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Commission Minutes--August 12, 2005 2945 3. VECTOR CONTROL Angela Balint, Vector Control Director, was present. Mr. Berndt said the 2006 budget request is $755,500 compared to the 2005 budget of $682,435. Ms. Balint said the largest increase is due to chemical costs. She said not only have costs increased due to inflation, but the chemicals being used are more expensive because they are friendlier to the environment and longer lasting, and not as much has to be used. Mr. Berndt said the budget relies on $350,000 in revenues from the cities and subdivisions who contract with the county for spraying services. The budget is limited to one mill and the proposal stays within the one mill. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2006 preliminary budget for Vector Control in the amount of $755,500. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 4. PLANNING DEPARTMENT Mr. Berndt said the 2006 budget request is $75,973 compared to the 2005 budget of $67,784. He said the increase is primarily due to salary and health care costs. The budget includes $10,000 for consulting fees for unforeseen legal issues when outside assistance is required. Mr. Berndt is comfortable with reducing the line item, if needed. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to reduce the consulting fees line item from $10,000 to $7,000. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the 2006 preliminary budget for the Planning Department in the amount of $72,973. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 5. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Terry Schmaltz, Information Technology Director, was present. He discussed numerous items, including the PC replacement cycle; strategic planning; and staffing. The 2006 budget includes one staff request for a GIS technician. The position would be shared with the City of West Fargo and the salary and benefits would be divided in half. Mr. Schmaltz said the county has had problems receiving updated information on parcels in West Fargo for the GIS system. He said the city may also cost share on future projects and aerial photo applications. Mr. Schmaltz said the budget also includes $25,000 for a consulting proposal on the tax system, which has been heavily modified over the years since it was implemented in the early 1990's. He wants to see improvements made so the county will be able to share information better with surrounding cities, as well as allowing citizens one place to find tax information, rather than having to visit two or three sites. Mr. Pawluk asked about the GIS position and is concerned the county is funding a position for West Fargo. Mr. Montplaisir explained that the position will be funded through a cost share arrangement, similar to the county sharing in the cost of a GIS position with the City of Fargo. Mr. Montplaisir said the county will utilize the person half the time and the other half of the employee's time will focus on West Fargo issues.