March 5, 2009                                                 CONTACT:    Linnea Mirsch, Deputy Administrator

                                                                                                 St. Louis County Courthouse

                                                                                                Duluth, MN 218-733-2747

For Immediate Release:                                           

St. Louis County Commissioner sends letter to employees: “Thank you.”

St. Louis County 6^th District Commissioner and Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, Keith Nelson sent a “thank you” letter to Department Heads yesterday. The letter recognizes the department heads for their collaboration and willingness to partner with Commissioners and County Administration to proactively deal with the December cut in County Program Aid payments of nearly $2.1 million.  

The Governor’s December unallotment announcement carried serious implications for counties and cities throughout the State of Minnesota by cutting budgeted funds, some of which had already been spent to carry out mandated programs and services throughout the year. This late December unallotment left counties and cities with no other options but to make drastic cuts or utilize reserves to maintain their fiscal integrity.

By planning ahead and participating fully in budget work throughout the year, St. Louis County was able to realize significant savings in 2008 that allowed the County to finish the year without having to make drastic cuts to programs or staffing in the face of this shortfall in revenue.

More information about St. Louis County’s budget is available at www.stlouiscounty.org/budget, including the 2009 Citizen’s Guide to the Budget.

To read the letter, click here.
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