09-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 19, 2003 2657 MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to authorize hiring a full- time supervisor for the weed control department. On roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Aye;" Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Wagner opposing. Concerning the $900,000 budget request for a new weed control building, Mrs. Sorum thought a committee should have been formed, and Mr. Wagner felt the board should have been involved in discussions over the course of the past year leading up to the budget session. Mr. Berndt agreed that a good first step would be to appoint a committee to work with a design specialist and determine what is needed in terms of square footage and what the facility would entail. Mr. Wagner said no action is needed at this time but said discussion needs to take place before spending any money. The chairman called for a recess at 9:45 AM and the meeting resumed at 10:00 AM with all commissioners, several department heads and staff present. Highway Department Commissioners discussed the budget amount for landscaping at the highway department, office carpets, painting of the main shop, and some work at rural shops. Mr. Berndt reduced the amount from $115,500 to $75,000. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to remove an additional $2,000 from the highway department budget for landscaping and remodel projects. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Veterans Service Office Mr. Meyer suggested eliminating travel and per diem to a national conference in the veteran's service officer budget because training is available locally, reducing agency dues by $90, and reducing office equipment by $1,900 to replace a desk top for about $500 instead of purchasing a new desk. Mr. Bennett said the $2400 line item was for purchasing two new desks and a chair. He suggested leaving $1,300 to purchase one new desk and a chair for the office worker. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to reduce the veteran's service officer travel line item to $4,000, to reduce the office equipment to $1,300 and no change on the dues amount. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Meyer opposing. State's Attorney Trent Mahler, Assistant Cass County State's Attorney, was present representing State's Attorney Birch Burdick. Commissioners discussed the budget request, which includes one new attorney position and one new clerical position. Also, the assistant state's attorneys are requesting a $4,000 annual salary increase before the COLA (cost of living adjustment) and step increase on the county pay scale. Mr. Mahler said the new attorney position is being requested because of heavy caseloads, and more attorney work increases the demands on support staff. A hand-out was provided showing a salary comparison and years of service of Cass County attorneys and of attorneys in Clay County and Stearns County, Minnesota.