Further cuts were made to the proposed 2008 Morton County budget before preliminary approval by the commissioners at a special meeting Thursday.

In a marathon session that ran through the morning and into the afternoon, commissioners debated spending in several areas. Some reductions were made, while studies of other areas were called for by the commission.

If the preliminary budget is adopted as the final budget, Morton County residents will see a 6.49-mill reduction. In the case of a Morton home that saw the average 8 percent valuation increase in 2007, this will mean about a 3.7 percent increase in the county portion of the tax bill.

Road Department Director Chuck Morman worked with Auditor Paul Trauger in identifying $378,000 that could be cut from that department's budget. Morman also requested $405,000 for improvements to county shops in Glen Ullin, New Salem, Flasher and Mandan.

Commissioners allowed Morman to spend $127,000 that he has in reserve, but wouldn't provide the additional funds. Rather, they suggested Morman prioritize his list and perhaps look at a loan next year for other work.

Morman said fuel costs have nearly doubled over the past few years, and he is particularly worried should the county experience a winter like that of 1997. He estimated the county could spend as much as $10,000 a day in overtime and fuels in running up to 24 plows.

Sheriff Dave Shipman originally requested three new patrol cars, two additional deputies and two new jailers. The commission reduced that to one of each.

Commissioner Andy Zachmeier said he wants to see Shipman paid on a level of the other local law enforcement organizations.

But other commissioners said that sheriff candidates know prior to running for the position what salary they will receive and shouldn't expect a raise once they win the office.

The human resources director, Avitus' Dave Stephens, was asked to do a study and come up with a pay plan for Morton's elected officials. Stephens said he could have the results in 30 days.

Zachmeier also made a motion to eliminate the commission's traditional rotation of the chairman. He also suggested that the chairman should receive a slightly higher salary than the other commissioners. The motion died for lack of a second.

This year, Dr. Boyd Addy asked for $25,000 to provide services as county coroner, which commission Chairman Mark Bitz said the county was basically receiving for free. Bitz began to suggest that Shipman assume the duties, with the county paying him $10,000 for that.

Shipman, who takes on the duties in Addy's absence, recommended that the county hire Addy as proposed. The commission followed his suggestion.

In the area of communications, the commission called for a study of cell phone use by county employees. In reviewing the bills, Zachmeier said, many phones show no use over the course of a month, particularly in the road department.

On the recommendation of Zachmeier, the commission cut its annual contribution to the Adult Abused Resource Center from $7,500 to nothing. He said that in the seven-county area served by AARC, Morton was the only jurisdiction asked to contribute from its general fund.

"Basically, we're giving them a $7,500 grant and they can't guarantee it goes to serving Morton residents. The people that do go to AARC are usually already getting help from Morton County social services," he said.

Another area of cuts included commission memberships. Commissioners eliminated memberships to the National Association of Counties and the North Dakota County Commission Association, which will save just more than $1,700. They did approve remaining a member of the North Dakota Association of Counties, which costs $13,070.

The 2008 budget includes a 2.5 percent salary increase for employees, along with an additional contribution to the health insurance benefit of $100. The county now pays a total of $200 toward an employees health insurance plan.

Commissioners kept their salaries frozen for a fourth straight year. Commissioners Dick Tokach, Jim Boehm and Matt Erhardt receive $2,184 monthly; Bitz, $2,144; and Zachmeier, $2,045.

The county must submit the mills it will levy for the 2008 budget by Oct. 10. The commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday.