09-21-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 21, 1998 1869 Engineer dated September 11, 1998. The August 17, 1998, resolution remains effective with these amendments. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 8. CONTRACT APPROVAL, Norwest Investment Services for Register of Deeds automation MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mrs. Quick seconded to approve the contract with Norwest Investment Services for the Register of Deeds Crisis Plus System as submitted by respective department heads and portfolio commissioner, subjectto State's Attorney approval. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. BUDGET, Hearing on 1999 County Budget A public hearing was advertised for this date, time and place on the 1999 Cass County budget. Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, published the proposed budget in the official newspaper. Mrs. Schneider asked for comments from the audience at this time, and hearing none, she invited comments from Commissioners. Mr. Meyer said his recommendations for the board's consideration are as follows: 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for county employees, in addition to earned step increases; employees to share in the increased cost of health insurance with monthly premiums of $10 for a single plan, $33 for a single with dependents, and $77 for a family plan; new employee positions as follows: Child Support Enforcement Unit, State's Attorney's Office (with a reduction in force if the grant is discontinued), Veterans Service Office, Information Services, Jail, and a 3/4 time position in either Weed or Vector Control with the department head, Keith Berndt, making the decision on which program would receive the additional help. Mr. Koenig said it was mentioned at a previous budget meeting that the cost of living increased by 2.3%. He was informed the cost of living increased by a range of 2.3% to 2.7%, and county department heads recommended the 2.5% figure in the budget. Mr. Montplaisir said county department heads also recommended using money from the fund of $200,000, which was set aside for possible new positions, to keep the health insurance premiums at the same percentage rate as last year. Mr. Koenig said health insurance is still a bargain at the higher premium. Also, he feels department heads have been realistic in their requests for adding staff. Mrs. Schneider favors a 2.5% COLA and keeping employee health contributions at last year's percentage rate rather than adding new employees. She cautioned about the ongoing expense if new employees are added, and she reminded Commissioners of the mill levy limit under Cass County's home rule charter. Mrs. Quick said she could not support adding all of the new positions back into the budget that Mr. Meyer recommended. She is not saying they cannot be justified, however, she is more concerned with paying for current staff. Regarding Social Service budget reductions, Mrs. Quick recommends restoring $4,000 to General Assistance, $16,000 to Sponsorships, $2,000 to Homemaker Services, and $2,000 to Foster Care for a total of $24,000, which is the bare minimum needed for those services.