07-27-2023 Budget Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—July 27, 2023 5755 Mr. Grindberg said he met with Mr. Cashman prior to budget hearings to discuss the RRVF's 5 year plan. He said he appreciates Mr. Cashman's passion and work so far. He said there is a need for additional funding sources and state funding, he said there is much work to do. Mr. Peterson said local legislators need to be educated on the RRVF fair needs to get state funding MOTION, passed Mr. Grindberg moved and Mr. Kapitan seconded to approve the 2024 preliminary budget for the Red River Valley Fair at $1,600,000. Discussion: Mr. Peterson said he would support half of the requested funding. Mr. Grindberg and Mr. Kapitan amended the motion to approve $800,000 for the preliminary budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 6. GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (GFMEDC) Marshall Albright, GFMEDC Chair, and Joe Raso, President and CEO of GFMEDC were present to review the 2024 GFMEDC budget. The request is for $800,000, which is up from $700,000 in 2023. Mr. Raso discussed the GFMEDC's 2022 accomplishments in business development, community development, communications, and data and analytics. He discussed various projects that were completed recently, and others that are in the pipeline. He said from 2014 to 2022 the cumulative economic effects of the GFMEDC's projects have created nearly 10,000 jobs, over $3 billion in new payroll and benefits, and $8.3 billion in sales to businesses. Mr. Raso said from 2014 to 2022 Cass County has invested $5.5 million in funding to the GFMEC and has seen a $2.8 million return on investment which is an approximate $300,000 net annual income to the County. MOTION, passed Mr. Kapitan moved and Mr. Breitling seconded to approve the 2024 preliminary budget for Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation as presented. Discussion: Mr. Grindberg said he would like to wait to act on the GFMEDC budget until after the Forward Sioux Falls and Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chaber presentations later today. Mr. Kapitan and Mr. Breitling amended the motion to table action on the 2024 GFMEDC budget. Motion passed. Mrs. Scherling asked if Mr. Raso had any information, he wanted the Commission to know going in to the presentation later from the Forward Sioux Falls program. Mr. Raso said the GFMEDC has been working with the Chamber to come up with a strategy that would benefit the region and address workforce needs. Mr. Grindberg said he would like to hear all of the economic development conversations before approving any budget funds, He said he would like to see work on a future comprehensive plan to solve workforce and other economic issues. Mr. Raso said developing a workforce strategy is taking time. He said the GFMEDC request today is to continue to invest in the GFMEDC into 2024. 7. HISTORICAL SOCIETY Beth Jansen, Executive Director of the Cass County Historical Society (Bonanzaville) was present to review the 2024 Historical Society budget. The request is for $240,000, no change from 2023. Ms. Jansen said Bonanzaville has worked to overcome many building repair challenges in 2022 and 2023 and is increasing revenue and annual profits each year. She said 2025 allocated funds will be used $190,000 for general operation costs and $50,000 for special projects. Ms. Jansen said Dawson Hall and the old carriage building need to be demolished. She said Arthur Town Hall, the only building representing rural Cass County has been closed since 2021 and needs $500,000 in repairs. MOTION, passed Mr. Breitling moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to approve the 2024 preliminary budget for the Cass County Historical Society as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. FARGO CASS PUBLIC HEALTH FCPH Operations