Merit plan for county workers will remain in place
County permits for fireworks will be allowed
Staff reporter
Marion County employees will continue to receive merit raises as per the job classification plan that is in place.
The county commission decided to hire the League of Kansas Municipalities to update job positions and the county's plan for $3,100 and $175 plus mileage for a LKM representative to come to Marion and assist with the update.
The commission considered hiring an independent firm to provide a merit plan.
County clerk Carol Maggard reported if a different entity provided a plan, they would have to start from "scratch" which could delay funds being placed in the 2006 budget.
The update would include gathering information from other counties, cities, and private businesses regarding wages, and comparing with current county employee wages.
The commission had requested Maggard contact the LKM and ask the number of counties they assist with the merit plan. She was told by the LKM that they did not know the specific number.
Maggard then sent an e-mail to all 105 county clerks for information. Only 10 replied. Of those 10, three were using LKM. The others used an independent company.
She encouraged the commission to continue with the current merit plan and have it updated by the LKM. She recalled when Charles DeForest was a commissioner, the commission tried to do its own merit plan. The plan was in place for a year.
Prior to the merit compensation plan, all county employees were given an "across the board" annual raise of $20 to $40 per month.
Current merit raises are percentages of the current pay based on the outcome of an evaluation conducted by department heads.
In other business:
— County fireworks permits will be allowed. Residents have until June 24 to apply for permits to discharge fireworks over the July 4th holiday. The commission will review applications at the June 27 meeting.
Information will be published in all county newspapers regarding the process to apply.
When the permits are approved, copies of the list will be distributed to the county sheriff's office, county dispatch office, and fire departments.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked the commission to consider allowing discharge of fireworks on a case-by-case basis. He noted there may be certain events or celebrations when residents want to discharge fireworks.
— A permit was approved for fireworks at a company picnic June 23.
Judy Houdyshell and Sherry Soyez represented Shawmar Oil & Gas Company. They presented letters from the company and the owners of Country Dreams where the picnic and fireworks will take place.
A professional company will provide and detonate the fireworks.
— Maggard reported a database had been established for the county's interlocal agreement with other taxing entities regarding the Neighborhood Revitalization program.
All taxing entities in the county will be notified of the county's request for them to participate in the program.
— Dianna Carter, county appraiser, requested and received permission to order a second laser measurer. One tool previously had been ordered with the commission telling Carter to order a second if it worked well. The measurer costs $699 and funds from the appraiser's department will be used.
— Carter also reported mechanical concerns with one of the county cars used by her department. She was instructed to have a mechanic look at the car and provide an estimate.
— Following a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel, the commission approved, 2-1, a part-time summer position in the appraiser's office at $7.50 per hour. Commission chairman Bob Hein voted against the motion.
— Park director Dale Snelling reported no bids had been received for a 1984 Ford F-150 pickup. However, a verbal bid of $150 from Hayes Salvage was approved by the commission.
— Snelling also reported an increase from last year in campers at the lake during Memorial Day weekend.
In 2004, there were 62 "plain" campers, those who do not require electricity and water. This year there were 90.
— A bid from Ag Service of Hillsboro was approved for 220 gallons of Tordon for the county's noxious weed department. The total cost was $9,294. Markley Service of Marion provided a bid of $9,840.
— Floor mats for $191 were approved for the county dispatch room.
A new tile floor had been installed but due to lack of communication, the floor was not waxed to prevent marring caused by office chairs. It was determined to be more feasible to purchase floor mats for under the chairs since the room is used 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bids were obtained from Sunflower Office Products, Newton, and Navrat Office Supply, Emporia. Sunflower was unable to match the specifications.
— Maggard reported the county appraiser had certified the appraised value of real and personal properties and oil and gas leases. The certification is part of the county's budget process.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.
