08-24-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 24, 1998 1859 DEPARTMENT HEADS-PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 24, 1998 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Donna Schneider called the budget meeting to order at 1:00 PM in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: John Meyer, Roberta Quick, Alon Wieland, and Donna Schneider. Paul Koenig was absent. Also present were Kathy Hogan, Social Services Director; Jerry Skjonsby, Social Services Accountant; Kathy Schons, Social Service board member; and various Social Services staff. SOCIAL SERVICE BUDGET REVIEW The Social Service budget was presented to the commissioners by Ms. Hogan and Mr. Skjonsby. Ms. Hogan said their budget has increased significantly due to decreased federal/state funding; increased service demand and new federal Adoption and Safe Families Act; and increased child support costs. Ms. Hogan and Mr. Skjonsby reviewed the entire budget with commissioners. Mr. Wieland asked what the net increase cost in tax dollars is compared to last year. Ms. Hogan outlined the diminishing reserves and increased mandates under SWAP for the board. She believes the county will receive between $80,000 to $100,000 in SWAP redistribution funds. She also offered the following budget cuts: decrease staff development by 25%, which will save the county approximately $6,000; cut three of the new positions for a savings of about $60,000. Mr. Wieland asked about the computer time fees charged by the state. Ms. Hogan said this is outlined in State law and falls under local administrative costs. There was also discussion about the foster care travel, which the county pays for those who cannot afford to pay for visits that in some cases are ordered by the court. Ms. Hogan, Mr. Wieland and Mrs. Quick will attend a meeting tomorrow with the Department of Human Services to discuss items of concern to the county. BOARD RECESSED/SOCIAL SERVICE BOARD METIRECONVENE COUNTY COMMISSION The board recessed at 3:30 PM in order to hold a Social Service Board meeting. The board reconvened as the County Board of Commissioners at 3:40 PM for further budget discussions. FARGO CASS PUBLIC HEALTH BUDGET REVIEW, 1999 budget approved Mary Kay Herman, Melissa Nelson and several other staff members were present from Fargo Cass Public Health. Ms. Herman said the budget for Fargo Cass Public Health increased by $10,000, largely due to the increase in jail nursing staff. The overall budget increased by 3% compared to last year. She discussed the possibility of having a partnership with Cass County, Fargo and West Fargo in the near future. MOTION, passed Ms. Quick moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to approve the 1999 Fargo Cass Public Health budget. Motion carried unanimously.