Commission hears options to raise city courthouse cost-share for utilities; decision deferred

Fallon County administration presented figures showing the county’s average courthouse utilities and maintenance costs and offered three proposals for the city of Baker’s cost-share for fiscal year 2024–25: (1) hold the current rate ($18.38 per month), (2) raise the rate 2.5% ($18.84 per month), or (3) raise the rate 5% ($19.30 per month).

Staff said the proposed increases reflect rising utility costs (MDU) and other shared services such as janitorial and phone system allocations. The county uses the MDU baseline historically to set the cost-share and bills the city monthly at a roughly 10% share of the courthouse utilities and maintenance line.

Commissioners discussed whether to apply the full 5% increase or only a portion because last year’s billing had stayed flat. Commissioners asked that staff present the item again at the next work-session meeting so the county and city have time for internal budget planning. Staff said a final decision should be transmitted to the city in time for inclusion in the city’s fiscal-year budget process; staff recommended notifying the city after the county makes a formal decision.

Why it matters: The choice affects the city’s FY 2025 budget planning and the county’s cost-recovery for shared utilities and services.

What’s next: The commission will revisit the item at the next work session and may adopt one of the options; staff will prepare the formal letter to the city following the county’s vote.