Dahl says it s too late to add county to bill
County looks to other legislators for assistance
Marion County Clerk Carol Maggard made contact with Representative Don Dahl regarding the county's name being added to a bill to allow a special sales tax vote for a law enforcement center.
Maggard reported Monday to Marion County Commission that Dahl had informed her that it was "too late" because they have already been in session for five weeks.
Maggard said the bill has not yet been to committee so it shouldn't be too late.
Commission chairman Dan Holub suggested Maggard contact Representative Jay Emler or Senator Jim Barnett.
The commission had decided to add the county's name to other counties for approval. State legislators have to approve a statute to allow the special sales tax before voters make the decision.
In other business:
— Maggard said it could cost the county an additional $62,000 per year to increase employees' hours from 37.5 per week to 40.
Most employees in the courthouse work a 7.5-hour day instead of eight. Other county departments work an eight-hour day.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said it wasn't fair for some to work 40 hours for their benefits while others only work 37.5. He said all department heads and elected officials should work a 40-hour week.
Commissioner Bob Hein said most department heads do work a 40-hour week.
Maggard reminded the commission that elected officials are not obligated to work specific hours but to make sure work is completed in the office.
The treasurer's office opens at 8 a.m. with an employee opening and then ending the work day at 4:30 p.m., said Maggard.
Traditionally, wages have reflected a shorter workweek when hired, said Maggard.
"Some of the departments with 37.5 hours per week have comp time and want to hire additional employees," said Holub. "Would going to a 40-hour workweek eliminate this?"
Maggard said employees receive regular pay up to 40 hours.
Holub suggested any newly hired department heads be hired at 40 hours per week.
The commission took the information under advisement.
— Health insurance premiums for the county will be less for 2006 than the previous year. Single coverage went from $334 per month to $307, and family coverage from $407 to $376 per month.
— The commission approved an addendum to the county's personnel policy regarding uniforms, meal reimbursement, and increments of sick and vacation leave.
County uniforms cannot be worn other than at work.
Reimbursement for meals during the work day for local meetings will be taxed and added to the payroll. Meals and other expenses for out-of-town and overnight meetings will not be taxed and added to an employee's income.
Maggard said these were requirements of the IRS.
Employees also will be allowed to take increments of 15 minutes for vacation and sick leave.
The addendum will become effective March 1.
— Cindy Magill, county appraiser, said she will request a 30-day extension with the state department of property evaluation to mail evaluations to property owners. The evaluations are supposed to be mailed by March 1 but due to personnel issues in the department, the work is not completed and the deadline cannot be met.
Magill said the notices will be sent on or before April 1.
— Salary increases were approved for Robin Taylor and Dana Wear in the appraiser's office.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the courthouse. There is no meeting on Monday because of Presidents Day holiday.
