in the Sheriff's Department, are concerned about being at the Iow end of the salary scale in comparison to the local job market. Mrs. Schneider asked for clarification on the procedure to be followed during these budget meetings. In the past, she said motions were made only when eliminating items from the budget but a motion was made today to add one position in the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Wieland said the group should decide what procedure to follow. He had not intended to make the motion today for the additional Sheriff's deputy, however, he wanted to show his support for the position. Customs Service City of Fargo Mayor, Bruce Furness, was present on behalf of the Custom's Service. The 2002 budget reflects a $10,000 increase to make up for a shortfall this year. Mayor Furness is hopeful that Hector Airport will be designated an international airport at some point for customs purposes, and then all of the costs would be paid by the Federal Government. Commissioners were in agreement that Chairman Meyer write a letter on their behalf to the U.S. congressional delegation asking for their support of the international airport designation. Lake Agassiz Regional Council Irv Rustad was present and provided some background information for the benefit of the two Commissioners who are reviewing budgets for the first time. He said the 2002 funding request is the same as this year, which is $15,000. Road Department Keith Berndt, County Engineer, provided a hand-out and gave an overview of his department's 2002 budget request. He reviewed a list of proposed major equipment purchases and will talk about upcoming major capital projects at the Road Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for next Monday, August 20, 2001. Concerning 2001 emergency levees south of Fargo, Mr. Berndt said the Commission will need to decide if they want to do any permanent levy work and how it will be funded.