08-12-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 12, 2005 2944 RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 12, 2005 1. MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Darrell Vanyo reconvened the budget meeting at 8:15 AM on August 12, 2005, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Robyn Sorum, Ken Pawluk, Scott Wagner and Darrell Vanyo. Vern Bennett arrived later in the meeting. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson and Accountant Mary Matheson. 2. ROAD DEPARTMENT Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present. He said the 2006 budget includes $8.7 million in expenditures compared with $9.5 million in 2005. Because of large federal aid projects planned in 2006, overall revenue received and spent will be over $15 million compared with $10.4 million in 2005. Mr. Berndt discussed capital expenditures for non-routine items as follows: $100,000 to expand the concrete apron on east side of the shop; two replacement gravel trucks with snow equipment at $150,000 each; three replacement ditch mowers at $15,000 each; replacement utility tractor for $30,000; five roller attachments for motor graders at $16,000 each; $5,000 to fund uniform work shirts and laundry service for operations staff; and $20,000 to replace reception area work station/counter and engineer's office furniture. There was discussion about completing the concrete apron in two phases at $50,000 each year. Mrs. Sorum has a problem supporting $100,000 to concrete the area and feels the furniture line item should be reduced. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to reduce the concrete apron project on the east side of the shop from $100,000 to $50,000. Discussion: Mr. Berndt said he could use county staff to complete as much of the project as possible to lower the cost. Mr. Pawluk believes $50,000 should cover the majority of the project if county does the work. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Yes" and Mrs. Sorum voting "No". MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to remove two roller attachments at $16,000 each and leave three roller attachments in the budget. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk wants all five rollers to be included. He feels the equipment is essential in maintaining the county's gravel roads. Mr. Vanyo supports the concept, however, he prefers to purchase some this year and the remainder next year. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to approve the 2006 preliminary budget for the Road Department with the two modifications outlined above. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Yes" and Mrs. Sorum voting "No". Mr. Wagner asked about the Road Department budget reserves. Mr. Montplaisir said there will be a 6%% reserve, which he feels is acceptable.