A suggestion was made to place department supervisors, who are appointed by the commissioners, on salary pay. Further discussion centered on the need for guidelines for salaried positions, such as continued use of the time clock and required number of work hours.

Some county officials expressed the belief that placing some hourly workers on salary could help with the county budget process. The county employs 106 full-time persons.

Questions were also raised about varying insurance costs, but explanations were given that the costs varied due to the type of insurance coverage and the number of persons covered in an employee’s plan.

Reimers also suggested employee job descriptions, noting they could be helpful, but would cost the county a fee.

In related business county highway superintendent Kenny Becker told the county officials he would like to have his employees’ status changed to “emergency personnel.” He explained that in emergency situations, the highway workers that are called out for the ambulance, sheriff’s department and schools when the roads are bad.

Becker also asked questions about working hours, lost vacation time, and compensation time (having to use comp time within 90 days)

Also at the first joint session, building inspector David Dare appeared before the joint session to pose questions on house trailers, regarding their age, and the zoning districts where they will not be allowed. The matter will be studied. Also discussed was a list of various building and contractor permits and their fees.