The Marshall County Council members held a work session Monday morning to discuss wages and benefits with department heads.
The work session was scheduled after Highway Superintendent Jason Peters brought up concerns last week about pay at the Highway Department, specifically for CDL drivers, to retain employees and to attract employees. He stated during that meeting that some employees could leave with better pay and advocated for an increase in wages.
The council heard from department heads who submitted suggestions that included Marshall County Historical Society Museum Director Sandy Garrison who polled her workers to include a raise in pay, vacation time, and bonuses.
Coroner John Grolich pointed out that several counties are making the coroner’s elected position a full-time position due to demands on required death reports and more time demanded of the coroner. There has been an increase in cases over the last few years and required reporting is getting more extensive.
Sheriff Matt Hassel said that surrounding municipal police departments in the county pay more than his department and he asked that the county be a little more competitive with wages for his department.
Treasurer Angie Birchmeier commented that if the county is going to do anything, keep it uniform and not favor any department or employees over the other. Councilman Jon Van Vactor made the same comments during last week’s council meeting and reiterated his stance Monday morning.
Councilman Tim Harman, who participated remotely and by text, suggested creating a different line item in the budget for CDL drivers for a different pay category.
Councilwoman Mandy Campbell asked where the money would come from in the budget for wage adjustments, and long-term solutions, which will need to be explored in upcoming conversations. The Marshall County Commissioners’ decision to pick up most of the insurance cost for employees would help through the rest of this year.
Conversations are anticipated with Waggoner Irwin and Scheele and the personnel committee on ways to address the needs of employees along with retention and attraction of employees.
