Changes coming at lake
Staff writer
Operational changes are being contemplated for Marion County Park and Lake after the resignation of superintendant Steve Hudson.
Hudson’s resignation was effective Monday, the same day he was rehired by the county as an equipment operator for the road and bridge department. He worked for the road and bridge department for 3½ years before being appointed lake superintendant 11 years ago.
Road and bridge superintendant Jesse Hamm said Hudson would use vacation time accrued earlier and then begin his new duties after the July 4 weekend.
In meetings last week and on Monday, commissioners discussed dividing lake superintendant duties between two full-time employees to avoid the scenario of one person never being able to take time off, which was suggested by others as a reason Hudson resigned.
At Hudson’s resignation June 5, commission chairman Randy Dallke denied that Hudson had been refused time off, but Hudson supporters contended he had been told he could not take time off in holiday weeks.
Commissioners also discussed no longer providing a home at the lake for the superintendent.
County Clerk Tina Spencer suggested renting the house out as a cabin.
Commissioners also debated no longer allowing a bait shop to be operated by the superintendent.
“It might not hurt to let it go to a private business,” Dallke said.
On Monday, an offer of interim lake superintendent duty was extended to lake assistant Adam Benson. He will be paid $14.89 per hour for as many hours as are required. His salary as assistant was $2,061 per month. This equates to a raise of about $3 per hour, Spencer said.
The county also is advertising for a part-time seasonal assistant to bridge the gap.
Commissioners hope to appoint a permanent lake superintendant within 60 days.
“I think we all know we have some new things to accomplish at the lake,” Dallke said.
Benson said one thing he wanted to do was incorporate a more organized system of lake users checking in.
Set check-in times for camping and fishing will likely be posted at the lake.
Dallke asked what specific duties were required when people checked boats in. Benson said boats must be inspected to make sure they have no zebra mussels and bait fish must be logged.