By Sara StrongRock County is facing the same problems as the city of Luverne — having to plan for cuts while waiting for exact figures.With the state’s estimated $4.8 billion budget shortfall, government in the state of Minnesota will be much different from what everyone’s known.In Rock County, about 75 percent of the spending is state mandated programs. The county is anticipating a loss of $1.5 million, and the cuts will have to come out of the non-mandated budget items, which only make up about 25 percent of the budget.Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre said the county has already done what it can to stop spending. The Highway Department, Auditor’s Office, Extension Office and Family Services all have unfilled positions.The side of spending cuts that most people watch is how it will affect their personal budgets. The state will probably keep property tax levy limits in place so tax increases won’t be a major worry. However, heftier fees could make county services more expensive than before.Assessor Office and landfill tipping fees are two examples of costs the county can pass on to individuals and a major user, the city of Luverne.Oldre said the process is frustrating for government officials, who want to work together. "All we’re doing is squeezing an already tight government body." Luverne Council members have already said they will consider examining options within their revenue funds, in which the city can charge residents outside of their taxes.Rock County has started program evaluations, similar to what the department leaders in the city of Luverne are doing.Family Services Director Randy Ehlers, for example, has gone through his agency budget, separating mandated costs from non-mandated. From there, he’s highlighted which services of the non-mandated the county would preferably keep.He highlighted child support enforcement, sex offender commitments, long term care consultation, accounting and staff training as essential functions within Family Services.Other department heads are making similar outlines, and the Rock County Board of Commissioners will make the final budget decisions.The County Budget Committee is Oldre, Auditor-Treasurer Gloria Rolfs, Commissioner Bob Jarchow and Commissioner Ron Boyenga. The county will start the 2004 budget in June and July, based on what comes down from the state.
