At the December 17 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the final 2020 budget and levy was approved with no real changes from the preliminary numbers.
County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman reported the numbers: the total 2020 budget is $32,872,530, which includes the tax levy, other sources of revenue, and state and federal funding. The final levy payable in 2020 totals $11,196,215, which is a 3.49% increase over 2019. The county’s portion of the levy is $11,076,442 and the state portion (disparity aid) is $119,773.
Department of Human Services accounting error
Kevin Olson, social services, led a discussion concerning overpayments made to counties and tribes over a period of years. The overpayments involved Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD).
Governor Tim Walz has said he wants to hold counties and tribes harmless for the overpayments. Mistakes were made at the state level allowing approval of federal funding for unapproved payments for addiction treatments. Walz will ask legislators to find other ways to pay the federal government back, rather than require counties and tribes to pay back the overpayments.
The Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) is recommending counties refuse to pay back the overpayments, at this point. Chairman Duane Bakke said it is best that all 87 counties hold together on this. Fillmore County’s bill is $29,000, which is a very small fraction of the total overpayments made.
A motion was approved to send a letter to DHS commissioner Jodi Harpstead as recommended by both Olson and AMC.
Refugee Resettlement
An executive order was issued last September by President Trump that requires state and local governments to provide written consent to the federal government before refugees can be resettled in their jurisdictions. The order is to go into effect June 2020. This consent only applies to “initial placement.” Refugees will be allowed to relocate to any community. But, the federal funding provided to support the initial resettlement will not follow them to a jurisdiction which has not given written consent. This involves people who arrive through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
No decision was made this day. The board can do nothing, which would be the same as no consent, they could do a letter of non-consent, or they could draft a letter of consent. Commissioner Randy Dahl favored submitting a letter of consent. He argued that federal funding will not follow a refugee that initially resettled in Olmsted County, for example, if Fillmore County does not submit a letter of consent. Bakke appeared to agree. Olson recommended submitting the letter of consent.
Dahl said the whole thing is “BS.” There is no reason for the federal government to make us do this. It is not who we are as Americans. It is totally political. Olson noted resettlement is very rare. Bakke asked if we are equipped to work with refugees? Olson said they would not be placed here without support.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said this should be worked out between the governor and the president. We should not have to choose. There seemed to be agreement that this is just political. Lentz said we are always going to do what is right. Dahl recommended they consent regardless of the political implications.
Governor Walz has rejected the intent of the executive order. Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined 12 other state attorney generals in the filing of an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit filed in Maryland federal court. The lawsuit is an effort to block the new policy, which allows refugees to resettled only if the state and local officials consent.
Olson noted the deadline to submit a letter is late in January.
During the “Citizens Input” portion two citizens expressed their views on this subject. Bonita Underbakke, Holt Township, maintained all are constitutionally allowed to move freely between states, counties, and cities. It is scary if local governments can choose who gets to come and live here. Pastor Pam Seebach, Newburg Township, encouraged the board to support refugee resettlement. They should have the same opportunity as we have had, that our ancestors had.
Other business in brief
•County Engineer Ron Gregg requested and received approval to pay delivery costs for TDA Green Aggregate (shredded tires, light weight fill), which is to be one component used in the construction of the land bridge on CSAH 5. There is no cost for the material. The material will be stored at the Chatfield shop. The cost of delivery is $20,944. The land bridge project will begin in the spring of 2020.
•Weed control spraying was completed in the north half of the county this year including CR 12, which is the dividing line. The spraying cost $43,190. The applicator recommended not mowing prior to spraying.
•Approval was given to purchase a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV from a Spring Valley Chevrolet dealer. The cost before motor vehicle taxes and fees is $24,483. The vehicle will be purchased without trade pending approval of the use of feedlot grant dollars for the purchase.
•Drew Hatzenbihler, sanitation, asked the board to consider updated pricing and an increased tipping fee ($100/ton) for 2020. Some new fees were discussed like an additional $20 for unsecured loads and $20 for special handling. The fee schedule was approved by the Sanitation Committee. Some concern was expressed about additional fees, which may cause some individuals to dump in ditches to avoid fees. The fees were approved as presented. Bakke voted against.
•Approval was given to purchase 18 replacement Axon Tasers as requested by Sheriff John DeGeorge. He said they are a great tool for his officers. The total cost of $26,190 will be paid over five years with a payment of $5,238 per year. DeGeorge expects to pay for the tasers with DWI forfeiture funds.
A service agreement for 2020 with Motorola was approved. The cost in the amount of $9,068.16 will be paid out of 911 grant funds.
A service contract with Ancom for 2020 was approved. The cost in the amount of $17,221.20 will be paid for out of 911 grant funds.
•Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones said she sent in an estimated cost for the Presidential Nomination Primary to be held on March 3, a week before the township elections. The county will be reimbursed for presidential primary costs.
Jones updated the board on a state of Minnesota Election Grant. If the county receives this grant money it will be used for a new voter assistance tool for hearing or sight impaired voters. The application needs to be submitted by the end of January.
Jones reviewed the responsibilities of her office. She requested a salary of $94,932 for 2020, which is 95% of the 2019 regional average plus a cost of living increase.
Bakke commented on the Truth in Taxation hearing, noting that many came in because of questions about their property valuation. He encouraged anyone that feels their property valuation doesn’t look right to come in and talk to someone in the assessor’s office.
•County Recorder David Kiehne reviewed the responsibilities of his office. He requested a salary for 2020 in the amount of $76,000.
•Kristina Kohn, human resources, presented a list of phone stipends for 2020. The total of all the stipends listed came to $13,100. It was approved as presented. Lentz voted no, saying he was against reimbursements for cell phones.
•Vickerman was authorized to work on an agreement with Winona County regarding a contract for a temporary county assessor.
•Vickerman was authorized to draft a contract for office space for the Women’s Shelter.
•A 2020 salary increase of 2.5% was approved for non-union positions.
•The 2020 contract with Workforce Development, Inc. was approved. Olson said they do a really good job for us. The contract is for employment and training services authorized by MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) and Diversionary Work Program (DWP).
The 2020 contract with Hiawatha Valley for case management was approved. The 2020 Targeted Case Management with Zumbro Valley Mental Health was approved. The board approved 2020 Crisis Management between the county and Zumbro Valley Mental Health (for detox). The contracts were generally at the same rates as last year.
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