09-30-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--September 30, 1993 1115 County Jail 3 staff 70,842 Equipment 5,000 Sheriff 1 Addiction Counselor 30,641 Fair 10,000 Historical Society 20,175 Employees Raises 1/2% 50,000 Health Insurance Reserves 75,000 $510,912 Economic Development Contract with FCCEDC will be reviewed in detail June 1, 1994, prior to preparation of the 1995 budget. Discussion: Mr. Risher suggested an additional cut of about $224,000 by lowering reserves to the same level as last year. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said this can be done but he wouldn't recommend it because it would probably require raising taxes the following year. Also, he said there are a number of funds where reserves cannot be reduced. Mr. Wieland asked Sheriff Don Rudnick to address proposed cuts affecting his department. Concerning the addiction counselor, Sheriff Rudnick said the program was started by Cass County Court and was intended to be self-supporting, which it was initially, but there has been less revenue in the last year. Also, he said these services can be obtained other than in-house so he felt the position could be cut. Staffing in the jail is contingent upon the county contrac%ing with Fargo or West Fargo for joint dispatch services. Mr. Ness updated the Commission on the 911 system and referred to a letter from City of Fargo Mayor Jon Lindgren, dated September 28, 1993, assuring Cass County that they can merge dispatch services, and the City of Fargo will collect the county 911 levy as full payment for the service. In his letter, Mayor Lindgren said he discussed this arrangement with Police Chief Ron Raftevold and informed him that the City Commission will reimburse the Police Department if unanticipated demands develop. The Sheriff said he will request funding from the State for one-half of the emergency management position for next year. Concerning Extension Services, Mr. Wieland said he can support funding at a level of $195,000, but he questioned Extension Agent Brad Cogdill on the amount of meals paid by Cass County. One-half of the Extension Services travel budget is for meals in the county, and Mr. Wieland said that isn't acceptable because other departments don't do that.