08-15-2012 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—August 15, 2012 4046 10. VALLEY WATER RESCUE Valley Water Rescue volunteers Pete Fendt and Sherry Johnson were present to discuss the proposed budget for their organization. They are requesting $34,290 for 2013. Ms. Johnson said they used the funds provided by Cass County for the 2012 budget to purchase a Sonar device, which has proved to be a valuable piece of equipment and has been used several times. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to approve the 2013 preliminary budget for Valley Water Rescue as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11. RECESS The Commission recessed for lunch at 11:35 AM. 12. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 1:00 PM for further budget review with all members present. 13. SOCIAL SERVICES Chip Ammerman, Director of Social Services, was present. Also present were Jerry Skjonsby, Alice Swenson, Pat Podoll, DeLana Duffy-Aziz, Connie Cleveland and Mary Denis. Mr. Ammerman distributed a handout and presented a power point which outlined their budget for 2013. They are requesting six additional staff including: one Legal Secretary; one (SNAP) EWI Position; two EWI Positions-Aged and Disable Unit; one EW Supervisor-Aged and Disabled Unit; and one HCBS Social Worker II. Mr. Ammerman said he reviewed mandated services and although adult services for vulnerable adults and crisis services for families are not mandated, he emphasized that discontinuing both services would create a significant impact on the community. One example of service reduction that would happen is the service in which case workers deliver needed medical equipment to elderly and disabled when they do not have another means to get the equipment. Other cuts Mr. Ammerman presented include delaying the replacement of computer equipment; the purchase of additional cubicles; cutting sponsorships; delaying the purchase of a copier; staff training and postage. Mr. Vanyo said he is not in favor of delaying or cutting equipment purchases needed to keep the organization running smoothly. Mr. Ammerman said the expenditures continue to rise due to the influx of new cases. He said if the six new employees were to be hired, to make room for new staff some case workers would be home based and have shared office space on site. The preliminary 2013 Social Service budget reflects a 2 mill increase. Mr. Wagner expressed concern of a 2 mill increase stating that if the increase continues at that rate within 5 years Social Services will experience an increase of 10 mills. He said if this issue is going to be resolved it may be necessary to ask the state for funding. Mr. Pawluk said this is an issue which needs to be addressed by the state and services may need to be restricted if the state is not willing to help. Mr. Ammerman stated these service restrictions that may be the result of limiting staff additions will be reviewed and presented to the Social Welfare Board at their September meeting.