08-14-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 14, 2002 2486 The Vector Control budget includes two replacement vehicles, and Mr. Wieland suggested purchasing one new pick-up on the State bid price for Weed Control. The old weed vehicle could be moved to vector and vector could purchase one used replacement vehicle. Mr. Hinrichs said he has two boards to satisfy, however, he believes it would be a possibility. Hiqhway Department The proposed 2003 Highway Department budget would require a 7-mill increase, as it stands now. Keith Bemdt, County Engineer, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the budget highlights, road and bridge fund expenditures for the years 1997-2002, staffing costs with ne additional employees being proposed, special 10 mill fund expenditures and a budget summary. Mr. Montplaisir said there is a projected deficit in the Road Department budget this year, and Mr. Berndt provided a list of 2002 revised projects, which should result in a positive fund balance at the end of this year, with expenditures being 11% below budget. He also provided a list of potential reductions in the 2003 proposed budget, showing the impact of those reductions. Mr. Wagner said the County Commission should consider what the core responsibilities are on county roads and not spend money for projects that are not part of Cass County's infrastructure. Mr. Wieland suggested giving further thought this fall to holding a retreat with Commissioners, the Highway Engineer and Highway Superintendent, the County Auditor, County Planner, Highway Department employees, township supervisors and county citizens to discuss core services, priorities and funding solutions for the Highway Department. County Plannin~q Mr. Berndt said the County Planner, Joel Quanbeck, does not intend to renew his contract to provide planning services in 2003. He has accepted a full-time position with a local firm at the end of this year. The budget includes adding a position for a full-time planner. CaDital Prelects Mr. Montplaisir said capital projects are funded by estate taxes. Included in the list of possible projects are construction of a parking lot west of the Annex, greenway acquisitions and related expenses, replacement of the weed and vector building, and a new sign shop. Ms. Johnson said this is also the fund that the county is trying to build up a balance for a replacement facility for the old jail. Veterans Service Office James Brent, Veterans Service Officer, was present and said he has two new employees so he included $4,400.00 in the seminar registration, travel and per diem line items of his budget to send both of them to a national training seminar in Niagara Falls, New York in 2003. Mr. Brant said the budget includes funds for a new lateral filing system, which will provide space for current files and for the rapid growth of new clients. He said the vertical filing cabinets are full. Mr. Wieland said option #1 on a Furnishings Plan supplied by Mr. Brent means one employee would have to move into the file room, and Mr. Wieland would suggest installing a window if that happens so that someone entering the lobby area would be seen.