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Job classification updates put on hold by commission

Staff reporter

Marion County Commission reviewed county job descriptions Monday and tabled decisions regarding the cost to update the information.

League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM) provides the service for the county of adding new and updating current descriptions for a fee. County clerk Carol Maggard was instructed to seek more information and check with a private firm that provides similar services.

Maggard explained LKM compares salaries with seven to nine similar-sized counties, cities in the area, and the private sector.

The county has been using the plan for six to seven years and it has been four years since the last update.

Maggard further explained county employees did not receive a pay increase two years ago and in the past they receive an "across the board" raise.

A three percent merit raise is in this year's budget, she added.

She asked the commission to consider pay increases for those employees who "meet expectations" since no other raises (cost of living or longevity) are given. Part-time employees and elected officials are not included in the job classification program.

"There is no room for promotions in most departments," Maggard said. She added that Marion County employees are paid considerably less than Marion and Hillsboro city employees.

Commissioner Dan Holub said he would like to see comments on the evaluations that qualify employees for raises. He also wants to see comments for those employees who do not meet expectations, are tardy on a regular basis, or whose appearance is not suitable.

Commission chairman Bob Hein asked Maggard to check the number of counties for which LKM provides classification services.

Dallke commented when there is an open position the county seems to have sufficient applicants.

"But they don't always accept the position because of the low pay," responded Maggard.

Dallke said the county's vacation benefit is better than most employers.

The cost for updating the program with LKM is $1,352.

In other business:

— The commission approved paying $6,500 to Savant Services for updating the county's comprehensive plan.

All agreed an action plan needs to be implemented in order to achieve the goals set in the plan.

— All taxing entities will be included in an interlocal agreement for a county Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

All watershed, fire, hospital, and school districts within the county will be notified.

— The commission designated county treasurer Jeannine Bateman as a voting delegate at the national convention in Hawaii of National Association of Counties Organization. The vote was 2-1 with Dallke voting against because he is not in favor of Bateman attending the conference in Hawaii.

— Maggard requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel. When the meeting reconvened, the commission approved clerk's office employee Ruth Lange receiving pay for 75 hours of compensatory time and 14.5 hours of vacation time carried over to July.

— A salary of $9 per hour for a part-time summer employee in the county appraiser's office was denied.

— Holub requested and received a 10-minute executive session with acting county road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

— Dallke said he would like to begin interviews of applicants for the road and bridge superintendent's position June 20.

— Bill Smithhart, county noxious weed director, requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

— Dallke requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

— A report of all overtime was requested from department heads by Dallke.

The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.

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