Employee issues are part of county's agenda
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission began and ended its weekly meeting Monday with employee issues.
A grievance hearing was held regarding county transfer station employee Linda Johnson.
During the public hearing, two issues were noted.
Supervisor David Brazil had changed Johnson's daily work schedule where she worked fewer hours per day during the week and was working more Saturdays and holidays.
Following the scheduled morning agenda items, the commission recessed for a 10-minute executive session to discuss the personnel issue. When the meeting reconvened, the commission did not make any decisions.
At the conclusion of all agenda items at 1:30 p.m., the commission met with David Brazil, transfer station manager, in a 15-minute executive session to discuss the personnel issue.
When the meeting reconvened, the commission voted to send a letter and a copy of the transfer station personnel policy, adopted that morning, to Johnson.
Work week option
The commission approved a one-year trial for those county departments that could benefit from a nine and one-half-hour work day.
Dianna Carter-Frantz, county appraiser, presented information to the commission regarding her department and a need for a flexible schedule.
Employees in the appraiser's office often work before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m. to make contact with property owners. The proposal would allow employees, at the discretion of the department heads, to work four, nine and one-half-hour days per week.
Currently typical courthouse employees work 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 37.5 hours per week.
This option would allow employees to work four days per week and be off three.
Michele Abbott-Becker, director of emergency management and communications, said it would be "good" for her departments.
She said this would not work for some offices and had been told that some offices will not participate.
Acting county road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet said it would work for the road and bridge department "to a certain extent." He added he would like to see his employees go to four 10-hour days during the summer.
Road and bridge personnel work eight hours per day, 40 hours a week.
County clerk Carol Maggard said the new payroll system will allow employees to clock-in through the county's networking system which will simplify tracking of hours.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he would be willing to give it a try for a year as long as the departments do not "curtail services."
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he was concerned about all departments being able to participate. Holub said it would be no different than a person taking vacation time.
Mileage increase
County employees will receive an increase in mileage reimbursement from 33 cents per mile to 37 cents per mile. The commission decided at the Jan. 24 meeting to follow the amount the state reimburses its employees.
Maggard said the state reviews the policy July 1 of each year for possible increase.
The resolution will follow the amount the state allows and will be effective beginning Jan. 21, which was the beginning of a pay period.
The commission also decided not to publish the notice.
