Government Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes Commissioner's Minutes - November 28, 2011
| Commissioner's Minutes - November 28, 2011 |
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Grand Marais, Minnesota The Board met in special session this 28th day of November, 2011, at the Courthouse in Grand Marais, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by County Board Vice-Chair Hall, with the following members present: Commissioners Hakes, Hall, Martinson, and Sobanja. Absent: Commissioner Johnson. Also present were Auditor-Treasurer Powers, Personnel Director Simonen, Emergency Management Director Wiinanen, County Sheriff Falk, Public Health/Human Services Director Futterer, Fiscal/Income Maintenance Supervisor Parish, Highway Department Accountant Zellner, and County Engineer Betts. Eight citizens were also present, in addition to Cook County Hospital Representatives Kimber Wraalstad and Howard Abrahamson, and ISD # 166 School Representative Gwen Carman. Commissioner Hall reported that the special meeting was being held to review the proposed 2012 Cook County Budget and Levy and the impact that they will have on local property taxes, and to accept public comment on those issues. Braidy Powers, Auditor-Treasurer, appeared before the Board and reviewed the "Truth n Taxation" booklet. Information was provided regarding the state tax system and changes made to the funding formula in 2011, as well as regarding the Cook County preliminary levy and budget for 2012. Commissioner Hall opened the meeting for public comment. The following citizens appeared before the Board to make comment or ask questions: Judy Motschenbacher, John Jacobson, Jane Howard, Shari Baker, Steve Carlson, Dale Speck, Lloyd Speck, and Stan Tull. The following issues were raised: citizens who claim a homestead in Cook County but may live elsewhere, the changes made to the state homestead credit, how the tax rate is determined, funding for Arrowhead Regional Corrections and Sentence to Serve, the amount of taconite credit received in Cook County, the Hospital Levy, the levy for the Planning & Zoning Department when permitting for various functions has decreased since 2008, the property tax variations, concerns that citizens will not be able to pay continued high property taxes, encouragement for the County Board to cut expenses and be prepared for anticipated Federal and State Revenue decreases, whether certain county positions need to be filled when someone retires, the budget for the new Grand Marais Library, concern that the community will not be able to maintain a large community center with pool if it is built, 1% local option sales tax money dedicated to the Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course, whether the 1% Legislation could be changed to allow for uses other than recreational needs, interest earnings on the county fund balance, concern that the Federal Government will cease to pay its PILT allotment, encouragement for the County Revolving Loan Fund Committee to work closely with the Economic Development Authority for business purposes, a suggestion that lots in the Cedar Grove business park be given to any company that will provide ten jobs, and the need for the Community to get together to determine what it wants. The County Board also noted receipt of written comments submitted by A. Allan and Patricia Fischer and Bob Kangas, expressed concern about rising property taxes and increased government spending. No formal action was taken regarding any of these issues. The County Board will continue to review the 2012 proposed budget and levy before final adoption by the end of the year. There being no further business, motion was made and carried that the meeting be adjourned at 7:45 p.m. _____________________________ |
