08-17-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 17, 2000 2170 DEPARTMENT HEADS--PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST 17, 2000 MEETING TO ORDER Vice Chairman Paul Koenig reconvened the budget meeting at 8:00 AM on August 17, 2000, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Donna Schneider, Robbie Quick, Alon Wieland and Paul Koenig. Commissioner John Meyerwas absent. Also present were County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson, and accountants Deb Ness and Patti Richards. BUDGET REVIEW Customs Service Mayor Bruce Furness was present and gave a history of how Customs Service began as well as its expenses over the years. He suggested in the future that government units involved with Customs Service meet to discuss the formula used for cost figuring. The Commission discussed how the Fargo Airport may become an international airport. Mr. Furness said Senator Byron Dorgan is pursuing this, however, he feels if delegates from Minnesota become involved, this may help the process. Economic Development John Kramer, Executive Director of Fargo Cass County Economic Development, was present to discuss the budget for his agency. Also present was Jim Howe. Mr. Kramer briefly discussed the Growth Initiative Fund, which is at $6.9 million with $900,000 committed to companies under the PACE program. Mr. Kramer also discussed economic development and said between 800 to 1,000 jobs were created this year. He said there is a shortage of skilled workers and said a new labor recruitment program is being developed for next year. His agency is requesting an increase for next year with the funds from the increase to go toward labor recruitment. The commissioners were supportive of the increase if it goes for labor recruitment and job training. The commission would like the mill levy to stay at 2.75 mills, the same as last year. The auditor's office will compute the figures to bring back to the commission. Extension Services/Parenting Resource Center Mrs. Schneider said she and Brad Cogdill met to discuss his budget and she did not have any concerns. Mr. Cogdill reviewed his budget and said there were few changes from last year. He also discussed staffing changes with the vacancies left by Pam Bernstein and Connie Weed. Road & Bridge Keith Berndt reviewed his budget and discussed some of the major construction projects for 2001. He said his budget includes $400,000 to asphalt the parking lot at the Highway Department as well as $125,000 to construct a salt storage building. The City of West Fargo would also pay $125,000 and would share the storage building. Mr. Koenig asked if an agreement may be worked out with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (N DDOT) to share their salt. Mr. Berndt said he spoke with the state and he did not sense an openness to this concept due to cost accountability issues.