08-08-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 8, 2007 3237 SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 8, 2007 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Chairman Scott Wagner called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM with all members present as follows: Scott Wagner, Robyn Sorum, Ken Pawluk, Darrell Vanyo and Vern Bennett. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Administrator Bonnie Johnson and Accountants Mary Matheson and Alicia Hoellein. 2. BUDGET OVERVIEW, 2008 budaet summary Mr. Montplaisir gave an overview of the 2008 preliminary budget, with the mill levy at 61.00 mills, the same as last year. He said the county should end 2007 with approximately five million dollars in reserves in the general and special revenue funds. The construction fund for an addition to the Courthouse currently has $8.4 million with an estimated balance of $9.3 million including interest earnings at the end of 2007. The projected valuation for 2008 is $427 million, or approximately 8% higher than last year. Mr. Montplaisir spoke about the Human Service Fund stating that the levy is computed at the same level as last year, 18 mills. One factor affecting the fund is the state take-over of the Regional Child Support Office. The 2008 budget includes $57,210 to payoff vacation and sick leave transferred to the state. Mr. Montplaisir reviewed employee compensation figures for 2008. He stated that employee salaries and benefits comprise 50% of the general and special revenue fund budgets, not including new employees. The commission approved a 2.3% increase to the salary scale for budgeting purposes. Mr. Montplaisir said the county sponsors health and dental insurance under a self-funding arrangement and the budget includes a 12% increase in premiums. Blue Cross Blue Shield has not provided a formal rate quote at this time but, he hopes to receive one before the final approval of the preliminary budget. Debt service and capital proiect funds Mr. Montplaisir talked about debt service funds, which are a result from citizens initiating improvements within their subdivision. The county levies special assessments against property owners to generate funds to payoff the bond debt. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for Debt Service Funds in the amount of $96,682. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The capital project funds are divided into two groups and the first group is capital project funds connected with some of the debt service funds previously mentioned. The second are capital projects including the jail and future building funds. He said no motion is necessary for the capital project budget.