Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 1/27/23

January 27, 2023

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk present. The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. at the conference room at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Primmer moved: To enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)i. Motion failed for lack of a second.

Benton County Attorney, Ray Lough, stated that the employee has to request to enter into closed session. Since they are just going to be discussing wage, she is not requesting to enter into closed session. Lough presented that Bennett-Casali be paid $34,000 annually with 37 ½ hours of sick leave with 6 weeks maternity leave. Supervisor Seeman stated his hesitation is with maternity leave, he believed it was earned. Kirsten Nelson, Human Recourses Director, stated there is no maternity leave in the County, Gina Edler, Deputy Auditor, informed the Board that only people with maternity leave was written into their personal contracts. Lough said that maternity leave is something the County should look into but he will table that issue. Further discussion consisted of certifications to raise salary for Bennett-Casali at a future date. Supervisor Primmer stated his problem was that there are Benton County employees who were making just under $40,000 before the last salary bump.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To Approve Resolution #23-6, Hiring Allaina Bennett-Casali as Collections Paralegal in County Attorney's Office effective January 24, 2023 at a starting salary of $34,000 and awarded 37 ½ hours of sick leave. All voting Aye. Motion carried.

Supervisor Seeman met with George Haefner with the Weed Department regarding snow removal. Haefner would like to purchase a push blade attachment for the skid loader. The push blade is $3,000. Haefner will be coming into ask the Board at a future date.

Supervisor Seeman questioned snow removal at the Service Center, employees stated that snow wasn't removed until after employees were at work. Supervisor Primmer stated he would contact the vendor.

Supervisor Seeman questioned if they wanted to ask each department head to come in and adjust their budgets since the wages were higher. Supervisor Primmer stated they should ask the department heads to come back in and go over budgets.

Supervisor Primmer discussed at the Juvenile Detention meeting the rate is going up to about $25/day

Supervisor Bierschenk stated at the Mental Health meeting, they are still having a struggle to use up all of the funds.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Deputy Benton County Auditor