Cook County commissioners have just over one month to set the 2018 levy, and with that, they are seeking input from the public to help in their decision-making.
Once the levy is set it can go down but not up. The county has until the end of December to send the state its final levy.
Currently, commissioners are looking at requests from county departments that total a little more than a 26 percent levy increase over 2017.
The proposed Cook County Highway budget for 2018 is an increase of $4.5 million over 2017, but the new Transportation Tax and changes to the Municipal County State Aid formulas that assist will fund most of that with funds to help with projects between the city of Grand Marais and the county.
Additional county highway budget requests include $150,000 for calcium chloride, which is spread on the gravel roads to control dust. Commissioners cut calcium chloride ($140,000) in the 2017 budget to help lower the levy.
Also added was a 15 percent increase in health insurance premiums to employees that will cost $59,434, as well as a 2.5 percent raise in cost of living adjustment, which comes to $51,344.
Cook County Law Enforcement budget remains relatively unchanged over 2017 except for a request of $60,000 by Sheriff Pat Eliasen to purchase new mobile dispatch computers for the patrol cars.
The computers are part of the upgrade to the new Zuercher system, which will allow better communication with dispatch and with other Northeastern counties who also use this system. Eliasen said deputies no longer write reports on paper, they use computers to make their reports.
Public Health and Human Services proposed 2018 budget is up almost $400,000 over 2017, but it includes two positions, a fiscal officer and an additional case aide that were added to the department in 2017 after the budget was approved. It also includes increasing staff in 2018 by an additional 1.5 full-time equivalent. In that proposal, two half-time positions would be made full-time and a community outreach coordinator would be hired at half time.
The proposed PHHS budget designates $3,892,303 in expenditures and $1,696,317 in revenues. This comes to a net cost of $2,195,986 to the county, which is an additional levy of $400,000 for 2018.
The county board is taking a long-term approach to balancing the budget over the next three years. Part of that discussion includes setting guidelines for non-discretionary funding.
Financial Management Plan
Public Meetings
. Mid Gunflint Trail Area
Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
. Birch Grove Community Center
Thursday, August 31 at 7 p.m.
. East end of the county (location TBA)
Thursday, September 7
. Grand Marais (location TBA)
Monday, September 11 at 7 p.m.
*Specific locations will be published once facilities are confirmed.
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