DECATUR COUNTY COUNCIL

AUGUST 21, 2007

Budget Hearings


The Decatur County Council opened their August 21st, 2007 budget hearings with the following present; Ernest Gauck, President, Rheadawn Metz, Rose Hellmich, Geneva Hunt, Larry Meyer, Ken Owens and Kenneth Hooten.

Sheriff Daryl Templeton discussed County Misdemeanant budget and expenditures he has offset by using this fund. Sheriff Templeton also requested one new officer in his Sheriff’s budget. Workloads; traffic reports; and papers served were discussed. Thanked council members for deputy raises given last year. He had no deputy’s leave for more money somewhere else. Courthouse security office was discussed.

Frank Cummings was available for questions of the council and made recommendations to members and left it opened for questions. Mr. Cummings recommended 6.2 million on the adoption on the county general fund.

Auditor – Bridgett Weber discussed the combining of printing and office supplies appropriations; thanked council members for allowing her to have enough furniture and equipment for 2007 to purchase one new workstation. Mrs. Weber is requesting the same for 2008 to purchase the last workstation in her office.

Assessor – Tami Wenning was unable to present her budget but if any questions she can be contacted if necessary.

GIS – Tim Ortman discussed purchasing the first computer and software for new offices using GIS. Also gave council members an update on how well the office workflows have been with the GIS tool.

Treasurer- Rita Burkert discussed printing costs that have not been determined. She will be required to send out a comparison bill. Mrs. Burkert also requested purchasing financial software for her office as well as the Auditor.

Soil & Water – Jon Martin asked council to consider bringing the assistant up with the deputies salaries. Operating budget remained the same.

Washington Township Assessor – Francis Geis asked for raise for his deputy.

Clerk – Janet Chadwell stated the Manatron support contract can be taken out of the budget. Commissioners have asked departments to budget for their own software support. Mrs. Chadwell requested the purchase of workstations for her office.

Election Budget kept in line with last year.

Health – Carol Beck asked that the Local Health Maintenance Budget not be cut. Health budget requested salary increase of about 10 percent; Furniture and equipment for copier purchase. A slight increase has been requested across the board.

Park & Recreation – Bob Barker presented an annual report for 2006 and 2007. Mr. Barker discussed the possibility of having to hire part time help to operate the concession stand at the Sports Complex.

Emergency Management- Pam Blasdel provided a report to give council members with information up through 2008. Would like to see EMA Director become a full-time position but would definitely like the council to consider a part-time assistant to help her with all the requirements of the EMA Office. Ms. Blasdel discussed the generator expenses that she was unaware of in the past. The generator is portable and can be used anywhere in the county.

Extension Office – 2 ½ Educators instead of 2 for 2008. Mileage and Office Supplies would need to be increased for the extra half educator.

Family & Children – Tracey Eggleston discussed where her monies are being spent and her requests for 2008.

Circuit Court Judge Westhafer discussed Guardian Ad Litem was increased. The amount is the state allowable amount.

Recorder – Mary Vail discussed maintenance contract monies being moved over to individual office budgets.

Area Plan – David Neuman asked for raises for the board members to $45.00 a meeting, training, full-time clerical, legal staff. Would like to keep maintenance on copier just because of the individual maintenance visit costs are high.

Prosecutor – William O. Smith discussed property tax issues. Mr. Smith kept in line with last years budget. Explained to council members how Child Support 4-D works. Child Support Division received an award from the state for running an efficient office. Mr. Smith discussed salary issues that are unfair mentioning Sara Volk in his office and Coroner job being full-time work at part-time pay; along with the County Auditor having different responsibilities than other office holders

Highway Department – Mark Mohr discussed how the state will make cuts to his budget based on the amount state provides in gasoline tax. Cum Bridge will continue to use budgeted amounts without having to ask for additionals every month. $3000 raise for Superintendents, $1515 for secretary and .75 for hourly employees was requested for 2008.

Tourism - Melanie Maxwell excited that the Hampton Inn has decided to locate in Decatur County. Professional Services have been increased and insurance. Ms. Maxwell explained how her budgeting works to council members.


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Ernest J. Gauck, President

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Attest: ___________________________
Date: ____________________________