05-19-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-May 19, 2008 3359 Mr. Wagner suggested this issue be discussed at a future Road Advisory Committee meeting and Mr. Pawluk suggested the Sheriffs Department be invited to provide input. 8. BUDGET CALENDAR FOR 2009, Discussed Mr. Montplaisir said the 2009 budget calendar distributed to the board uses the same schedule as last year. August 1st is the deadline for departments to submit their budgets and final approval of the budget must be completed by the first meeting in October. He said the taxable valuation of the county will increase by 3.74%, compared to around 9% in previous years. Mr. Pawluk does not want to raise the mill levy rate and feels it is not unreasonable to maintain the same budget levels as last year and hold the line on increases. He discussed revenue sources and suggested fees not set by state law be reviewed to generate additional revenue for the county. Mr. Wagner believes the county has been good stewards with taxpayer dollars and suggested departments work within the percentage of taxable valuation increase. Mr. Montplaisir said the valuation accounts for 50% of revenues with the remainder generated through state and federal dollars. Mr. Vanyo is not opposed to taking a different approach during the budget process. He said parameters would need to be set in order for departments to understand commission expectations. He is willing to ask departments to submit budgets at the same level as last year and include a list of additional items for consideration. Mr. Bennett said departments need to identify their needs versus their wants, but believes department heads should be allowed to submit future goals to the commission. Mr. Montplaisir suggested a letter be included with the budget manual to address the concerns of the upcoming budget year. Mr. Pawluk said he will work with the auditor to draft a letter. 9. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve Voucher No. 226,485 through Voucher No. 226,910. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. ANNEX PLUMBING REPAIRS; LEGISLATIVE HEARING; YOUTH COMMISSION EVENT; PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION HEARING, Committee reports Bonnie Johnson, County Administrator, said a section of cast iron pipe was replaced between the Annex basement kitchen and mechanical area earlier this month. She said a section still needs to be replaced between the large conference room and the mechanical area and received an estimate of $11,830 for the repair. She said if sufficient funds are available in this year's budget, she will schedule the repair over the Veteran's Day holiday. Mrs. Johnson plans to attend a legislative hearing scheduled for June 11, 2008, on merit system amendments and with commission authorization, will provide testimony.