At the February 5 county board meeting, Tessia Melvin, David Drown Associates Company management consultant, reviewed the months long process and results of the county’s compensation and classification study project.
The focus of the study was to evaluate job descriptions and assign compensation classifications. The process included reviewing job descriptions and assigning classifications, allowing for an appeal process of job descriptions and classifications by employees/department heads. Sixty-eight job descriptions have been updated. Thirteen appeals were filed and reviewed by the personnel committee. The final recommendations are being presented to the board this day for their consideration.
Five of the appeals did not result in a change of classification. Eight classifications warranted classification changes due to duties, a need to do problem solving, or education.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz commented that it was a good process because the positions were looked at in a context of what the county needs and not in regard to the person that is currently in a position.
Changes in eight job classifications resulting from the appeals were approved. The classification chart was approved. The updated job descriptions were approved.
Restructuring
Brian Hoff was hired as the Land Records Director effective February 6. Approval was given to advertise for a replacement property appraiser.
The personnel committee recommended moving payroll and audit functions from the auditor/treasurer office to the coordinator’s office. A recommendation was made to have an account tech lead supervised by the coordinator. The responsibilities will include the creation and management of a new county intranet and website, assistance in budget preparation, assistance with courthouse security badges and cameras, and assistance with IS communications and projects.
Three account techs (one being lead) will be supervised by the auditor/treasurer. One less account tech will work in land records.
The transition of functions and staffing level changes recommended by the personnel committee were approved. The resignation of Lori Affeldt accepted at the January 22 meeting was rescinded. She will serve as the account tech lead in the coordinator’s office.
The transfer of Karla Franzen, account tech, from land records to auditor/treasurer was approved effective immediately.
Other Business in Brief
• Chairman Duane Bakke congratulated and thanked county attorney Brett Corson on his years of military service. He has retired from the army reserves after 30 years of service.
• A revised Resource Recovery Center Credit and Operating Policy was approved.
• County Engineer Ron Gregg requested approval to purchase a 2019 Mack tandem truck for $100,573 including trade of the 2007 Freightliner and the purchase of body, hoist, plow and other equipment from Universal Truck Equipment for $121,225. The purchases at the state bid were approved as presented.
A resolution was approved to apply for a grant to resurface CSAH 30 through the Local Road Improvement Program. The road provides access to Niagara Cave. CSAH 30 is not on the current five-year plan for construction due to limited funding. Gregg explained that there currently is no money in this account, but resolutions like this will help designate a need to fund the program.
Approval was given to advertise for a bridge replacement on CSAH 4 west of Washington.
•Sheriff John DeGeorge recommended approval of the lower of two bids to replace two overhead garage doors. The low bid of $2,270 submitted by Thompson’s Garage Door and Openers was approved.
•Director of Nursing Jessica Erickson requested approval of a contract with Dr. Stephanie Jakim to provide her services as a medical consultant. The contract was approved at no cost to the county or the Community Health Board. Jakim provides the service with no fee.
•Social Service Manager Kevin Olson received approval of a service agreement with Mary Klinghaven for consultation and claims training for social services information system health care claims. The cost is not to exceed $4,300. Olson expects to make that amount in the first year with increased revenue, as a result of the training.
•Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins requested and received approval to close out three 2018 NRBG grants. The grants of $2,692, $18,600, and $3,000 were expended in the administration of the county’s ordinances.
•Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones reviewed the county’s updated fee schedule. She explained some fees are not new but were not included on the schedule in previous years. There were some additions and changes. The fee schedule will be reviewed on a yearly basis. A motion to update the fee schedule was approved.
There was a lengthy discussion of a proposed amended Fillmore County Abatement Policy which was being updated to reflect state statutes that were changed in 2017. Attorney Corson and Bakke compared language of the proposed updates and modifications with the current policy. Corson and appropriate department heads will look at the revisions and bring the amended policy back to the board for its consideration at a future meeting.
•By consensus, the board directed Coordinator Vickerman to send a letter to cities, townships, and school districts describing old office supplies and furnishings that are available and no longer of use to the county.