06-19-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—June 19, 2023 5731 MOTION, passed Mr. Breitling moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to authorize County Staff to draft an agreement with Fargo Cass Public Health, the City of Fargo, and the City of West Fargo for combining Opioid Litigation Funds. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11. JAIL, Inmate housing cost increased County Sheriff Jesse Jahner was present and said Jail Administrator, Andy Frobig has compiled information related to daily inmate housing rates at the Cass County Jail. He said the cost study was conducted for the purpose of determining and proposing appropriate daily rates for inmate housing effective in 2024. Mr. Jahner said the study results show the actual expense to the county for housing prisoners in 2021 was $110.34 per inmate per day and in 2022 was $114.38. The current rate for federal prisoners is $75 per day based on a contract that took effect in 2013. The current rate charged to other counties, the State of North Dakota, and other municipal courts is $85 per day that was established in January of 2020. Mr. Peterson said the actual cost to house inmates has been much higher than the cost charged to other entities to house inmates for several years. He said it is important the cost per day for outside agencies be increased to accurately reflect the actual cost. Mr. Frobig was present and said the cost per inmate was calculated utilizing 2022 figures, he said costs would likely be higher for 2023 due to inflation. He said effective in 2024, various other North Dakota Law Enforcement Agencies are increasing their daily housing rates to $100. Mr. Grindberg asked if the decision to raise the inmate housing rate needs to be approved at the Board meeting today. Mr. Jahner said he brought the item forward now in order for the Board to make a decision and if a decision is made to raise rates, the Sheriff's Office can inform other law enforcement agencies of the increase in time for their budget planning. Mrs. Scherling asked how much the County charges to house federal inmates. Mr. Frobig said the current rate for federal inmates is $75. He said the contract is eligible for negotiation this year and the negation process is extensive. Mr. Grindberg moved and Mr. Breitling seconded to authorize the Cass County Sheriffs Office to raise the daily Cass County Jail Inmate Housing rate from 85.00 to $120.00 per day per inmate and the rate may be adjusted by the Board if needed. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 12. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Action tabled, Board will reconvene on JulyStn Mr. Wilson said the County Board of Equalization meeting for 2023 was held at the Board's last meeting and was scheduled to reconvene at the Board's meeting today. He said the Director of Tax Equalization, Paul Fracassi was not able to attend the meeting today and proposed action be tabled to the Board's next meeting. Mr. Wilson said the action to postpone reconvening the Board of Equalization was approved by the State. Mr. Peterson said he supports tabling action until Mr. Fracassi is able to attend and answer any questions the Board may have. Mrs. Scherling asked if property owners are able to address the Board at the next meeting when the Board of Equalization is reconvened. Mr. Peterson said the last meeting was the opportunity for property owners to appeal their valuations and address their concerns with the Board. He said after the first meeting, the Tax Equalization Office meets with property owners and reviews the property. He said the second meeting is then when the Tax Director gives the Board a recommendation. MOTION, passed Mrs. Scherling moved and Mr. Kapitan seconded to table action on the County Board of Equalization and reconvene the Board on Wednesday, July 5th during the regular meeting of the Cass County Board of Commissioners. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.