08-12-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 12, 2002 2477 DEPARTMENT HEADS-PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 12, 2002 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Alan Wieland called the budget meeting to order at 8;30 AM on August 12, 2002, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with four membem present as follows: Donna Schneider, Robyn Sorum, Scott Wagner and Alan Wieland. Commissioner John Meyer arrived later. Aisc present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson and Accountant Deb Ness. BUDGET OVERVIEW, Requests reviewed with various departments Commissioners received a 2003 preliminary budget book. Valley Water Rescue Rob Bye and Dean Wiger wore present from Valley Water Rescue. Mr. Bye feels that because of county funding, the team is stronger, faster and safer. He said funding is provided from Cass County, Clay County, Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth. Mr. Montplaisir said Cass County's share is $4,179, similar to last year's request. Budget Overview County Auditor Michael Moetplaisir said revenues from state reimbursements have decreased and expenditures continue to increase. Over the last few years, the county has used reserves to finance some of the budget increases; however, now the reserves are at a level where the county needs to discontinue use of them. Costs for services are growing faster than the growth in taxable valuations. He said either budget cuts will need to be made or taxes will need to be raised in order to maintain the reserves at 10% of the expended budgets. One suggestion he made is to transfer $950,000 from the jail sales tax fund to the general fund to offset increased costs for the new jail. The county wants to retain some of the sales tax money in reserves to pay for the first addition to the jail. Sheriff/Jail/Detention Captain Glenn Ellingsberg, Chief Deputy Jim Thoreson and Chief Correctional Officer Walt Willis were present. ~_e. dff Support Mr. Ellingsberg said this budget increased by $30,754 from last year, primarily due to increased salades and benefits for employees. _S. _her!ff Operations Mr. Ellingsberg said the operations budget increased by $309,560 from last year. He said $7,200 is budgeted for light bars far four new marked squad cars. Mr. Thoreson distributed a list of the Sheriff's fleet with mileage figures. He pointed out nine vehicles marked for replacement and said $203,000 was included for purchase of new vehicles. The budget includes 3 ¼ new positions te deal with animal con[roi, Brewer Lake, City or Horace police services and County Road 17 patrolling. Mr. Thoreson said the county receives numerous calls for animal control situations and the county somehow needs to deal with these cases.