By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – There was staff action at the July 16, 2024, meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors in the Benton County Service Center, Vinton.

The board acknowledged the resignation of Gary Benson from the auditor’s office election temporary staff. He helped set up precinct election equipment. Gina Edler of the auditor’s office asked to have a maintenance staff member help with the setup for elections. Benton County has 18 precincts. The board approved the collaboration between the auditor and maintenance office, adding this to the maintenance job description.

The board approved hiring Jake Winsor starting July 23 as a clerk in the treasurer’s office.

Benton County Treasurer Melinda Schoettmer presented the semi-annual report. 

Quarterly reports were approved for the recorder, Veterans Affairs and sheriff. Action on General Assistance was tabled.

The board approved use of the courthouse grounds on Aug. 24, for the Kiwanis Club in Vinton.

Jennifer Kreutner was reappointed to the Vinton Library Board.

The board approved a purchase agreement for temporary easement for a bridge project on 28th Ave.

Danial Donley was approved to replace Dean Vrba on the EMS Advisory Council as Mount Auburn’s representative.

Vacation

At the close of the meeting, Barb Greenlee of the sanitarian/land use office asked about an extra week of vacation. She now has four weeks. She also wanted this for other employees with 17 years of experience or more.

Sue Wilber, human resources, said the handbook committee would like to do a little more research on having 25 days of vacation. They are also reviewing sick leave. The committee hopes to have a recommendation in a few weeks.

Greenlee wanted that to be approved, feeling that 25 days after 17 years was the consensus of the committee.

Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer said he’s feel more comfortable seeing how this is going to affect the budget. He is not opposed to rewarding long-term employees.

They hope to have something on the agenda later. Sheriff Ron Tippett pointed out that since his employees are in a union, there would need to be a memorandum of understanding.

It was pointed out the matter was not on the agenda. However, action on her vacation request could fall under old business, since she made the request at the prior meeting for herself and any others with 17 years or more of experience. She was told she’d have an answer by the July 16 meeting.

Primmer stressed he’d prefer action on vacation for all long-time employees. 

Auditor Hayley Rippel said this may also affect vacation carryover, and getting paid out for vacation for retirement. She added the board had to consider the impact of “newbies” getting more vacation than long-time employees. 

Primmer felt it was very wise to check the budgets. He is not opposed to it. They need to see how it works with the taxpayers. 

Greenlee stressed the taxpayers are getting “bang for their buck” as her office is down one employee and she has stepped up.

Primmer moved to wait two weeks. They will put this on agenda July 30, giving time for department heads to see how this will affect their budgets. He said this is the obligation they have to taxpayers, as well as the employees. It was seconded by Gary Bierschenk. All voted aye.

Meeting Link