Commissioners say they’re ‘squeezed’
Budget woes mulled FridayBy FRITZ BUSCH — Journal Staff Writer
SLEEPY EYE -Brown County Commissioners say the 2008 legislative session budget cuts are leaving them wondering how they'll balance their budget.
Speaking at the Bridging Brown County legislative wrap-up Friday at the Brown County REA auditorium, Commissioner Charles Guggisberg said the county would have to make up the difference from public defender cost cuts and $45 daily shortfalls for short-term offender costs.
"The state, like the county, can't spend money it doesn't have," state rep. Brad Finstad, R-Comfrey, replied.
"Now we'll have to pay (the difference)," said Guggisberg.
Finstad said the state budget shortfall over the next two years is expected to top $1 billion and could go higher with more energy costs increases.
Commissioner Dick Seeboth said county tax levy increases are limited to 3.9 percent per year over the next three years while labor groups seek four percent increases.
Several officials said more lobby pressure was needed to speed up the U.S. Highway 14 four-lane project now set to take place sometime in the next decade.
Transportation funding will be further complicated by reduced gas tax revenues created by more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Creating toll roads was mentioned as a solution to the issue.
Finstad said legislative sessions could be improved by not waiting until the end of the session to make key decisions in "closed door" meetings and by creating staggered four-year terms for state representatives instead of the current two-year terms.
"Amen to that," said Finstad.
"The current two-party system works against itself," said Commissioner Jim Berg.
Finstad suggested inviting metro area legislators to Bridging Brown County meetings.
Commissioner Dennis Potter said more local collaboration could help solve area issues.
"Solutions are out there, most people are too lazy to do anything about issues, they just sit around and complain about it," said Milford Township Supervisor Fred Juni.
Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, talked about the 3/8th of a cent sales tax dedicated-funding amendment projected to raise $276 million in annual revenue to wildlife habitat, clean water, parks and the arts.
Frederickson predicted the amendment will pass 58 percent to 42 earlier this year.
If approved by voters on Nov. 4, the compromise bill would be used to improve wetlands, prairies, forests and other habitat for game, fish and wildlife.
At least five percent would be used to protect drinking water sources.
Nearly one-fifth of the tax would go to an arts and cultural heritage fund for the arts, arts education and preservation of Minnesota history.
About 15 percent was dedicated to fund parks and trails.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
