09-27-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--September 27, 1994 1252 SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEPTEMBER 27, 1994 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Steve Risher called the special meeting to order at 8:00 AM in the Commission Room with all members present as follows: Bernie Ness, Alon Wieland, Don Eckert, Sharon "Pepper" Toussaint and Steve Risher. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir and several department heads were also present. MILL LEVY GOAL SET FOR 1995 BUDGET Mr. Ness said currently there is a 5 mill increase from last year. He suggested setting a goal. Mr. Ness feels cuts can be made in order to lessen the tax increase. He said priorities have to be set and the biggest priority is to the taxpayers of Cass County. MOTION, passed Mr. Ness moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to set a goal of a maximum 3 mill increase from the 1994 mill levy. Discussion: Mr. Montplaisir said the total would be 65.75 mills; the budget now is at 67 mills and therefore 1.25 mills would need to be cut. Mr. Wieland supports attempting to reach this goal, but does not want to set a certain amount. Mr. Eckert opposes setting a certain amount as a goal, but does feel budget cuts can be made. Mrs. Toussaint supports the goal and said with the new addition to the Juvenile Justice Center, the county might have to do without certain items for another year. Mr. Risher said a goal is admirable but feels it is difficult this year due to the new building. On roll call vote, motion carried with three members voting "Aye", Mr. Risher and Mr. Eckert voting "No." WATER RESOURCE BOARDS Fred Selberg, Chairman of the Southeast Cass Water Resource Board, was present and discussed the responsibilities of the water board. Jeff Yolk from Moore Engineering was present and discussed the Maple River Dam project. He said the state will fund 50%, the joint water board will fund 25% and the county will fund 25% of project costs. A permit has been submitted to the Corps of Engineers to build the Maple River Dam. Jim McLaughlin, also from the Southeast Cass Water Resource Board, was present to answer questions. Mr. Ness questioned the mill levy increase to 4 mills for all water boards. Mr. McLaughlin said the water boards are required by state law to perform certain duties. He said Riverkeepers has increased from $20,000 to $43,000 and two new gauging stations need to be constructed.