09-15-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-September 15, 2008 3420 6. BUDGET, Public hearina on 2009 preliminary budaet; final budaet approved A public hearing was advertised for this date, time and place to allow for public input on the 2009 Cass County preliminary budget. Notice of today's hearing, containing the budget funds and levy summary for the coming year, was published in the official newspaper of the county on August 25, 2008. Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, referred to a letter dated September 4, 2008, which included information about new employee requests, cost of living adjustment, health and dental insurance rates and fund reserves. He also provided an updated budget and levy summary for 2009. The projected mill levy is 61.00 mills, the same as last year, but with an increased valuation of 3.75%, the mills will provide $980,000 in increased revenues. Mr. Pawluk opened the public hearing for comments, and hearing none, closed the public hearing. Mr. Wagner asked about excess funds and the possibility of transferring them into the building fund. Mr. Montplaisir said at this time, an excess does not exist; however, if in January or February it is determined actual year-end balances are above anticipated year- end balances, the difference could be transferred into the building fund. Mr. Pawluk asked the sheriff and county engineer to review their fuel costs. The sheriff provided a reduction of $25,000 and the engineer provided a reduction of $100,000. Mr. Wagner is concerned with decreasing the fuel costs for these departments and referred to recent fuel shortages in the area as well as oil refineries closed due to the hurricane last week. It appears the sheriff and engineer used an estimate of $3.50 per gallon and as of today, gas is around $3.55 per gallon. Mr. Wagner does not support the reductions. Mrs. Sorum also is concerned with lowering fuel costs for both departments considering today's gas prices. Mr. Pawluk said cost per barrel of crude oil continues to drop compared to a few months ago. He asked if either the sheriff or engineer buys fuel in bulk quantities. Lt. Colonel Glenn Ellingsberg was present and said their department does purchase in bulk and does not pay federal taxes on fuel. Mr. Ellingsberg noted in 2008 their department used $3.00 per gallon for budgeting purposes, and they will be over budget by $12,000 this year for fuel costs. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2009 Cass County Budget in the amount of $53,496,755 and a mill levy of 61.00 mills for General and Special Revenue Funds of the county, 2.00 mills for the Weed Control District, 1.00 mill for the Vector Control District, .35 mills for the County Park District, 3.40 mills for the Southeast Cass Water Resource District, and 4.00 mills for the Rush River, Maple River, and North Cass Water Resource Districts, and 1.00 mill for the Red River Joint Water Resource District. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Bennett voting "Yes" and Mr. Pawluk voting "No" .