County ED director receives pay increase
Staff reporter
As a sign of support and commitment to economic development, Marion County Commission increased county economic development director Teresa Huffman's salary from $29,000 per year to $40,000.
Earlier in Monday's meeting, the commission called a 10-minute executive session with Huffman for the purpose of discussing personnel. When the session ended, the commission reported there were no decisions.
At the conclusion of the commission's business meeting, commissioner Dan Holub requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. When the meeting reconvened, commission chairman Randy Dallke called for a five minute break.
When the meeting reconvened, the commission approved the pay increase.
"The pay increase was based on what economic development people are making from around the state," Holub said. Professionals in larger counties are being paid $45,000 to $60,000 per year, Holub said.
"The budget was set up for $50,000 with $40,000 for a salary," Dallke said.
Holub concluded that the commission had heard comments from residents around the county regarding the quality job Huffman was doing.
Huffman was hired Nov. 1, 2006, as an economic development secretary at a starting salary of $25,000 per year. On April 21, she was promoted to director, and received a $4,000 per year pay increase.
In other business:
— The commission signed a contract and gave the verbal go-ahead for a renovation project to begin at Marion County Jail. Dustin Hett of Hett Carpentry, Marion, will work under the liability insurance of Hett Construction of Marion. Davey Hett, owner of Hett Construction, and Dustin Hett were at Monday's commission meeting for the final approval of the contract.
— A quit claim deed was approved by the commission from the county to Leo and Margaret Jirak to clear an easement situation.
— Gib Suderman of Elcon Services Inc., of Hillsboro, told the commission that the lighting around the county courthouse could not be the same as Chase County's courthouse lighting because of trees. If appropriate light fixtures are not used, the lights could shine directly into the eyes of pedestrians on sidewalks around the courthouse.
Suderman offered to order appropriate light fixtures and decorative posts, and then will set up an evening for the commissioners to see the lights at night. The commission asked him to proceed.
— Dallke requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Holub requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Maggard requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Architect Tony Rangel of Law Kingdon Inc. was scheduled to present preliminary estimates for a new county law enforcement center. He canceled and asked to be placed on the county agenda in two weeks.
The commission will not meet Monday but will meet at 9 a.m. Oct. 31 for payday and other business.
