08-12-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 12, 2003 2632 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 12, 2003 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Scott Wagner reconvened the budget meeting at 1:00 PM on August 12, 2003, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Robyn Sorum, John Meyer, Vern Bennett, Darrell Vanyo and Scott Wagner. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson and Accountants Deb Ness and Mary Matheson. m RECESS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE BOARD MEETING AND BUDGET REVIEW The board recessed at 1:05 PM for a Social Services Board meeting to review the 2004 budget. RECONVENE AT 3:20 PM, Further budget review Commissioners present at 3:20 PM were Robyn Sorum, John Meyer, Vern Bennett, Darrell Vanyo and Scott Wagner. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir and accountant Deb Ness. Veteran's Service Jim Brent, Veteran's Service Officer, reviewed the budget which includes $8,000 for a part-time file clerk. He said the office has received help from a volunteer as well as from the Treasurer's Office staff. Files are in the process of being transferred to the new filing system and he feels 30-35% is remaining to be moved to the new system. Mr. Montplaisir said approximately $4,300 would need to be added for benefits. Mr. Wagner discussed this year's budget concerns and about how all departments are being asked to hold the line on any new staff. He suggested utilizing current staff from other offices to assist with this project. Mr. Bennett said as long as 16 hours per week of filing assistance is provided, he does not object to using staff from other departments. Mr. Wagner suggested other offices be contacted to see if any staff would be available to help the Veteran's Service office before making a final decision on the new staff request. Senior Citizens Brian Arett, Executive Director of the Fargo Senior Commission, Inc. and Marge Fee, President of the Cass County Council on Aging, were present. Mr. Arett said one mill has been levied since 1975 for senior citizens. The state matches a little over half of what the county levies. The funds are used for senior programs to help them stay independent and in their homes. He said the 2004 request is consistent with past budget requests; however, the Meals on Wheels program has seen a 20% increase in the meals served from 2002 to 2003. Mrs. Fee said the Council on Aging just eliminated the Alice Senior Citizen Club, so there are a total of 14 clubs in the county.