County offers cities trial of state bid system

PINE RIVER -- The Cass County Board will offer a free trial to cities within the county this year to participate in the state bid system. The county will pay the $600 fee this year for the cities.

If cities like the program, those cities wanting to participate in future years will share the cost. If cities sign up directly with the state rather than through the county, Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson said the cost runs much higher and makes the program less cost-effective for cities.

Anderson told the board townships have participated under the county's comprehensive membership for several years. It enables local governments to buy most equipment, office supplies and some training programs under state bid contracts and realize significant savings, she said.

Anderson reported the county budget committee will begin meeting in August this year to prepare the 2006 county budget.

Anderson said county departments will request payment of any state funds due to the county before June 30 to minimize the impact of a potential state shutdown after that date. Association of Minnesota Counties has estimated it could take 90 days for the state system to resume normal operations if there is a shutdown.

Anderson reminded the board the state's delay in setting the state budget this year, in turn, will delay the county's budget process until after state aids and mandates are finally known.

Anderson said she expects the county's annual audit being conducted this summer will show the county had about a $3 million fund balance at the end of 2004.