12-30-2003Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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(03801 16 COMMENCE AUDIT AND APPROVAL OF BI WEEKLY PAY CLAIMS - Arnold made a motion and Humiston seconded to approve the bi-weekly pay claims and authorize the clerk to pay. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Chairman Lancaster called for public participation and no one responded. BOARD ASSISTANT'S REPORT - Board Assistant Stacey Ruzicka was present and reminded the board members to return the performance evaluation by January 8th. BOARD MEMBER'S REPORTS - Chairman Lancaster asked if any of the members had any reports and no one responded. NEW OR UNFINIHSED BUSINESS - Chairman Lancaster called for new or unfinished business and Supervisor Arnold stated that he had an item that he would like to discuss. He was contacted by Valorie Bendixen, Clerk of the District Court concerning the hiring of a replacement employee. The County Board established a policy that the elected officials must appear before the board for approval to fill any positions, replacements or new hires. Arnold stated that the hiring of a replacement employee in the clerk of the district court is critical and the position needs to be filled as soon as possible. She would like to advertise and interview before the approval is given and she would like some assurance that the position can be filled. This incident happened on December 24th. Jeffries questioned why she did not put it on the agenda for today's meeting. Arnold stated that there was not enough time. Lancaster stated that she also talked to Ms. Bendixen and explained the process to her and suggested that temporary help could be hired and since the employee is no longer there would be extra dollars available for overtime pay if that were necessary. Lancaster stated that she did not feel comfortable telling her to go ahead with the hiring process Hartman expressed concern that the county board is trying to micro-manage the offices and he would like to rescind this motion. Eriksen stated that the board has established a procedure and they should continue to follow it. She has other options to cover the shortage and he doesn't want to make a guarantee one way or the other. Arnold stated that he agrees with Dick and maybe the policy should be changed. It may cost more to use temporary people. During the budget process the board knew that the Clerk of the District Court requested to hire two people and was funded with only one, so the board knows that she needs the help and maybe they are trying to micro-manage. Lancaster stated that during the committee meeting they agreed that the board may have to consider positions and benefits in order to address the budget concerns The board adopted this policy and they need to follow the same standards for all departments. 2