02-01-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--February 1, 1999 1935 Mrs. Quick believes the county would have to increase the current salary for this position to attract qualified candidates if Mr. Steiner leaves the county's employment. Every department in the county depends, in some way, on Mr. Steiner's department; and Mrs. Quick discussed this proposed increase with all of the county's department heads and found them to be supportive. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, said Mr. Koenig is correct in that the county has a personnel system that is very important to this organization. In terms of the discussion about reclassification, she said the job classification would stay the same because of the decision band method that is used for grading county positions. Cass County's salary structure does allow for the establishment of market contingencies where the county may have to pay more to keep qualified employees for particular jobs. She said the county has had to make allowances for prospective employees with experience in the data processing field over the past number of years, and there was also a situation with nurses' salaries a couple years ago when the county had difficulty recruiting for the jail nurse position. The county now contracts with Fargo Cass Public Health for those services. Mr. Koenig said this request amounts to an $8,000 salary increase for Mr. Steiner, and he asked if the Commission would consider a contract with Mr. Steiner to remain in the county's employment for at least another year. Mr. Steiner said he was not actively seeking other employment, however, this offer is something he had to consider because of the salary he was offered. He appreciates the considerations given him by the Commission and would not have a problem with signing a contract if that is the wishes of the Commission. However, he said the county does not have a contract with other county department heads. Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, said a contract would require careful consideration because there is usually something binding on both sides. The county does have a contract with Joel Quanbeck to provide planning services, however, he is not a county employee. Mrs. Schneider asked about Y2K concerns, and Mr. Steiner said a county committee was established by the Commission that has met on and off for the past 18 months. He said the Highway Department conducted their own assessment on their equipment, and he is fairly confident all of the county issues have been addressed. Mrs. Schneider said she understands there may be some concerns about a few of the computers in Social Services. Mr. Steiner said he plans to make a presentation to the Commission on this topic in March. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to increase the annual salary of Mike Steiner, Information Services Director, to $55,047.41 effective January 1, 1999, and to amend his step and status date to reflect this increase. On roll call vote, motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Koenig opposing. 15. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to approve Voucher No. 124,228 through No. 124,640. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.