09-27-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--September 27, 1994 1253 MOTION, failed Mr. Ness moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to decrease the Southeast Cass Water Resource District mill levy request from 4 mills to 3 mills. Discussion: Mr. Wieland said this cut does not help toward decreasing the total mill levy and asked where the cuts would be made. Mr. Ness said the cuts will be the water board's decision. Mr. McLaughlin does not know where the cuts would come from. Mr. Ness said Southeast Cass generates more money from one mill versus the other water boards. Mr. Montplaisir said one mill generates $142,000 in Southeast Cass; $16,000 in Maple River; $6,000 in Rush River; and $6,250 in North Cass. Mr. Mark Bittner, Engineer from the City of Fargo, said Fargo relies heavily on the county's drainage systems. With the city continuing to grow further south, it is very important the drainage systems are in order. On roll call vote, motion failed with two members voting "Aye", Mr. Risher, Mr. Eckert and Mr. Wieland voting "No." HEALTH INSURANCE LEVY, Health insurance rates lowered by 10% Mr. Montplaisir said there should be a 25% reserve in the health insurance trust fund. He said presently the county has considerably more than this in reserve. This year's expenses are under expected expenses by 72%. He said if health insurance rates were reduced by 10% for 1995, the county would save $75,000 or .3 mills. MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Ness seconded to lower health insurance rates by 10%. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously· Mr. Wieland commended county employees for maintaining low health insurance claims. EDUCATION/SEMINARS BUDGET, Pool reduced by 25% Mrs. Toussaint suggested reducing the education/seminars line item for all departments by 25% for a savings of $14,726. The department heads would then figure how the money will be spent. She assumed those departments whose employees are mandated to attend educational seminars would take priority. She also suggested departments look at attending seminars closer to the area which would save on travel cost. Mr. Montplaisir said the money will by pooled by fund. Ms. Ziegelmann said her education budget request is for all 18 staff in her office to be trained on the new computer system. Costs for training will be paid by state, federal and county governments. She figured the county will pay 12% of the costs. Mr. Montplaisir said a memo will be sent to department heads asking them to figure how much of their travel budget is related to education/seminars. MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to reduce the education/seminars pool for all departments by 25%, for a savings of ~14,726 to the county. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.