The Marshall County Council members briefly discussed the salary for the vacant county highway engineer position, but did not make a formal motion to increase the proposed salary range.
Councilman Bill Githens opened the discussion by saying that he has taken several calls on the matter and would like to see it put to rest. Councilwoman Penny Lukenbill cited the history of the issue, saying that the commissioners found a candidate for the position, but the candidate turned down the job because of the wage.
In January, the council members discussed salary range for the Marshall County Engineer position, with that range being $62,837-$76,800. Commissioner Kurt Garner appealed to the council in March asking for an increase to about $85,000 for the position. At the time, Council President Judy Stone asked the commissioners to go back to the original proposal and make some changes for a future meeting.
The candidate would supervise the highway department as well as assist with other duties where a civil engineer may be needed. Garner indicated that the candidate the county is attempting to attract is interested in helping with drainage work and other departments in the county including small projects in other communities.
Without an engineer in place months after the first advertisement of the position, the commissioners talked about created an interim highway superintendent position and moving Highway Supervisor Jason Peters into that role, but no decisions were made.
Councilwoman Penny Lukenbill and Council President Judy Stone said on the record that they are not in favor of an increase in the salary or the position. Councilman Bill Githens agreed with the pair. Stone mentioned that she doesn’t see the justification of funding the position. Councilman Heath Thornton voiced his support of the position and the increase in pay. Lukenbill was quick to say that it is the commissioners’ decision to move on the position while the council must focus on the fiscal aspect of the matter. The three other council members, Jon VanVactor, James Masterson and Don Morrison, did not offer comment.
A vote was not taken on this subject. Discussions may continue in August.
