The Fillmore County Classification and Compensation Study final report was reviewed at the February 12 county board meeting. The report was compiled by David Drown Associates Company.
Kristina Kohn, Human Resources, led a discussion on the new pay plan and final job classifications. The county employs 156 people. The study reviewed descriptions of 65 positions. The study report, including updated job descriptions and the classification chart, was accepted and amended at the last county board meeting.
The board adopted the new pay plan this day. A 2% market plan adjustment had been proposed by David Drown. The 2% market adjustment for the 2019 pay plan was approved, to be made retroactively effective the first pay period in January 2019. Commissioner Mitch Lentz voted no.
Adjustments will be made to get all employees within market minimums and maximums for their particular position. Commissioner Randy Dahl said his biggest concern was for those positions where the wage falls below the minimum. Several positions are currently being paid below the minimum and will be moved up to the minimum immediately. Kohn said this is being accomplished. Each employee will be put at the step closest to what he or she currently is making, but not less than.
A small number of positions are currently being paid over the maximum according to the proposed pay scale. Three options were discussed. Chairman Duane Bakke questioned whether it was fair to continue to pay these employees over the maximum for many years or possibly as long as they work for the county (options for a partial freeze or no freeze). He added we have to look at the fairness over all. The board approved the option of a hard freeze on increases for these positions until the wage falls within the maximums in the pay plan as recommended by the Compensation Committee. This could take one to four years depending on the degree the employee currently is paid over the maximum.
Kohn maintained the new pay plan puts the county in position to be competitive with the market. Bakke added we have kept up with the market for the most part; a few people are above the market and some have had starting pay below the market.
By consensus it was decided to continue the current annual review policy to maintain the new system. Currently, 25% of job descriptions are reviewed annually by employees, department heads, and committee. A few of these may be sent to a consultant for adjustments.
Other business in brief
• The resignation of Carrie Huffman, account technician, effective February 15 was approved with thanks for her 11 years of service.
Advertisement will continue for a replacement account technician, as requested by auditor/treasurer and approved by the Personnel Committee.
• Dalton Bellock was hired as a replacement full-time deputy effective February 26.
• Kayla Pierce was hired as an account technician in Land Records, effective March 18.
• Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, presented and reviewed the Fillmore-Houston Community Health Board 2018 expenditures.
• The 2019-2020 Adult and Children’s Mobile Crisis Grant Cooperative Agreement was approved. Dahl noted that in the past it did not cost the participating counties anything, but now does because of state cuts in funding. The Minnesota Department of Human Services grant is $1,010,000 to be split over two years. Seven counties and Minnesota Prairie County Alliance agree to integrate state financial resources into the CREST Initiative, which allocates state financial resources to provide Adult Mental Health Initiative services in participating counties. Fillmore County will pay its share to recoup the grant award reduction ($22,861 in 2019 and $25,403 in 2020). Olmsted County acts as the fiscal agent.
• The 2017 audit was approved. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said we budget to break even.
• A payment of $1,485 to Astrophysics was approved for roller tables (for use in courthouse security).
• Brian Hoff was appointed Interim Assessor. Vickerman explained Hoff is working to get his Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) license. The interim appointment is being done now to satisfy state statute. Hoff is expected to complete the license process by mid May.