06-19-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-June 19,2006 3080 c. Ratify the Cass County Social Service Board action of June 5, 2006, and approve a budget adjustment of $24,428.00 for the addition of one unbudgeted eligibility position. d. Receive monthly financial statement from the Auditor's Office for the month ended May 31,2006. e. Approve abatement #4288 and #4289 for Gerald E. Olson as recommended by the Harwood Township Board and the Director of Equalization. f. Receive and file Indemnity Bond for Lost Instruments to Lois Thomas and Norman Nelson and to authorize the county auditor and county treasurer to issue duplicate checks. g. Authorize the chairman to sign a purchase order for a road department utility tractor in the amount of $23,392.00 to Fargo Tractor of West Fargo, North Dakota. h. Contract approval: Red River Valley Fair Association-exhibitor contract authorizing Cass County Vector Control to set up a public education booth at the Red River Valley Fair from June 16 through June 24, 2006. 6. REGIONAL CHILD SUPPORT, Interagency cooperative agreement approved John Waller, Regional Child Support Enforcement Director, was present. He said the state has been studying the concept of centralized functions, with one enforcement unit handling a project for the entire state. Outgoing interstate cases and asset seizure were considered for centralization and it was determined that outgoing interstate cases have the most potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness. He said counties set aside 5% of their incentive money to help fund both projects; however, expenses are substantially higher and a decision was made to go with one function for 2006. Mr. Waller said 1,800 outgoing interstate cases from Cass County will be transferred to the Grand Forks office. He said with the transfer of this duty, the state appears to have other expectations of the regional offices and he anticipates asset seizure and other functions will be considered for centralization in the next few years. Mr. Waller said according to the interagency cooperative agreement drafted by the Department of Human Services, the county's local share in 2007 for outgoing interstate cases will be $27,455.00. He discussed options to help cover the cost difference and said due to the departure of some long-term staff, the salary budget will decrease next year. Also, $11,000 was budgeted this year for purchase of a copier, and if necessary, could be delayed. Mr. Wagner expressed his concerns with finding the dollars to cover this and other centralized projects and said the state promised a savings to the counties. Mr. Vanyo said he prefers to see how the one centralized project works before adding other functions. Mr. Waller said the goal is to increase efficiency and enhancement of other projects, and even though there will be a decrease in the number of files handled by case analysts, the state may consider different obligations for staff. Mr. Waller predicts a shift in the duties that remain in his office.