1. Budget hearing - Laserfiche WebLink

CASSCOUNlY GOVERNMENT ..I.. Auditor Re: Michael Montplaisir, CPA 701-241-5601 Treasurer Charlotte Sandvik 701-241-5611 Director of Equalization Frank Klein 701-241-5616 Box 2806 211 Ninth Street South Fargo, North Dakota 58103 Fax 701-241-5728 www.casscountynd.gov September 6, 2007 Board of County Commissioners Cass County Government 211 9th St. S Fargo ND 58103 2008 Budget Dear Commissioners: On September 17, 2007 you are holding a public hearing on the 2008 budget. A summary of the budget and notice of public hearing was published on August 20, 2007. Some changes have been made to the budget for health insurance and dental insurance rates since the preliminary budget was approved. The preliminary budget was published at $54,968,159; however, the budget now stands at $54,753,452 after adjustments for decreased health insurance and increased dental premiums than what was originally budgeted. Mill Levy: The mill levy is projected to stay the same for the 2008 budget (2007 levy) as it was for the 2007 budget. We have made some changes: we decreased the mill levy for the Social Service Fund by one-half mill and the Emergency Fund by one-half mill and added that one mill to the General Fund. With the increased valuation of 8%, the 61 mills will provide the county with $1.9 million in increased revenue for 2008. New Employees: The budget as it currently stands contains funding for nine new employees at a cost of $557,585 before reimbursements from other governmental agencies. These include positions in the Sheriff, Jail, States Attorney, and Social Service Departments. Current Employees: The budget contains funding for a 2.3% cost of living adjustment for January 1, 2008; step increases on employee employment anniversary dates; and increases in both health and dental coverage. Health Insurance Premiums: Health Insurance Premiums are paid by departments into the Health Insurance Fund from which our claims, administrative costs, and reinsurance premiums are paid. Due to lower than expected increases in our health insurance costs for 2008 and the healthy balance projected for the Health Insurance Fund, increases in the premiums for health insurance were kept at a minimum. There will some changes in the plan coverage, co-pays, and maximum out of pocket expenses for employees.