08-14-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 14, 2006 3102 RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 14,2006 1. MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Vern Bennett reconvened the budget meeting at 8:15 AM on August 14, 2006, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Scott Wagner, Robyn Sorum, Ken Pawluk, Darrell Vanyo and Vern Bennett. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson, and Accountants Mary Matheson and Sheree Calkins. 2. COMMISSION, COUNTY COORDINATOR, PERSONNEL, RISK MANAGEMENT, BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Mrs. Johnson referred to changes outlined in the budget summary letter dated July 21, 2006. The commission budget includes a modest increase in salaries and a decrease in computer equipment. Mr. Montplaisir reminded the board about the $115,000 transfer for the 911 fund discussed last week, which is included in their budget. Mrs. Johnson received a letter from Kathy Hogan, Social Services Director, regarding some short-term facility needs at the annex as follows: painting of the hallways and offices; replacement of carpeting in high traffic areas; modification of the north portion of the 3rd floor lobby into a large meeting room with the current meeting room to be divided into two offices; and creation of storage areas for filing cabinets on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors in the eastern portion of the main entrances. Mrs. Johnson included $100,000 to cover the remodeling expenses for the annex and spoke with Architect Terry Stroh, who said the issue would need to be studied before he would make a recommendation on the remodeling requests. The board discussed electronic storage of files to eliminate the need for additional file cabinets. Mr. Wagner stressed the importance of staying on the rotation schedule for painting and carpet replacement and does not want to see the lobbies made into storage rooms. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to remove $100,000 from the County Commission budget for Social Services remodeling expenses. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk said if maintenance issues arise before the rotation schedule calls for replacement, each item should be reviewed individually. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Johnson discussed the county coordinator budget which includes personnel, risk management and buildings and grounds. She said the largest expense is due to increased electrical rates at all three county buildings compared to last year. She discussed the use of heating and cooling temperature ranges for county offices as well as limiting use of space heaters and air purifiers. Mr. Vanyo suggested that department heads be educated on energy conservation and Mrs. Johnson said she will address this item at a future department head meeting.