Cass OKs revised headwaters plan

WALKER -- Mississippi Headwaters Board Director Jane VanHunnik obtained Cass County Board endorsement Tuesday for a revised Mississippi Headwaters Comprehensive Plan.

The board endorsed a revised plan last year, but other member counties had suggested changes since then, largely dealing with annexations around cities.

The state Legislature must approve the plan changes before they take effect.

Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson reported overall county interest received on investments continue well above budget projections for the year through September, though the highway department investments still are about $3,000 less than expected.

The board voted Tuesday to ask the state to fund half the salary for an additional probation officer. If state funding is approved, the county budget committee will recommend to the board whether the county should fund the other 50 percent of salary and authorize hiring.

Sherry Kiisa announced her resignation from Cass County Civil Service Commission. The board will seek a citizen replacement for her, effective January 2002.

Sheriff Randy Fisher has hired Charlene Erickson as data records coordinator and Phil Kinnunen as data entry clerk.

Pine River-Backus and Remer-Longville School Districts notified the county board they will hold school operating referenda this fall.

Sue Dahlhauser of Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust recommended the board have more employees attend safety and insurance law seminars to help prevent insurance claims.

She noted Cass has had a number of liability lawsuit claims in recent years. Dahlhauser believes counties can prevent more of these lawsuits by being better informed about liability laws.