08-19-2002BUDGET - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 19, 2002 2490 DEPARTMENT HEADS-PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 19, 2002 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Alon Wieland reconvened the budget meeting at 1:00 PM on August 19, 2002, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Donna Schneider, John Meyer, Scoff Wagner and Alon Wieland. P, obyn Sorum arrived later in the meeting. Also present were County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson, County Auditor Michael Montplaisir and accountant Deb Ness. BUDGET REVIEW Red River Valley Fair Fair Manager Brace Olson and fair board member Jim Thoreson were present. The fair requested $145,000, which is an increase of $55,000 from 2002. The increase is for needed improvements to the campgrounds. Mr. Thoreson has received numerous calls about the condition of the campsite. Mr. Olson obtained estimates and said $165,000 is needed to begin repairing the electrical and plumbing systems as well as pumhase of additional gravel. Mr. Wagner asked about the fee structure. Mr. OIson said it is $12 per day for tents; $14 per day for electrical hook-up; and $17 per day for full services. Approximately $70,000 in revenue is raised through fees collected and half of the revenues are used for maintenance costs at the campgrounds. Mr. Wieland discussed the lease agreement with the fair and said this needs to be resolved. He is reluctant to contribute additional county dollars without a long-term agreement in place. He requested a fair budget be submitted showing income and expenses. Mr. Montplaisir suggested the county consider issuing bonds to pay for improvements with revenues raised from use of the campgrounds to help pay the bonds. Mr. Wieland asked the auditor to arrange a meeting with affomey Jonathan Garaas to discuss an agreement as well as the bond idea. Historical Society Steve Stark, Executive Director, was present. He said Pioneer Days was held this past weekend and was successful. The Historical Society requested $45,000, which is an increase of $10,000 from last year. The extra funds will be used for operating expenses to continue preserving and presenting county artifacts. He showed a short video about North Dakota from the television show, Good Morning Arnerica, which included footage from Bonanzaville. Lake Aqassiz Regional Council Irv Rustad, Executive Director, was present. Their agency requested $15,000, the same amount as the last two years. He said the funds are exclusively for operations.