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FAIRMONT-- On Thursday the Martin County Board of Commissioners considered a proposal for continued legislative representation for the county's state bonding request for the proposed Martin County Justice Center.
Bob Long with Larkin Hoffman has been lobbying on behalf of the county for almost three years. On Thursday the commissioners considered continuing their agreement with Larkin Hoffman beginning Dec. 1 and continuing for an estimated six months, until the end of the 2023 legislative session, anticipated to be July 31, 2023. The cost is a monthly fixed fee of $4,000.
In speaking with the commissioners, Long pointed out that in the most recent general election, the republicans lost control of the senate.
"And we all know we lost one of our strong, long-time supporters, Senator (Julie) Rosen," Long said.
However, he said after talking with the Justice committee, Long said he recommends the county proceed with the bonding bill and keep the request the same as last year at $19.2 million.
"There's definitely going to be a bonding bill this year. We know that for a fact. They didn't pass it last year, they've got to this year," Long said.
He also said because of the recently announced large surplus-- $17.6 billion-- there will be a lot of discussion about cash grants for facilities and infrastructure.
"I think it would be smart for the county to go forward and proceed to seek a bonding bill," Long said.
"I feel that Bob has taken us a long way and we wouldn't be this far without him. I don't feel that we can quit right now. I feel that maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel," said Commissioner Steve Flohrs.
He made a motion to move continue with the agreement with Larkin Hoffman. The motion passed 3-1 with Commissioner Richard Koons opposed.
The board also heard an update regarding the Martin County library roof project. Brian Murrell with The Garland Company said that five contractors attended the pre-bid meeting and three submitted bids.
Murrell said that while they had initially expected the project to cost between $510,000 and $540,000, the low bid came in under budget at $447,000 from Jackson & Associates LLC. The cost of the project will be split with the city of Fairmont.
Commissioner Elliot Belgard asked for an estimated start date and Murrell said they'd like to start as soon as possible.
"If we have a white winter, once they have a contract in place they could start maybe in February. If not, they would start first thing in late March or early April," Murrell said.
The board approved the bid.
At 6 p.m., Martin County's Truth in Taxation meeting took place at the Martin County Courthouse in Fairmont. Following the hearing, the commissioners discussed the proposed levy, which is a 7.53 percent increase from 2022 to 2023.
County Assessor, Mike Sheplee, reminded those present that Thursday evening's Truth in Taxation had to do with the county and its budget and had nothing to do with any city or school district.
A number of people asked the commissioners and Sheplee questions about why their
property taxes or home value went up so much. Sheplee explained four reasons which could lead to an increase: estimated market value, tax shift, Homestead Market Value Exclusion and a class rate tier change.
Commissioner Kathy Smith said that they were anticipating the levy to go down about 2 percent from where they set it at the preliminary stage back in September.
"We started a little higher this year because we had some changover in the Auditor/Treasurer's Office... we wanted to set it at 5 (percent) but we didn't have enough information," Belgard said.
He pointed out that once they set it, they can only lower it and not raise it so they wanted to be safe in setting the preliminary levy.
"We're getting more favorable information now," said Belgard.
County Coordinator Scott Higgins went over details of the proposed budget, which is $33,981,861. It's up from 2022's budget which was $29,979,492.
Some of the bigger impacts to the levy increase include salary/wage/benefit increases and new staff requests or additions from previous budgets, which include employees in the Auditor/Treasurer's Office. There is also a 3 percent general wage increase and 2 percent pay matrix recalibration.
Other notable impacts to the levy increase are an increase in Highway due to construction, sealcoat ad gasoline contracts. County Engineer Kevin Peyman had previously requested more in the budget for that reason.
Payment on courthouse bonds beginning in 2023 also impacts the levy, as does increases in property casualty/work comp insurances.
The commissioners will adopt the budget and levy at the Dec. 20 meeting.
In other action, the board of commissioners:
-- Approved a tax abatement request from Darin Pesta for new construction in Nashville Township.
-- Approved the 2023 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan with Martin County Soil Water Conservation District (SWCD).
-- Approved the general wage adjustment of 3 percent for eligible employees and a 2 percent one time recalibration of the 2023 pay matrix. Step increases for eligible non-union employees was also approved.
-- Approved the new job description for the finance manager position in the Auditor/Treasurer's Office.
-- Approved salaries for elected officials which reflect a 3 percent general wage adjustment plus 2 percent pay matrix recalibration.
-- Accepted the resignation of Cassie Wiens, circulation technician with the Martin County Library and authorized recruitment to fill the position.
The board of Commissioners also approved the following personnel hires for the Sheriff's Office and Auditor/Treasurer's Office:
-- Bradley Kelley as a full time correctional office.
-- Madison Militello as a full time correctional officer.
-- Kyle Engstrom as a part time communications officer.
-- Steven Moeller as a part time transport driver.
-- Robynn Buhmann as a full time property tax technician.