The Crow Wing County Board on Tuesday approved hiring a county assessor.
Department head Marty Schmidt is retiring as of Dec. 31, which county officials noted was an opportunity to look at organizational options.
Human Resources Director Tami Laska said the assessor's department has had four retirements and is looking at one replacement - the division manager who reports to the land services director.
Laska said the county's total employment was down 10 percent for 2010, which shows the effort to reduce labor costs.
In other business, the board:
Approved hiring to fill a vacancy in the treasurer's office. The office's 2010 budget operation was less than 2009.
Approved a request to contract for a State Health Improvement Program coordinator. The coordinator is expected to use "proven interventions to reduce tobacco use and reduce obesity" working in schools, the community and work places. The position is full-time for up to two years, the grant duration.
Adopted a new fee schedule following a public hearing.
Set a public hearing on a proposed Round Lake Improvement District service assessment for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 25. An assessment of $135 for lakeshore property owner for five years is proposed. Funds are designated for lake management, aquatic vegetation control, water quality tests and related services, the county reports.
Heard an update on the county's fund balances, noting the desire to have five months of the next year's expenses designated to preserve cash flow or about 42 percent. The county reported having 38 percent so the cash flow in the general fund balance was reported to be at an adequate level.
Designations included technology expenditures, cash flow, targeted case management and the anticipated public safety radio system upgrade. Most counties and cities operate on a wideband VHF radio frequency, which won't be compliant with Federal Communications Commission rules as of Jan. 1, 2013.
Postponed a decision on a revised joint powers agreement for Central Minnesota Community Corrections. The joint powers agreement includes Aitkin and Morrison county boards.
County Attorney Don Ryan said he didn't like the revised agreement language. The board voted to table the issue until Aug. 11, giving Ryan time to talk to the other county attorneys and potentially draft a new version with agreed upon changes addressing his concerns.
Heard the county is exploring options such as eBay to dispose of excess equipment versus auctions, which have not had as good a return.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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