08-10-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 10, 2007 3244 RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 10, 2007 1. MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Scott Wagner reconvened the budget meeting at 11 :05 AM on August 10, 2007, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Robyn Sorum, Ken Pawluk, Vern Bennett, Darrell Vanyo and Scott Wagner. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Administrator Bonnie Johnson and Accountants Mary Matheson and Alicia Hoellein. 2. SOCIAL SERVICES The Cass County Social Service Board met from 9:00 AM to 11 :00 AM today and reviewed the 2008 budget. 3. VETERANS SERVICE Jim Brent, Veterans Service Officer, was present. His budget increased significantly from last year due to a request for one additional employee, lease of office space, and a replacement copier. He provided pictures of the current office structure and two proposals for lease of office space. The office consists of four staff and he said there is not enough space for employees or file storage. Mr. Vanyo said the commission needs to make a decision on whether the county wants to consider off-site office space as well as using the space occupied by Regional Child Support, which is now a state function. Mr. Pawluk said the board needs to decide on the most efficient use of the current space. Mr. Wagner said the number of staff in the Veterans Service Office has doubled over the last five years. He asked if Mr. Brent considered either electronic storage of files or off-site storage of records. Mr. Brent said the current software used for their filing program is not reliable. Terry Schmaltz, Information Technology Coordinator, was present and said their office is in the process of converting to a different program; he estimates the process of scanning all the files may take up to one year. Mr. Vanyo said the request for an additional employee and the lease of office space are related and suggested a decision on the two items be delayed at this time. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for Veterans Service with the exception of the additional employee and lease of office space to be decided at a later time. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 4. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Dave Rogness, Emergency Manager, was present. He said one change from last year is an $8,585 COPS grant match to cover costs for spare parts and planning expenses for the interoperable radio project. He discussed an increase of $15,600 in the temporary employment line item; however, the county only serves as a pass through agency to cover 50% of salary for the City of Fargo Emergency Manager. The 2008 budget request is $188,761.