Four departmental budgets were reviewed at the county board’s July 25 meeting.
Terry Schultz, Facilities Maintenance supervisor, detailed budgets for the Building Maintenance department and Infrastructure. The proposed Building Maintenance budget is about $20,000 higher than the 2023 budget, or $563,195 for 2024. The increase is mostly due to gross salaries and the county health contribution. There is a small increase for equipment.
Schultz noted the courthouse remodel is now 19 years old and the county office building is 24 years old.
A total of $150,000 will be budgeted for Infrastructure for building improvements. Schultz said there are plans for the future replacement of the AC unit on the office building. He also plans to bring in quotes for EIFS (exterior insulation finishing system) and roof and sidewalk repairs.
Jason McCaslin, assessor, said the two biggest increases for the assessor department are due to gross salaries and health contribution. His budget is roughly $45,000 higher than for 2023, or a little over $603,000. He cut overtime out of the 2024 budget. He increased the assessment fees for 2024 by 3%. Costs for required continuing education and licensing are included.
McCaslin explained getting use of a county vehicle for his staff is normally not an issue. His staff often uses a vehicle assigned to Zoning. He requested that his staff have priority use of this vehicle. The board was in agreement with his request.
Jason Marquardt, Veteran Services officer, presented his budget with little changed other than salary increases. His 2024 proposed budget totals $146,901, or an increase of about $12,000 over 2023. Marquardt said he expects to receive the same $10,000 grant from the state as has been received in past years.
Marquardt noted he had applied for and recently received notice that his department has been approved to receive a state grant ($37,635) for a transportation vehicle.
Other business in brief
• A Medical Consultant Contract between the county and Dr. Michelle Rein was approved. Jessica Erickson, Public Health director, said Dr. Rein wishes to provide her services as a medical consultant at no cost to the county or the Community Health Board. She will start on August 1.
• An access permit was approved for Mark and Sandra Oeltjen to expand (16 feet to 28 feet) their existing driveway to CR 8 in Section 16 of Spring Valley Township. The widening of the driveway is necessary to accommodate trucks and machinery.
• A Master agreement between the state of Minnesota, acting through its Department of Public Safety on behalf of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the county for access to the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network was approved. County Attorney Brett Corson said the five-year agreement allows his office and the sheriff’s office access. A resolution approving the joint powers agreements on behalf of its county attorney and sheriff was adopted.
• The county board will meet next on August 1.
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