County employees receive pay increase
Commission approves two percent increase for April pay period
Marion County Commission approved a two percent pay increase Monday for county employees. The pay raise will go in effect for the April pay period.
Howard Collett, commissioner, commented the employee benefit fund had extra funds due to the lower projected cost of health care benefits.
"Employee health insurance co-pay has increased and the benefits have decreased," said Collett. "Our employees are having more out-of-pocket medical expenses."
Following his comments, Collett said he would be in favor of the raise.
Leroy Wetta, commission chairman, said he was not disagreeing with Collett but had a concern.
"Statute won't allow us to use employee benefit fund for wage increases," said Wetta. "However, funds could come out of the general fund."
Commission Bob Hein agreed with the wage increase.
Carol Maggard, county clerk, clarified the increase for all full-time county employees and permanent part-time employees. Approximately $36,000 will be expended for the wage increase for 2004.
Due to several openings in the agenda, the commission made an inspection of the county jail building.
Sheriff Lee Becker had reported several months earlier of water leaks in the upstairs jail area where inmates take showers. The water is running down the walls and through the ceiling of the offices on the main floor.
Merle Flaming and Ben Steketee of Flaming's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Ralph Kreutziger, general contractor, told commission they had inspected the area and determined there were two areas where leaks were occurring.
It was recommended to replace shower plumbing from the upstairs shower stall, install a new drain, and repair the floor.
Lowering the ceiling of the office area on the main floor, located directly under the leaking shower stall, would allow easy access to the new plumbing.
Becker stated he had received a bid from Suffield Heating, Plumbing, and Cooling. Commission suggested Kreutziger and Flaming also submit bids.
In other business, commission approved a bid for roof repairs from Burke's Roofing of McPherson. The repairs will be made on the county health department building roof.
Burke's Roofing and the second bidder, Ray Roofing of Newton, agreed it was not necessary to replace the roof.
Burke's Roofing's bid was $5,400 and Ray's Roofing's bid was $6,828.
Maggard reported an opportunity for the county to sell the old awnings that were removed from the health building for $400.
County attorney Susan Robson will present information at Monday's commission meeting regarding liquor-by-the-drink and Sunday beer sales.
The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
