Time to say no to the state

By MaryHelen Swanson
The Chisago County Board last week directed County Administrator Jim Thoreen to come up with a plan B, at least, for the 2003 budget.
If the state solves its fiscal woes by cutting aid to the counties, as is being anticipated, the county could be scrambling to find where it can reduce budget requests to offset the cut.
Commissioner Ben Montzka suggested holding the non-profit agencies to zero increase.
Commissioner Tom Delaney said at some point the county is going to have to look internally for those cuts. He reminded everyone that the non-profit organizations function with volunteers.
Chairman Bob Vande Kamp suggested it was time to look at some of the part-time employees.
Commissioner Mike Robinson said if the cut was big from the state the county should direct the people to newly elected representative Pete Nelson and senator Sean Nienow.
Commissioner Vande Kamp said the issue has been brought up before, that if there is no money, the counties, all 87 of them, should say no to the mandates from the state.
The board directed administration to look at a 1 percent, $180,000, reduction in the proposed 2003 budget.
The board will review the plan tonight, Dec. 4 during the regular board meeting.
The public will be able to hear about the countyís budget at the Truth in Taxation hearing Thursday, Dec. 5.
The board will adopt the final 2003 budget on Dec. 18.

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