09-09-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes, Special Meeting--September 9, 1993 1103 DEPARTMENT HEADS--PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ. SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEPTEMBER 9, 1993 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Sharon "Pepper" Toussaint called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM and all members were present as follows: Don Eckert, Steve Risher, Alon Wieland, Bernie M. Ness and Sharon Toussaint. BUDGET REVIEW CONTINUED Commissioners Ness and Toussaint felt the budget review session held yesterday was a waste of time because of reductions in supplies, education/seminars, postage and travel--areas that amount to a very small part of the county's overall budget. Mr. Ness thinks raising taxes by 12%, which is where the budget stands at this time, is fiscally irresponsible; and he hopes some commissioners are better prepared today than they were yesterday. Mrs. Toussaint thinks Cass County should hold the line on taxes like the cities of Fargo and Moorhead and Clay County are committed to doing. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said the county finance committee already met with county department heads and, for the most part, they prepared their budgets in a more efficient manner than ever before. He also felt yesterday was a waste of time going through line item by line item, reducing budgets by nickels and dimes. He suggested that the commission adopt a percentage figure for reducing education/ seminars, office supplies, operational supplies, travel and postage in all departments if they feel it is necessary to reduce these items. He prepared a hand-out of percentages showing the effect of reducing operational and supply line items on various funds. Mr. Risher suggested a 10% reduction on all of the items listed in the Auditor's hand-out, {education/ seminars, office supplies, operational supplies, travel and postage) at a savings of $72,000. However, Mrs. Toussaint said Cass County receives reimbursement for some of these items, and Mr. Montplaisir said a 10% blanket reduction would probably save $30,000 in actual dollars. County Treasurer Charlotte Sandvik said she obtained 4-5 bids on tax statements and delinquent tax notices and was very accurate on the amount she requested in the budget. If the commission made a blanket reduction on supplies, postage, etc., she may run out of money before the end of the year and would no be able to continue sending periodic delinquent tax notices. Mr. Risher asked about her travel being cut to $500 yesterday, and she said she can live with that reduction. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Included in the county superintendent of schools budget is $18,000 for consultant services. Mr. Eckert had some questions yesterday about mandated responsibilities of this office. Mr. Ness referred to a letter from State's Attorney John Goff, with a copy of North Dakota Century Code 15-22-09 relating to duties in general, which all commissioners received at the August 30th, 1993, meeting.