08-10-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 10, 2007 3245 MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for Emergency Management. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 5. GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Brian Walters, President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), was present. The budget request of one mill is the same as last year. There was discussion on the growth plan initiative and whether the mill levy may be decreased if the sales tax is approved. Mr. Pawluk said one of the main complaints he receives from constituents relates to high property taxes and he asked if a portion of the sales tax may be used to fund operations. Mr. Vanyo also agreed this issue needs to be considered and that a reduction in the mill levy may enhance the appeal of the sales tax for voters. Mr. Walters said the executive board prefers to leave the structure at one mill-their board is unsure if the public would support GFMEDC salaries being paid from sales tax. Mr. Wagner said the growth plan is a bold statement and needs to stand on its own merit; therefore, he supports separate funding for the initiative and for operations. Mr. Walters said a healthy accountability exists with the current structure of one mill because he is required to appear before the county commission to answer any questions and be held accountable. Recently, he has received phone calls regarding the growth plan initiative and the personal benefit he may receive. He presently is able to answer these types of questions by explaining his salary will not be paid by the sales tax. Mrs. Sorum is concerned about how operations will be funded after the tax expires in twelve years if the mill is decreased. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development for one mill or approximately $400,000 for administrative support activities. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 6. RURAL AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION Daryl Lahren, Ken Habiger, Dick Sinner, Dan Ehlen, and Mike Drees were present from rural area ambulance services. Their budget request of $145,000 is the same as last year. Mr. Lahren said they are excited about the new paging system. They continue to have recruitment problems but are looking at different options to help with this issue. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for the Cass County Rural Ambulance Association in the amount of $145,000. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.