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 4, 2008 Board of County Commissioners Cass County Government 211 9th St. S Fargo ND 58103 2009 Budget Dear Commissioners: On September 15, 2008 you are holding a public hearing on the 2009 budget. A summary of the budget and notice of public hearing was published on August 25, 2008. Mill Levy: The mill levy is projected to stay the same for the 2009 budget (2008 levy) as it was for the 2008 budget in the General and Special Revenue Funds. The mill levy for some other boards have changed: Weed Control reduced their mill levy from 2.35 mills to 2.00; County Park mill levy went from .50 mills to .35 mills; and Southeast Cass WRD dropped their mill levy from 3.60 mills to 3.40 mills. With the increased valuation of 3.75%, the 61 mills will provide the county with $980,000 in increased revenue for 2009. New Employees: The Preliminary Budget contains funding for three new employees in the Social Service Department and an increase of the FTE percentage for some part-time positions in Social Services and the Detention Center. Total cost of position increases is $217,299 ($22,295 General Fund and $195,004 Social Services) before reimbursements from other governmental agencies. Current Employees: The budget contains funding for a 4.0% cost of living adjustment for January 1, 2009; 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. For the Preliminary Budget we increased health insurance premiums 12% over 2008 premiums. The 12% is in line with the increase in the suggested funding level recommended by the administrator of our health plan.