In what is viewed as a move with little to no precedent, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced the framework for his line item unallotment plans last week - his plan to balance the state budget for 2009-10. At the June 23 meeting of the Wright County Board, the commissioners found out how much the damage would be.

Wright County was due to get $4,268,057 in local government aid from the state in 2009. That figure will be reduced by $593,177 this year. In addition, the county received word that its state allotment in 2010 will be reduced by $1,204,329.

The county has been anticipating such state aid reductions since early in the year and has already taken steps to finds ways within their individual department budgets to find areas where cost savings could be found without resorting to last-resort options such as layoffs. However, County Coordinator Dick Norman told the board that the cuts weren't made across the board, but rather some areas were cut much more significantly than others. One of these areas is human services and Norman told the board that the figures are being examined to determine how painful the cuts will be.

"Part of the governor's cuts include some program-specific areas, especially in human services. That is in the process of being analyzed. We expect a report from (Wright County Human Services Director) Don Mleziva with a detailed analysis of what programs are affected."

The board took no immediate action, instead tabling the discussion until the human services department has completed its analysis. A committee meeting will be convened once the numbered are fully analyzed to formulate a plan of attack for 2009 and 2010.

In other items on the June 23 agenda, the board:

WAS informed by County Assessor Greg Kramber that, for the seventh straight year, Wright County had no changes to its property assessments. The state board of equalization met June 11 and reviewed the county's documents and gave the county an unblemished grade. Kramber said, given the circumstances, having no changes made by the state board in an achievement. "When property values drop, it creates a lot of challenges," Kramber said. "This is truly one of the most difficult assessment periods ever due to the economy, Green Acres and new legislation. I'd like to thank our staff and the local assessors for their fine work during these difficult times."

AUTHORIZED signatures on a letter of support for a grant application being made by the City of Monticello to the Metro Greenway Program. The purpose of the grant application is to bring in more money that can be used for the purchase of the Bertram Chain of Lakes parks project. The resolution passed unanimously. On June 22, the Monticello City Council approved the application to be forwarded to the Metro Greenway Program, prompting the letter of support from the county board.

RESCINDED a resolution approved at the June 16 county board meeting and replaced it with a minor language change. The resolution approved having the public sale of tax-forfeited property at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29. The date and time remain the same, but a minor change was made to reflect that all sales shall be by full payment of the purchase price and the phrase "any fees and costs" added to the second resolution.

AUTHORIZED board attendance to the Association of Minnesota Counties Leadership Summit Aug. 12-14 in Grand Rapids.

REFERRED to the historical society a letter received from the Minnesota Historical Society reminding local government units of the pending deadline for applying for capital project grants. Any local project of historical significance is eligible for consideration, but the deadline for application is set for Friday, July 24.

AUTHORIZED Parks Administrator Marc Mattice to apply for grant funding for a potential parks property near Delano. Mattice and Commissioner Jack Russek met with the owners of a 160-acre parcel near Delano that is looking to keep the land preserved and undisturbed. Russek said the property is ideal for a county park and, due to the lack of parks at that end of the county, would be a welcome addition. He added that, in the current budget climate, finding money for a land purchase is much more difficult and that the process remains in its early stages.

REFERRED discussion of concerning the PERA phased retirement option for county employees to the personnel committee.

REFERRED discussion of off-street parking assignments for county employees to the building committee.

CANCELLED the owner's committee meeting scheduled for later in the day June 23 due to the lack of agenda items.