Cass state aid to drop 46.82 percent in 2005 under new formula

WALKER -- Cass County will be one of three hit hardest by the state's aid formula set to take effect in 2005.

Cass will see a 46.82 reduction in state aids, dropping state aid from an anticipated $1,694,184 in 2004 to only $900,918 in 2005. Clay County will see a 49.67 percent reduction and Scott County, 50.49 percent lower state aid.

This compares with neighboring counties Crow Wing, whose reduction will be only 26.89 percent, and Beltrami, who will receive a 227.90 increase in state aid in 2005.

Cass commissioners have asked the Association of Minnesota Counties to establish a legislative position on state aid formulas for 2005, which would be more favorable to the county.

Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson told the board Tuesday that Cass received $493,689.63 interest income on investments through July this year, compared with budget projections for $437,500.

Interest income for 2003 continues to run behind that received in 2002 because of lower interest rates.

Cass will receive $4,094.34 this year as a 30 percent share of rental income the state receives from state-acquired lands.

Commissioners voted to extend 38 days from Aug. 11 the commercial moratorium in Sylvan Township to give the township time to complete development criteria.

They referred to the county highway department a request from residents on 12th Avenue Northwest, West Ponto Lake Road, for road improvements.

David C. Corbett, Ponto Lake Home Owners Association director, reported by letter to the board vehicle traffic has tripled on the road in recent years to a level where routine grading only lasts one day before washboards return.

Additionally, he wrote, all terrain vehicle use has caused further road deterioration.

Commissioners Dick Downham and Jim Dowson, with Rusty Lilyquist as alternate, will attend the Governors' Interstate Indian Council State of Minnesota 54th annual conference Thursday through Sunday at Northern Lights Hotel by Walker.