Cass board questions cost of providing toll-free telephone services to offices

WALKER -- The Cass County Board asked for further staff review of costs to provide toll-free telephone services to county offices.

Administrator Robert Yochum told the board Tuesday preliminary research shows the county is spending about $40,000 per year for nine toll-free phone lines.

Some of that cost is for employee use. Some is for calls between citizens and staff, Yochum said. He said the staff also is checking to see whether cell phone costs might be reduced.

The board approved a resolution expressing support for the people of the armed forces, and acknowledging their dedication to this effort with the hope of their safe return home.

Environmental Services Director Paul Fairbanks will respond to DNR concerns that the agency was not given timely notice of a variance issued and changes to the zoning ordinance the board adopted this spring.

Fairbanks obtained board approval to clean up the remains of a burned residence near Longville and place the cost on taxes for the property. Owners are deceased and there are not sufficient funds in the estate to cover these costs, he said.

When the property is sold, the county financial liability would be paid before money owed to the mortgage company, according to Administrator Robert Yochum.

Sheriff Randy Fisher reported Cass will receive $51,814 this year from the DNR for the boat and water safety program. David Lawson of Minneapolis donated $50 to the county boat and water safety program.

The commissioners referred to the Council on Aging a proposal from Peace Transportation Inc. of St. Louis Park to provide ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher transportation services to county residents.

The board approved final plats for Grouse Ridge on Pickerel Lake, Rest in the Pines on Lake Hattie and Deer Ridge First Addition on Hardy Lake.