Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 3/7/24

March 7, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the Agenda as listed. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the FY 25 Comp Board Recommendations. Supervisor Seeman said he was leaning for less, but after knowing what the Unions are predicted for he was leaning towards the Comp Board's recommendation. Primmer brought up in the past how one department fluctuated more so. Bierschenk says this is so hard to predict the future and we want to keep our employees happy here. Discussion continued for the cost of living increases and what the CPI has done.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To adopt Resolution #24-22, FY 25 Elected Officials Salaries. Voting aye there on were, Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #24-22

ELECTED OFFICIALS' SALARIES

WHEREAS, the Benton County Compensation Board met on December 27, 2023, and recommended an 3% increase in the salaries of all the elected officials pursuant to Iowa Code Sections 331.905 and 331.907; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Supervisors approved the 3% increase:

Official Current Salary Recommended Salary for FY25

Auditor $95,574.23 $98,441.46

Treasurer $90,385.50 $93,097.07

Recorder $90,385.50 $93,097.07

Attorney $136,441.27 $140,534.51

Sheriff $132,320.70 $136,290.32

Supervisor $51,664.61 $51,664.61

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Benton County Board of Supervisors adopts the salary recommendations for elected officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, as recommended by the Benton County Compensation Board, with the exception of the Supervisors, they will take a 0% increase and take away the Chairman's Stipend.

Dated this 7th day of March, 2024.

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Rick Primmer, Chairman

____________________________________

Gary Bierschenk

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Tracy Seeman

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor

Continued wage discussion was had on wages. Certain individuals have been named during departments budget presentation to be recommended that they receive additional pay for various reasons.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve a 3 ½ % increase to all non-elected, non-commissioned, non-contracted employees with noting that the following individuals have a different rate:

Deb Cummings-6%

Jessica Meyer-6%, noting that the director of transportation will not take any increase

Myron Parizek-4%

Randy Sherwood-4%

Karen Uthoff-4%

Deb Flemings 3% original with $5000 out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

Lori Siela-3% with an additional 3% to come out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

Kelsey Robbins-3% with an additional 3% to come out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

Allaina Casali-3% with an additional $2,120 to come out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

Angie Becker-3% with an additional 3% to come out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

Joyce Bane-3% with an additional 3% to come out of the Attorney's Collection Fund

All three Board members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve $375 to Precinct Chairman and $250 for all other election workers along with the $25 training rate and mileage at the current federal rate effective July 1, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Bids were received for a new semi-truck for secondary roads as follows:

GATR Truck Centers-Mack Granite 2025 MP8@455HP 13 Speed Mack AMT -$155,459.00

Truck Center Co.-Western Star 49X 2025 DD16@530HP 12 Speed Detroit AMT-$156,955.00

Truck Center Co-Western Star 49X 2025 DD13@525HP 12 Speed Detroit AMT-$152,915.00

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To accept the low bid from Truck Center Co. for a 2025 Western Star 49 X-DD13@525HP, 12 speed Detroit AMT in the amount of $152,915.00. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve out of state training for Elana Janss, Medical Examiner Investigator to attend required training. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Committee Reports: Seeman reported on the EMA Office and some floor concerns. The EMA Office is within the Benton County Law Enforcement Center that the county owns. EMA Director reported to Tracy Seeman about the floor setting and how it is becoming an issue. He will take a look and report back how they want to get this taken care of going forward, maybe with spray foam. No action taken.

Auditor Rippel asked to revisit the discussion she had with Sue Wilber during Tuesday's meeting after Primmer was excused. She again wanted to stress the importance of Chapter 22, Examination of Public Records to all departments and states that is her duties pursuant to 331.504. When the Board signs or initials documents even if she doesn't attest for them. It Is important to keep originals when possible of all 28Es, contracts and leases so that she can provide them when requested upon her to do so.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To Adjourn. Voting aye were Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Richard Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor