Small Town News

County set to finalize budget

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Preliminary figures for the 2010 Rolette County budget are in and these figures show marginal change.

In 2009, the total budget was $5,247,384. The proposed 2010 budget is $5,451,603, or a $204,219 increase.

By comparison, the 2009 budget was a $367,534 increase over 2008.

While the majority of line items remained relatively equal or have modest increases, some are up significantly.

An increase of nearly $45,000 is in the jail maintenance levy. In 2009, $225,463 was budgeted, but that increased to $268,946. According to Rolette County Auditor, Val McCloud, the reason for the increase is the addition of two correctional officers.

In addition, cities involved in contract policing with the Rolette County Sheriff's Department will experience an increase.

In Dunseith, the policing contract will go from $146,343 to $155,049.

In Rolette, the budget for contract policing will go from $71,838 to $79,840.

Another increase is found in the Rolette County Soil Conservation levy. McCloud said the North Dakota legislature allowed the county to increase the mill request.

The line item increased from $14,800 to $26,246.

A decreased line item is in the disaster emergency coordinator, where $3,700 is budgeted, compared to $17,900 in 2008. Commissioner Eldon Moors has been the disaster emergency coordinator, and according to McCloud, the commission has decided to keep Moors in that current position rather than hire somebody else.

The biggest mill increase, according to McCloud, is in the emergency poor fund. While it is not finalized, McCloud said the commission was compelled to assess a 13 mill emergency poor levy.

"It would be used to cover a deficit in the social welfare," McCloud said.

The budget hearing is set for October 6, which will allow residents to voice any concerns they may have.

"With the exception of the emergency poor request, the other line item differences are marginal," McCloud said.

"With the exception of the emergency poor request, the other line item differences are marginal."

Val McCloud,

Rolette County

Auditor



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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