05-16-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--Hay 16, 1989 257 29. ROAD ENGINEER, EmDlovmen~ terms A letter was received from the States Attorney alor~g with a Hemorandum of Understanding signed by Don Richards, Cass County Engineer, for the purpose of clarifying the terms of employment and alleviating any potential conflicts or misunderstandings which may have previously existed between the County Engineer and the Board of County Commissioners. Mrs. Toussaint stated that she thoroughly disagrees with this because the Commission has been working or) continuity, arid now are changing the policy for one person. Hr. Wieland had a memo from the Personnel Assistant indicating that the County has provided different benefits for others by transferring merit system employee benefits. He felt the Commission has an option with department heads of handling situations differently. Robert Hoy stated that the County Commission can make policies that govern certain employees, but obviously the reason for having a policy manual is the fact that there are over 300 employees. Mrs. Toussaint asked if there is anyone besides the Social Services employees listed in the memo which Commissioner Wieland received from the Personnel Assistant who are transferring benefits. Mr. Nieland assumed all of those listed are Social Services employees, and they follow the State's Personnel Policies. Mrs. Toussaint stated that they are the County's obligation when they are hired in Cass County. Hr. Hoy suspected that action of the County Social Services Board may have allowed the transfer of benefits because the State Policy Hanual relatin~ to benefits indicates that benefits may be transferred if allowed by the receiving agency. Mr. Shannon stated that this is a complex issue, and the problem appears to be larger than dealing with the County Engineer. He expressed disappointment that the 12-member committee on Personnel Policies was unable to reach a consensus on a number of items in the proposed policy manual. He felt the Commission should first determine how to proceed with the committee recommendation to hire a personnel director rather than possibly creating more problems at this time. Mr. Wieland suggested that two other members of this Commission sit down with the States Attorney and the Engineer to attempt to resolve the problems. Mrs. Toussaint stated that once you start making exceptions to policy, it is difficult to stop. She feels the problem is that the original agreement was not made at a Commission meeting, and she questioned whether a new agreement would solve any problems. Chairman Eckert asked if it is the consensus of the Board to delay this matter until the next meeting, and have someone else review it and make a recommendation. Mr. Shannon suggested that the two Commissioners on the Social Services Board, Hrs. Toussaint and Hr. Sondrall, work on the Social Services specifics and he will work with them at their discretion. Mr. Wieland indicated that the States Attorney has been asked for an opinion on whether Social Service employees are considered State or County employees, and he asked to be kept posted on this. Mr. Eckert asked Commissioners Toussaint and Sondrall to spearhead this, and he will visit with Don Richards again. The matter will be placed on the dune Oth agenda.