06-18-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-June 18, 2007 3215 7. SALARY PROPOSAL FOR BUDGET PURPOSES, Department head recommendation Brad Cogdill, Extension Service Agent, is chairman for the department head group and was present to provide information on the cost of living adjustment (COLA) approved at the last department meeting. He said the department heads have consistently used the Midwest regional consumer price index when recommending a COLA for the board to consider. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to authorize the use of a 2.3% salary scale adjustment for 2008 budget development purposes only. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, Approve drua task force arant application/inter-Iocal aareement with City of Farao Sheriff Paul D. Laney was present. He said an application for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds in the amount of $84,709 is ready for submission. The City of Fargo and Cass County must agree to share the funds because both are considered to be distinct jurisdictions under federal guidelines. The grant does not require a local match and the Sheriff's Department plans to use their share of $14,280 toward a narcotic-trained canine with the remaining $70,429 going to the Fargo Police Department for equipment and staff time. Sheriff Laney said in previous years the State's Attorney received a portion of the grant for the Cass County drug task force; however, the City of Fargo has discretion on how to use their portion of the grant and this year has needs in other areas. Mr. Pawluk and Mr. Bennett are concerned about the change in the grant distribution as it relates to the State's Attorney Office. Sheriff Laney said the State's Attorney is looking at other grant options and if the application and agreement are not approved today, neither the City of Fargo nor Cass County will receive any grant money. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the electronic application for the 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) on behalf of Cass County and the City of Fargo; authorize Glenn Ellingsberg from the Sheriff's Department to submit application and file subsequent electronic filings which may be required during the grant period on behalf of Cass County; and approve the inter-local agreement with the City of Fargo for sharing of these funds. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Reconvened for 2007 Chairman Wagner reconvened the 2007 Board of Tax Equalization. Frank Klein, County Tax Director, referred to his letter dated June 12, 2007, and said after the last equalization meeting, one of the six individual appeals has been withdrawn. Mr. Klein said property owned by Kathleen Onsum located at 1117 10th Avenue South in Fargo is assessed at $102,900. He said after applying the 100% homestead credit of $75,000, the net assessment is $27,900. The valuation on which the property will be taxed has decreased by 8.5%. After review, he feels the assessment is correct and recommends no action be taken on the appeal. The property owner was notified of the recommendation before today's meeting.