05-04-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-May 4, 2009 3511 Flood Property Acquisition Local Match County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said in 1997 a grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paid the 15% local match for flood buyouts. He said based on assessed property valuations and other associated costs, the estimated local match could be between $5 million and $7.5 million; however, he believes the actual cost to the county will be less than this estimate. The Flood Buyout Program Committee met last week and approved a recommendation for the county to provide the local match. The committee feels applications will be viewed more favorably if the county provides the local match since the state and federal government are also contributing to the program. Mr. Bennett asked about possible HUD funding this year. Mr. Rustad said he is unsure if HUD monies will be available to the county. Mr. Montplaisir said the 15% match would be paid over the next three years. He said the funds could come from a mill levy or other financing options. He anticipates the county will have on-going flood costs for a number of years and suggests the board consider a mill levy dedicated to flood expenses. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the recommendation of the Flood Buyout Program Committee that Cass County provide the 15% local match for property acquisitions. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk said the Flood Buyout Program Committee may have to prioritize certain areas on the list and balance the need with the dollars available. Mr. Vanyo asked if the motion includes the cities of Briarwood and Oxbow. Mr. Montplaisir said the committee felt a large portion of each city's tax base would be removed with property buyouts, making it difficult for either one to provide the local match and the committee agreed the county would provide the local match for Briarwood and Oxbow. Mr. Wagner said the motion includes the two cities since they were part of the committee's recommendation. Mr. Bennett asked about using money from the county building fund to cover the local match. Mr. Wagner believes it is premature to decide where the money will come from and said the issue will need to be discussed during the budget process. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Wagner, Mr. Pawluk and Mr. Vanyo voting "Yes" and Mr. Bennett voting "No". 7. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Contracts approved for three road projects Mr. Pawluk asked to discuss this item on the regular agenda because of his concerns about expenses incurred as a result of flood damage to roads and the expenses associated with three scheduled road projects. He knows the box culvert replacement and bituminous overlay are federal stimulus projects. He asked about the funding status for the concrete white topping project. Tom Soucy from the Highway Department was present. Mr. Soucy said the white topping project will receive 80% federal funding. The other two stimulus projects are 100% federally funded.