Caledonia Argus

Pelowski talks deficit with county board

Posted: 2/4/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

As a multi-billion dollar state budget shortfall looms large, elected officials are digging in and preparing for an uphill battle.

To update and receive input from county officials regarding the $4.5 billion shortfall, District 31A representative Gene Pelowski addressed the Houston County Board of Commissioners on January 28.

ìI would like to tell you there wonít be any more cuts, but I canít tell you that,î Pelowski said. ìEverythingís going to get hit, nothingís sacred in this thing, itís just too big. Iím here to listen to you, and weíre open to anything, so you better let us know.î

Commissioner Kevin Kelleher pointed out that, in times of a state budget surplus, counties reap little if any of the bounty, but in times of deficit, counties are subject to severe cuts in funding.

ìWeíve been told weíre going to have to share the pain,î Kelleher said, ìand it irritates me, because when money was coming out the ears, no one told us we were going to share the gain. I know weíre going to get squeezed in this thing, and I guess weíre going to have to decide where the budget cuts are going to be.î

The relationship between state agencies and counties, Commissioner Larry Graf noted, is likely to change in the wake of budget cuts, and concern was expressed that the state might turn to counties as a source of revenue.

Pelowski agreed, but clarified by stating that counties are not the only entities being evaluated in terms of revenue sources.

ìThe governor said everything is on the table,î he said, ìand nothing will be overlooked.î

Commissioner Nels Gulbranson remarked that the state places levy limits on countiesñ limits that the state is not subject toñ and wondered how counties could carry out the mandates in the wake of cuts if levy limits preclude procuring the necessary funds.

Noting that levy limits are indeed a hindrance to counties, Pelowski affirmed Gulbransonís sentiment that counties should be given free rein to levy appropriate funds.

ìIf the state is going to give counties mandates, they should give them the tools to handle them,î Pelowski stated. ìLocal governments are fully capable of making these decisions, and we donít need levy limits.î

Pelowski concluded his address by stressing that state officials will take into strong consideration the input of county officials while attempting to formulate a budget resolution.

Board tables wetlands application

The county board agreed to table, rather than vote on immediately, the matter concerning Dan Cadyís application to fill a wetland.

The former owner of a property along Old Monte Carlo Road in La Crescent, Cady filled in wetlands for purposes of residential development, and the application now being scrutinized by the board is

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