08-14-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 14, 2003 2639 Mrs. Sorum asked about $50,000 budgeted to paint the main shop and wash the paint bay and $20,000 for grounds landscaping. She suggested the money for these two items be used instead to fund the overlay projects on C32, C34 and C2. She feels the roads are a priority. Mr. Berndt said the painting is needed, but could wait for another year. Mr. Vanyo said the office equipment line item could be reduced to help pay for the overlays. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve option 1: to fund C18 and C25 overlay projects with 10 mill funds; to raise the revenue projection for 2003 due to added city project cost share that would allow reduction of 1.25 mills for a total of .25 mills, resulting in a lower lO-mill levy balance at the end of 2004; and to reduce the remodeling line item by $75,000 to accommodate three overlay projects on C32, C34 and C2. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Planning Mr. Montplaisir said the Planning budget comes out of the General Fund. Mr. Berndt said the biggest expense is the salary for the county planner. The budget has decreased and one reason is that a one-time consulting fee included in 2003 is not needed next year. Vector Control Kristi Biewer, Weed and Vector Control Director, was present. Mr. Berndt distributed a handout regarding the request for 2004. He said in past years, Vector Control was funded at the $200,000 level. In 2003, a much more successful program was implemented with approximately $500,000 in county expenditures. Also, cities spent their own funds to help with the effort. The budget for 2004 is similar to this year, and at $888,445, includes funding for a portion of new building costs; an increase of the seasonal supervisor to a full-time supervisor; additional equipment purchases; and approximately $400,000 county fund balance to be reimbursed from other agencies. He said the request could be funded with 1 mill levy for the Vector Control District; ½ mill from the General Fund for Vector operations; ½ mill from the General Fund for the new building; and ask cities to fund the balance of $200,000. Mr. Wagner stressed the need for other jurisdictions to contribute in funding Vector Control. He suggested the structure be reviewed to ensure that each entity is providing a fair share toward vector control. Mr. Vanyo asked about resources spent in Fargo and West Fargo this season. He also feels each jurisdiction should help with funding proportionately. Ms. Biewer said the county saw an increase in services this year with the entire county being treated, not just the cities. Mr. Berndt said cities could be looked at on a per-capita basis in determining their share of the cost. There was discussion about the new building and Mr. Berndt said the total cost is $900,000. The building would house the Weed and Vector Control offices and would have a lab facility. Mrs. Sorum fully supports the fight against mosquitoes and the West Nile virus. She did question the need for the director to have a personal vehicle as well as the new building. Ms. Biewer said she puts 200 miles on her personal vehicle every week when she travels throughout the county. She said the building that houses the Weed and Vector offices is a safety hazard to employees and feels it should be condemned.