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Marion County Commission reviews 2007 budget requests years ago

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

At the end-of-the-month meeting Friday, Marion County Commission spent some time reviewing department requests for the 2007 budget.

According to Commissioner Dan Holub, just six people attended the July 24 public meeting which was held to give citizens an opportunity to offer comments regarding the proposed 2007 budget.

Looking down the road, commissioners discussed how the county will make up the loss of revenue due to discontinuation of property taxes on new business machinery and equipment. The law went into effect July 1.

"It will come down to a three mill increase or a three mill cut," said Holub. He said businessmen will trade in old equipment for new to save on taxes.

Commissioner Randy Dalke suggested they look at employee benefits and make some changes.

"We need to look at benefits if we expect to survive," he said.

One of his suggestions was to reduce the number of sick days allowed (currently 12) and provide short-term disability insurance. He said the move would cut costs without reducing benefits.

— Warrants totaling $735,955.63 were approved for payment. Outstanding encumbered funds totaled $29,244.11.

— Sales tax revenue received in July totaled $42,210.44, almost $6,000 less than the previous year. It was the second time this year that receipts were below the 2005 level.

— Commissioners approved purchase of an IBM printer from Great Plains Computers for $2,959. Other bids received included $3,020.24 from CDWG and $2,880 from Infinitec. Commissioners said they went with Great Plains because it is a local company.

— A fuel package from Cardie Oil, Inc., totaling $17,219.90, was approved. The Cooperative Grain and Supply package totaled $17,599.90.

— Sheriff Lee Becker reported that three pit bulls have been picked up and taken to Animal Health Center in Marion.

Becker said the county could save $2,000-$3,000 dollars on sheriff's vehicles by buying through a state program, but he prefers to buy them locally. Commissioners concurred.

— A five minute executive session was held with Dale Snelling to discuss personnel. No action was taken when the meeting reopened.

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