08-18-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 18, 2008 3410 Mr. Montplaisir said in 2007 the fair association received $104,000; in 2008, $100,000; and their request for 2009 is $120,000. The county will also pay $9,800 in special assessments for the fair and historical society. Mr. Pawluk said department heads were asked to submit budget requests similar to last year; therefore, he will not support an increase in this budget for 2009. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2009 preliminary budget for the Red River Valley Fair Association in the amount of $100,000. Discussion: Mr. Bennett said the commission has cut budgets which the county is totally responsible for and believes the county has higher priorities for use of funds than the fair. He believes the county should begin decreasing the amount given to the fair each year. Mr. Wagner said the county is not in a position to micromanage outside organizations but needs to be concerned with governing procedures. Mr. Wagner suggested Mr. Schulz provide an update at a future meeting on the progress made at the fair. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Yes" and Mr. Bennett voting "No" . 8. PARK BOARD BUDGET, 2009 preliminary budaet approved at .35 mills The County Park Board met earlier today and was unable to agree on the mill levy for the 2009 budget. Mr. Vanyo supports a reduction in the mill levy because of the ample funds in the reserve, which has a projected fund balance of $71,000. According to state law, the commission may set the park levy for the county. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to lower the mill levy for the County Park from .50 mills to .35 mills in order to reduce the reserve balance. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said the decrease will reduce reserves by $9,000. Mr. Wagner said the county park is anticipated to spend more than revenues generated in 2009. Mr. Wagner is not opposed to looking at a decrease in 2010, but discussed the county's role in development of a park in Forest River Subdivision next year. Mrs. Sorum asked how much money will be saved on a $100,000 home and Mr. Montplaisir said it would amount to a 68 cent decrease. Mr. Montplaisir said the county park levy is only taxed on properties in rural townships and cities without a park district. Mr. Vanyo said the reduction does not affect $12,000 allocated for matching park grants for rural communities. On roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Yes"; Mr. Wagner and Mrs. Sorum voting "No". 9. BUDGET REVIEW, Preliminary budaet approved at 61.00 mills/public hearina set County Auditor Michael Montplaisir provided a letter, dated today, on the 2009 preliminary budget, including a fund analysis and levy summary, cost of living adjustment, health and dental insurance rates, 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 $600,000, for a total of 61.00 mills in the county's general fund. He is projecting $2.1 million in general fund reserves at the end of 2009.