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Commission hearings: school budgets, mill-levy split and fire-truck options
Summary
Commissioners reviewed school trustees' financial summaries and mil-levy calculations (transportation and retirement increases), discussed splitting road and fire mill levies, and discussed options to replace an aging fire truck with approximately $30,000 cash on hand toward purchase and equipment.
Daniels County staff presented trustees' financial summaries and the proposed mil-levy calculations for the coming year, noting transportation and retirement costs had driven some increases. The trustees' report showed mil-levies largely similar to last year despite a reduced tax base; staff emphasized the permissive $100,000 levy for school projects is ending.
Commissioners discussed splitting the mil-levies so the fire and road budgets would each carry a fixed mill rate rather than sharing one combined rate. Staff demonstrated that, under current valuations, the fire portion would calculate to roughly 8.95 mills and the road portion around 4.94 mills under the proposed split. Commissioners noted the split clarifies budgeting but reduces the board's flexibility to shift funds year-to-year.
The fire chief and staff also discussed options for replacing an older fire truck. Staff reported roughly $30,000 was available in the fire account and that a suitable single-axle International-style chassis could be purchased in the roughly $40,000 range and equipped for another approximately $10,000, with local mechanics available to shorten a chassis if needed.
Commissioners agreed to continue reviewing levy calculations and to keep watching auction listings for a usable truck. Staff noted they will adjust budget lines to reflect the split and ensure capital savings can be retained for equipment purchases when feasible.
