Joint Finance Committee Meeting Minutes


DATE: March 8, 2005

The special joint committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Wenzel at 8:00 am, and certification of open meeting compliance was given.

Members present: William F. Wenzel, Arthur Carlson, Peter Tollaksen, Virgil Hartje, Halsey Sprecher, Tom Kriegl, Rob Sinklair, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Al Dippel, Paul Endres, Charlie Montgomery

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Michelle Koehler, Gene Wiegand, Randy Stammen, Mike Hafemann, Don Stevens, Scott Alexander, Media

The agenda was approved on a motion by Tollaksen second by Carlson, and an unanimous vote of the Committee.

The minutes were approved on a motion by Dippel second by Montgomery, and an unanimous vote of the Committee.

Business Items:

Discussion and consideration of recommendation relating to jail space and housing of out-of-county prisoners, including Unit A. M. Hafemann discussed the cost figures as presented. Estimates were based on an assumed 100% capacity. Issues that arose in the discussion included: the role of government; amounts charged for rental space, market conditions including the level of interest that would be generated by having the space available; and state trends that will affect jail populations.

Motion by Hartje, second by Tollaksen to table consideration of opening additional jail space. Discussion and consideration will be included as a part of the 2006 budget process. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned on a motion by Tollaksen, seconded by Hartje, with an unanimous committee vote.

Respectfully submitted

Joan Fordham, Secretary