By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Action was tabled on sick leave changes at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the service center in Vinton.

Joy Wieditz, treasurer’s office employee, had questions about sick leave and vacation time, which were revised at the meeting held one week before. The changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. She hoped to give some of her sick time to her husband, who is having open heart surgery before Jan. 1. 

She wanted to be allowed to use her sick time for parent, child and spouse effective immediately.

Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer asked when the next meeting of the handbook committee can be held. Supervisor Tracy Seeman said he favored tabling this until the next meeting so he can get a little more information. He added, “Maybe we should revisit what we did last week and kind of make this retroactive.” He also wanted to run this by County Attorney Ray Lough regarding sick leave and donated leave.

Primmer wanted to see the committee tweak the handbook.

Seeman wanted to be sure the wording is right, then the board can revise its resolution.

The board approved tabling the matter. They urged the committee to get together as soon as they can.

Wieditz also talked about some new hires getting five more days of vacation than some long-time employees. The board did approve adding five more days to employees with experience of 17 years or more, effective Jan. 1, based on their anniversary dates. She said, “It’s time to fix this hostile environment. You created this and you can fix this. Make it right and give the employees with 17-plus years the extra five days effective July 1, 2024.” She added, “We deserve it and we have earned it.” 

No action was taken. Primmer said it was a budgetary decision to start this Jan. 1.

Other business 

The board approved getting a new brush for the tractor mower. 

Vacation carryover was approved for Courtney Long, Veterans Affairs, of 17.75 hours.

A resolution was approved for temporary construction closure on 63rd Street in Big Grove Township for a bridge replacement. It should be replaced in 60 days. 

A credit card with $1,500 limit was approved for Dean Vrba, Benton County Emergency Management Agency. It is to be used for conferences and minimal purchases. 

Jakob Long was approved as a new equipment operator for secondary roads. His hourly wage is $26.30.

Employment change was approved for Cody Jones. He is a mechanic. His new rate $29.04 per hour. 

The board closed the meeting working on 2024 Homestead Tax Exemptions, Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credits and Military Tax Exemptions.