Broeker Calls on DMCo Dept. Heads to Again Keep it Lean and Mean

Des Moines County Supervisor Tom Broeker laid down the gauntlet at this(Tues) morning’s county board meeting.

He recommended to the department heads that they consider 1% raises…a bigger contribution(6%) to their health insurance premiums…and zero overall budget increase, except the raises.

Sheriff Mike Johnstone was polite about it, but obviously unhappy with the prospect of another lean year.  He urged the board to remember who does the hard work every day and who keeps the budgets in-line every year.  Formal budget talks will begin next month.

On other fronts, a new courthouse security plan will be unveiled next Tuesday…Conservation Department Director Chris Lee announced that renovations to the Starr’s Cave Nature Center will begin next week…and County Auditor Carol Copeland says as of late this(Tue) morning, 158 voters requested absentee ballots for the December 30th Burlington City Council election.