County Board approves 2016 Levy
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on September 15, 2015,
Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson requested approval from the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners for a proposed budget for fiscal year 2016 when the commissioners met on Sept. 15. For "truth-in-taxation" purposes, the department budgets under the County Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2016 needed approval. The motion to approve the proposed budget was made by Commissioner Dean Newland, seconded by Commissioner Neal Illies, and passed unanimously. Expenditures are expected to be $8,005,455; while revenues expected are more, at $8,776,431, both figures being slightly up from 2015.
A motion to approve the proposed 2016 levy for truth-in-taxation purposes was made by Commissioner Illies, seconded by Commissioner Newland, and passed unanimously. The net levy base is $6,674,029, which is an increase of 3.82% over last year. The Commissioners will determine the final budget and levy, which they cannot raise, but can lower them if they see ways to do so through reviewing of costs.
Board Chairman Daniel Stenseng said he sees progress in money savings to the County for personnel not being replaced.
Commissioner John Nelson suggested the Board take time to consider a better plan for weed control. He said the amount of spending for this purpose is a concern to him, and if there aren't results they need to change to a more effective approach. Chairman Stenseng said he has no problem with trying to do something about it.
Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson said that the Board approved every line item of the budget so they can be looked at again.
Commissioner Nelson said, "These are taxpayer dollars. Let's not spend them before we have the money." He suggested there may be a better time for some things when cash flow is better. Chairman Stenseng said, "That is what the Levy is all about."
Colleen Hoffman, Director of Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson brought the Countywide Consolidated Financial Statement for the Board's review. She said, "The numbers are very reliable." She said the County is in a very good position.
U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service was on the agenda requesting approval for three wetland easements in Clearwater County. Lynn Sebek, Realty Specialist from Fergus Falls, and Neil Powers, Project Leader at Tamarac Wildlife Refuge near Detroit Lakes presented the information which involved wetlands in Holst, Sinclair and Popal Townships, with a total of around 144 wetland acres.
Danielle Kepford, Realty Specialist Supervisor from Fergus Falls was also in attendance. Landowners are responsible for maintenance on their property was stated.
Lynn Sebek explained that the wetland acres remain the property of the landowners, and they continue to pay taxes. If the land should dry up on its own, the landowners may resume farming. Commissioner Nelson made the motion to approve the easements, which CommissionerArlen Syverson seconded, and was passed.
Commissioner Syverson asked what would happen if the Board did not approved the wetland easements. Neil Powers said the U.S. Fish & Wildlife would then present the request at the Land Exchange Board meeting, and do more "homework" regarding the requests. He said that it is a matter of being a good neighbor to communicate with the Board.
Commissioner Neal Illies asked if they monitor the wetlands annually. Neil Powers said, "We monitor but do not drive by the wetlands annually; but we do a fly over them on an annual basis."
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox brought a resolution fixing terms and conditions for 2015 Tax-Forfeited Land Sale, approving nine parcels of land for sale. Commissioner Dean Newland made the motion authorizing the resolution, Commissioner Illies seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Land Commissioner also received authorization to purchase a new pressure tank for the County Park water system from Neill's Plumbing and Heating for $1,371.
Environmental Services Director Dan Hecht brought a resolution for the establishment of a market price for solid waste management tax purposes, which passed. The market price is to be the lowest available in the area, and will be $36.36 per ton mile for transportation and cost per ton for disposal. This number is used to calculate the solid waste tax the county has to pay to the state.
Sheriff Darin Halverson received Board authorization to accept a donation of a 1995 Lund boat, 1995 Shoreland trailer and 50 hp four stroke Mercury outboard motor from Koch Pipeline. He said the equipment will be stored in Clearbrook, and will be available for search and rescue.
A proposal of KLD Surveying for services to remonument Public Land Survey System (PLSS) corners in Dudley, Holst and Eddy Townships was passed for the amount of $137,350. (See related article.)
Auditor-Treasurer received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $103,522 from the County Revenue Fund, and $4,929 from Nursing Service.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting.