The Board of Commissioners, in and for the County of ... - Scott County

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September 13, 2011 Commissioner Wagner left the meeting at 11:06 a.m. and returned at 11:11 a.m. PAGE 6 C. In a related item, Mr. Hingeveld presented the Spring Lake Regional Trail Master Plan. This Master Plan addresses the Spring Lake Regional Trail search area which was recognized for regional connections in the Scott County 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update and the Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. The adoption of this Master Plan allows Scott County to preserve the trail corridor through the land development process and makes Scott County eligible for regional parks and trails funding for future projects as identified in this Plan. Commissioner Menden moved, seconded by Commissioner Ulrich to approve the Spring Lake regional Trail Master Plan and authorize submitting the Plan to the Metropolitan Council. Motion carried unanimously. (10) Sustain the County’s Excellent Financial Health and Economic Profile: A. Natural Resources Program Manager Paul Nelson reviewed the proposed preliminary 2012 budget and levy for the Scott Watershed Management Organization (WMO) Special Taxing District. Mr. Nelson stated that the proposed preliminary levy of $1,050,000 together with funding from grants, other revenue, and fund balance usage will cover the budgeted expenses of $1,349,203. Mr. Nelson added that the requested levy is not changing from 2011 and that this is the third year in a row with a zero levy increase for the Scott WMO. Mr. Nelson also stated that the Scott Watershed Planning Commission has reviewed the proposed budget and has recommended a zero levy increase and has recommended the elimination of funding for innovative projects to achieve a zero increase. Commissioner Marschall moved, seconded by Commissioner Ulrich to open the public hearing regarding the preliminary 2012 budget and levy for the Scott WMO Special Taxing District at 11:34 a.m. Motion carried unanimously. Hearing no public comment, Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Marschall to close the public hearing at 11:34 a.m. Commissioner Menden moved, seconded by Commissioner Ulrich to adopt Resolution No. 2011-177; Approving the 2012 Preliminary Levy of $1,050,000 for the Scott Watershed Management Organization Special Taxing District. A copy of the resolution is available in the office of the County Administrator and is made a part of this record by reference. Motion carried unanimously. B. Community Development Agency (CDA) Executive Director Bill Jaffa presented information regarding the CDA’s current projects, 2011 general activities and the 2012 budget and levy request. The total Scott County CDA levy request for 2012 is $2,577,587 which equates to a decrease of 4.5% ($119,948) over the 2011 levy due. This decrease is due to a decline in overall County market valuation. Mr. Jaffa stated that the Scott County CDA has adopted its budget and requests that the Scott County Board approve the same. Commissioner Ulrich moved, seconded by Commissioner Marschall to adopt Resolution No. 2011-180; Approving the 2012 Budget in the Amount of $8,444,398 and Payable Tax Levy in the Amount of $2,577,587 of the Scott County Community Development Agency and Certify Same to the County Auditor. A copy of the resolution is available in the office of the County Administrator and is made a part of this record by reference. Motion carried unanimously.
September 13, 2011 Chair Wolf recessed the meeting at 11:54 a.m. and reconvened at 12:02. PAGE 7 C. County Administrator Gary Shelton presented the 2012 preliminary levy recommendation of a 0.9% increase. Mr. Shelton reviewed the preliminary levy process; the 2012 budget and levy calendar; the budget planning considerations and priorities; the ongoing planning concerns; the capital improvement requests; and the implications of budget actions by the State that reduced general aids and shifted cost to the County. Mr. Shelton also noted the impact to taxpayers of the proposed levy increase. Mr. Shelton confirmed that if the proposed levy is approved, the actual levy can be lower but cannot increase above the adopted maximum proposed levy. Commissioners Ulrich, Marschall, Wagner and Wolf stated that they would support the proposed 0.9% proposed preliminary levy recommendation. The Commissioners thanked the senior staff and employees for their diligent efforts to reducing expenses and for keeping the Commissioners well informed. The Commissioners also stated that over the years they felt they have been consistent with levy increases to avoid spikes in taxes. Commissioner Menden spoke in opposition of the proposed 0.9% preliminary levy stating that citizens and businesses can’t afford higher taxes. Commissioner Menden mentioned that he has voted against road projects due to the many unknowns and doesn’t want to see taxes raised because of road projects. Commissioner Menden stated he would like the citizens to have an opportunity to vote on the proposed levy increase. In response to Commissioner Menden’s comments, Commissioners Ulrich, Marschall, Wagner and Wolf stated that because of the size of the projects, roads are an easy target for budget reductions. However, for safety reasons and also the fact that eliminating a road project is a one-time fix, they are not willing to reduce needed road projects. They also stated that all areas need to be looked at for reductions and collaborations. Commissioner Marschall spoke to Commissioner Menden’s suggestion to have the citizens vote on the proposed levy, stating that the citizens have voted and spoken by electing them as Commissioners. At Commissioner Wagner’s request, County Auditor Cindy Geis spoke to the changes that have happened and continue to happen regarding staffing and procedures in an effort to reduce expenses. Commissioner Ulrich moved, seconded by Commissioner Marschall to adopt Resolution No. 2011-178; Establishing the Maximum Proposed Levy of $61,060,000 less $3,082,002 Certified Property Tax Aids for a Net Levy of $57,977,998. A copy of the resolution is available in the office of the County Administrator and is made a part of this record by reference. Motion carried on a vote of four ayes with Commissioner Menden voting nay. (11) Provide a Supportive Organizational Culture Which Enhances the County Mission: Employee Relations Director Jack Kemme provided a summary of the performance evaluation of County Administrator Gary Shelton. The Commissioners rated Mr. Shelton’s job performance for the period July 28, 2010 through July 27, 2010 overall as Exceeds Performance Expectations. Mr. Kemme explained that salary adjustments based upon
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The Board of Commissioners, in and for the County of ... - Scott County

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