08-15-2012 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—August 15, 2012 4044 The Sheriff's Department currently rents office space for patrol staff and would like to rent adjacent garage space for an additional $7,500 per year which would be used to store spare equipment for the squad cars. The total annual cost for both the office space and garage would be $48,000. Included in the 2013 budget is a line item for Lexipol. Lexipol is a policy and procedure package of best practices which are used by law enforcement across the country. The first year cost for the sheriff's department is $11,950, however; after the first year the annual costs should drop and this cost could be less depending on legislative action. Mr. Vanyo questioned the budget line item for inmate medical costs $382,036. Sheriff Laney said there is really not a clear cut answer as inmate medical costs are dependent on the inmates and illnesses that occur within the inmate population. MOTION, failed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to reduce the inmate medical expenses line item by $50,000 to $332,036. Discussion: Mr. Bennett asked if the use of the nursing staff has helped to alleviate the need for the ambulance service. Ms. Tollefson said the nursing staff is a valuable resource. Mr. Pawluk asked if there has been research on providing nursing care at the jail 24 hours per day. Ms. Tollefson said they have had discussions regarding this many times. The motion failed with Mr. Pawluk and Mr. Vanyo voting in favor. Opposed were: Mr. Wagner, Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Sorum. Sheriff Laney said the personnel structure at the jail has seen ongoing changes in an effort to allow for leadership growth. Each division is led by a captain and Sheriff Laney has included the promotion of one of the sergeant positions to a lieutenant in 2013. Sheriff Laney showed a power point presentation which highlighted activity at the Cass County Jail over the past 15 months. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2013 preliminary budget for the Sheriff's Department as presented. Discussion: Mr. Wagner said he has appreciated working with the staff from the Sheriff's Department over the years. Mr. Bennett asked if alternative methods for security at the Courthouse and Annex have been researched. Mr. Laney replied this has been looked into several times, and the current method provides the best security and is the best use of the budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 6. STATE'S ATTORNEY Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, was present and provided an overview and outlined the preliminary 2013 budget for the State's Attorney Office. He said the 2013 State's Attorney budget reflects no significant change. He explained the $3,000 line item for travel covers travel expenses for witnesses and the cost is offset by reimbursement from the Attorney General.