06-03-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 3, 2002 2453 Mr. Wieland said those present today may file an abatement at a later date if they feel aggrieved after visiting with their local officials. He suggested that each property owner talk to Mr. Klein after the meeting to find out their specific options, if they wish to continue their appeal. Mr. Klein said he believes Mr. Hofer appealed to the City of West Fargo prior to today's meeting, and his next appeal is to the State Board of Equalization if the county board does not adjust his assessment. Mr. Hofer said he still has a problem with the 100% increase in his assessment. Mr. Klein said State law does not limit the amount that an assessment can be increased, only that the assessment be fair and equitable. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to accept the recommendation of Frank Klein, County Equalization Director, to deny the appeals as presented today. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Continuing with the township equalization, Mr. Klein recommended approving inundated land classifications for three property owners. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to approve inundated land requests for Steve McLeod in Rich Township, for Ken and Ted Weshnevski for two parcels in Cornell Township and for Willa Jean Johnson for two parcels in Tower Township. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Wieland asked if there were any other taxpayers who wished to address the county board of equalization, and no else asked to be heard at this time. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to adjourn the 2002 Cass County Board of Tax Equalization meeting. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 13. JAIL, Transition team update/iail tour by commissioners Michelle Boucher, Sheriffs Department, was present for the transition team update. She said training has started for 23 new employees, and existing staff members are being trained in direct supervision. Jail consultant, Jim Rowenhorst, was here three days last week for a transition monitoring visit. Mr. Wieland noted that commissioners and the local media toured the progress on the new jail today, and he is impressed with the facility. He said it is very functional and will be in the best interest of the community and provides county staff with a safe place to work. The new jail is scheduled to begin housing inmates this September. 14. EMPLOYEE SALARIES, Budaet fiaure adopted County department heads met last week and arrived at a recommendation of using a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for employee salaries for budget purposes in the 2003 budget. Printed information dated May 17, 2002, was provided to the department heads by Frank Klein and Charlotte Sandvik, and discussed at the department head meeting held May 31, 2002. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, said she was unable to attend the department head meeting last Friday, however, the chairman of the department head group,