County budget to be frugal but fair, says administrator

By MaryHelen Swanson
It appears that Chisago County taxpayers arenít going to get away without a tax increase this year, but the county is trying to take the sting out of the bite.
County Administrator John Moosey said the county is trying to provide the necessary services without ìsticking itî to the people. It is a concern of the board, he said in an interview Tuesday, that the county is frugal but fair, that there is good stewardship and good management to make it less painful for the people.
One goal, Moosey said, is not to cut back so much it will take the next four to five years to recover.
As the preliminary budget stands this week, the net levy increase appears to be between 5. 5 percent and 6 percent. How will that affect taxpayers?
On a $150,000 home, it might mean a county tax increase of $50-$60. But that will include paying half of the (new) library levy, also.
The county held a work session on the budget last Friday, and according to Moosey, agreed to reduce staff by 10 employees in 2004 by freezing vacant positions.
With a growing county, he said, it doesnít make sense to lay off good people in 2004 and then have to rehire the positions in 2005.
What about services?
Some things probably wonít be as available as before, Moosey said. Theyíll be looking at some changes in departments like zoning, environmental services, perhaps increasing fees to recover actual expenses.
Moosey said the budget committee has tried to keep the service level as close to what it currently is as possible.
Weíre hurting (county), the community is hurting as well, Moosey said, but the county wants to protect as many services as it can.
He said it is especially necessary to maintain services in difficult times, because more services are going to be needed by the people when things are tough.
The total proposed county levy is expected to be at $19,464,952.
The county board is holding a special meeting at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15 on two items.
One is the discussion and consideration of the final plat approval for Goose Creek Preserve, 15 lots in Sunrise Township, and the other is to review, discuss and adopt the preliminary 2004 county budget and levy.
Once the county adopts a preliminary levy, it cannot increase that amount. The county can reduce the levy, however, and move funds and items around within the budget until the final budget adoption at the end of the year.
Citizens will have the opportunity to address the budget at a public hearing later in the year.
There will not be public comment at Mondayís meeting.

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