By JIM MAGDEFRAU

VINTON – Salary, safety, and a dump rock trailer were on the agenda for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the service center in Vinton.

Nancy Jorgensen of the auditor’s office explained the federal government is increasing the minimum salary for an exempt employee. This goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. 

The first increase was in July, but it didn’t affect anyone with the county. She said Benton County has an employee that falls below the salary of $58,656. After looking at the numbers, she said it would be to the county’s advantage to increase that salary, rather than to allow him to earn comp or be paid overtime. It would take $696 to bring this employee up to the minimum. This individual is putting in an average 88 1/2 hours per pay period. Overtime takes effect after 80 hours. The board approved the new plan to meet federal regulations on exempt employees for the transportation director.

The board approved the purchase of a belly dump rock trailer for secondary roads. The winning quote was from ITM (Iowa Trailer Manufacturing) for $61,040. 

The board signed and approved the Benton County pledge supporting strategies outlined in the safety action plan. They will focus on road projects that will reduce accidents, and the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities in the future, according to Engineer Myron Parizek. Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer wondered if it would be seen as hypocritical since the county is looking at removing rumble strips at the Van Horne corner. Parizek said there are multiple suggestions on what is to be done at those intersections.  With all safety measures, you run into conflicts at times, he explained. It was approved by resolution.

Parizek said he received a verbal quote from the (REC) Rural Electric Cooperative on a light for that intersection. The county is looking at taller light poles for that intersection on both sides. 

The board approved vacation carryover for Barb Fetzer of the land use and sanitarian office, to be used by June 30, 2025.

The board also met Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, for employee performance evaluations.