By Jim Magdefrau
Vinton – Benton County Human Resources Director Sue Wilber read a statement at the Benton County Board of Supervisors’ meeting, answering concerns brought up in previous meetings about her office’s role.
The meeting was Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the service center in Vinton.
Wilber told those at the meeting that she wanted to clarify concerns that have come up.
She started with her job description and some of the things she has done. The county implemented a performance review policy and all-staff reviews, which have not been done for many years. She said this is “best practice” and was brought up at the Iowa Association of Counties.
A county-wide texting program was approved to improve communications. She said this came up in her job review, with the lack of communication and reaching some of the remote sheds and disconnectedness.
She also said job postings were updated to make them more attractive to applicants and make them compliant. Job applications forms were updated. She facilitated and helped in the hiring of about 10 positions.
The county resurrected the Wellness Committee, which had been dormant for some time, she said and created a safety committee and a handbook committee. Handbook language was reviewed and revised based on employee feedback. They switched the flex spending vendor saving the county money. The county reintroduced the annual county meeting, which had not been done for a while. They introduced handing out service pins and implemented county-wide challenges to promote team building and employee management.
They are in the process of converting to online benefits enrollment for staff to choose and review their own benefits rather than doing it on paper.
They are in the process of converting to electronic timing attendance and leave tracking so again staff has access earlier to their time and see at a glance what their leave balances are.
She also wanted to address misconceptions and misunderstandings that have come up. First, she said it was at a meeting and in print that she ordered IT (Information Technology) to take cameras down. She clarified that she does not oversee IT and she doesn’t have the authority to tell the IT person what to do. IT reports to the board of supervisors. She was asked by the board to investigate the situation. It is part of her job description to look into things at the board’s request. She said there are certain expectations of employee conduct, which is why they have a handbook. If there are violations of the handbook, she is asked to look into them and address them accordingly.
She said the county is determined to follow the handbook.
There were also comments about her going after individuals or that she had an ax to grind. She again clarified her role. Whoever brings a complaint to her, she has an obligation to look into it, especially if a potential law is being broken. She stressed part of her job is to protect the county from liability and risk.
There have also been comments about her looking into a different vendor for processing payroll, and it’s been said she wants to take those duties over. She stressed she does not want to do this. But she wants to protect the county from liability. When concerns were brought to her, such as taking a deduction from an employee when they didn’t authorize that deduction. She wants to protect the county from liability. She said payroll laws keep changing and they will only get more complicated.
As for money spent on legal fees, she said the county attorney directs her sometimes to reach out to outside legal services because his speciality is not employment law. Outside legal help also provides a perspective or opinion on a matter they are handling.
Her attendance at board meetings was also brought up. She explained this was a recommendation from legal. She is learning a new job and sometimes things are brought up that she can follow up on. She takes notes to increase her knowledge and understand things that are brought up. No disrespect is meant to anyone when she asks questions, she stressed. She’s working for clarification.
She also addressed letters sent to the previous board of health. She said this falls under “other duties as assigned.” Wilber also talked about concerns brought up about having another job. She said she still works with her previous employer, which was OK with the interview committee. There are numerous people who have outside employment.
Wilber said she also updated her Linked In profile.
As for the request for part-time help, Wilber said that when the position was created several years ago, the goal was to have a second full-time person after the department was up and running.
She encouraged people who have questions to stop by her office.
County Auditor Hayley Rippel also sought clarification on outside employment and businesses, communication, new W-4 forms and payroll issues. Rippel stressed her baking cookies is not an outside business and that payroll issues can’t be addressed unless they are brought to her office. Rippel said her office needed outside legal help to address policies during Covid, and the supervisors decided the county needed an inside person, and the human resources position was created.
Other business
The amended budget hearing date was set for 2025 for April 23 at 9:15 a.m.
Larry Hlas, Van Horne Fire Department, met with the board on use of LOSST (Local Option Sales and Service Tax) funds for breathing air compressor system for the Van Horne Fire Department. This high pressure compressor is used for hazardous air environment. They also plan a fill station. The supervisors approved paying for 10 percent of these once they get the invoice.
A Class C Retail Alcohol License was approved for Hy-Vee Inc. It is a five-day license for a wedding venue.
Shelby Williams of Benton County Conservation received approval for the release of community development block grant funds. She also gave an update on conservation. They are still taking bids for a water distribution system at Wildcat, using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Donations are coming in for the Wildcat Bluff Addition project. Benton County Conservation is partnering with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and we are going to be adding roughly 180 acres immediately to the east of Wildcat Bluff. This property includes ideal timber habitat, upland and lowland habitat, and additional Cedar River bank. She introduced the IRM (Integrated Roadside Management) manager, Eric Shares, who comes to Benton County from Waverly.
The board approved a contract and contractor’s bond with Peterson Contractors, Inc. for bridge replacement on 16th Ave. in Cedar Township.
Wilber gave an update on the ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) program agreement. The board approved hiring of a paralegal in the county attorney’s office. The paralegal, Derek Marsh, starts at $50,000. He comes from Virginia and starts June 1. They also accepted the resignation of Richard McNamara from secondary roads. He is relocating and his last day is May 1. Wilber and County Engineer Myron Parizek will begin interviewing for a replacement.
Jim Magdefrau 