Commissioners OK TransCanada contract, despite concerns

By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Jim Herzet was hired to return as Marion County Road and Bridge Superintendent Thursday during a special Marion County Commission meeting.

After 31 years in the department, Herzet became acting road and bridge superintendent July 12, 2004. He officially took the job July 18, 2005. When he resigned June 29, 2007, he was earning $37,585.

Commissioners announced the decision after meeting with Herzet in closed session for 30 minutes. His salary will be $48,000, and he will receive two weeks of vacation. Outgoing superintendent John Summerville’s salary is $42,516.

Summerville was hired as road foreman Sept. 1, 2007, but assumed the duties of acting road and bridge superintendent Nov. 5, 2007. Commissioners formally hired him as superintendent Sept. 21, 2008.

Summerville was pleased with the decision. He said he had been urging commissioners to hire someone qualified to be road and bridge superintendent since he assumed the responsibilities.

Summerville will remain in the department as road foreman. Commissioners have not determined his salary. His salary before he assumed superintendent duties was $30,000 per year.

Communications director receives $3,500 raise

Commissioners granted Communications and Emergency Management Director Michele Abbott a $3,500 per year raise, increasing her salary from $38,040 to $41,540.

They made the decision after meeting with Abbott in closed session for 50 minutes. Abbott had discussed salary with commissioners several times the past three years, Commissioner Dan Holub said. There was a concern that Abbott’s salary was not comparable to other employees that direct multiple departments.

Abbott had asked for a $4,000 raise, and Holub made the motion to grant the raise. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Commissioners Bob Hein and Randy Dallke moved and seconded, respectively, to grant Abbott a $3,500 raise. The motion passed, 2-1, with Holub opposed.