Grand Forks County commissioners are working on a 2023 operating budget with projected employee raises and increased costs. The county is trying to remain below a mandated 60 mill budget.
To achieve that, all areas are being reviewed, including possible elimination of Air Force Base retention efforts.
The county has used two Air Force consultants, but the county administrator recommends ending the arrangement, which would save $158,000.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Tom Falck said he’s not sure the county can afford them this year.
“We’ve had them a long time and they are invaluable,” Falck said, ”but the base seems to be in a fairly strong position right now, and I just don’t know if we can afford (them). It’s a simple fact.”
Commissioner David Engen suggested retaining the consultants for less than a year.
“I would love to see them stay for a while longer. I don’t know whether we can do it at all, or for half a year, or whatever anyone decides,” Engen said. “But I do think that we’re not completely at the point where we don’t need them, in my view.”
The commission plans to talk to the consultants before a decision is made.
Another item on the table — employees are requesting an 8.6 percent cost of living allowance plus steps.
No action was taken on the budget, but the commission must give preliminary approval by an August 10th deadline.
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