08-20-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 20, 2007 3262 Mr. Wagner opened the public hearing for comments and hearing none, closed the public hearing. Mr. Rogness said a second hearing and adoption of the plan will be considered at the next commission meeting on September 4th. 8. BUDGET REVIEW, Preliminary budaet approved at 61.00 mills/public hearina set County Auditor Michael Montplaisir provided a letter, dated today, on the 2008 preliminary budget, including a fund analysis and levy summary, new positions, and a copy of the notice of hearing to be published in The Forum. He said after budget meetings held over the last two weeks, the figures presented today include an increase in expenditures over revenues of $465,000, for a total of 61.00 mills in the county's general fund. He is projecting $1.3 million in general fund reserves at the end of 2008. He received information today on health and dental insurance rates for next year and said given the county's blend of insurance plans the preliminary budget may be reduced by $148,000. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary county budget in the amount of $54,968,159 and set the preliminary mill levy at 61.00 mills for county funds and 20.45 for agency funds; and set 3:30 p.m. on September 17, 2007, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, as the time and place for the public hearing on the 2008 preliminary budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Amended contract for County Hiahway 17 desian and riaht-of- way aCQuisition Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present. Also present were Rick Lane from SRF Consulting Group and Rose Hoefs and Jenny Carlson from RM Hoefs & Associates, Inc. Mr. Berndt is requesting the commission consider an amendment to the contract with SRF Consulting Group as a result of nine additional parcels for Cass County Highway 17 design and right-of-way acquisition. The parcels were not included in the original contract and the cost of $35,730 includes $26,000 for appraisal work and $9,800 for preparation of parcel plats and legal descriptions by SRF Consulting Group. Mr. Pawluk said the average cost per parcel is higher compared to the original contract that included 52 parcels. Ms. Hoefs said the increase is partly due to a cemetery located in the area and due to the possibility of litigation issues that may arise during the appraisal process. Mr. Pawluk asked about funding the contract amendments. Mr. Berndt said the 2007 budget includes design costs and right-of-way acquisition fees that will cover the expenses. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to authorize the chairman to sign a contract amendment with SRF Consulting Group in an amount not to exceed $35,730 for the addition of nine parcels of land to be appraised that were not included in the original project for Cass County Highway 17 design and right-of- way acquisition. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.