County revisits wage increases

     After the decisions that were made at the Feb. 7 board meeting regarding county employee wage increases, the Jones County Supervisors revisited the issue again during their Feb. 14 meeting. The notion to revisit stems from some concern the board members heard from several employees.

     Supervisor Joe Oswald took the opportunity starting off to apologize to Lisa Mootz, county IT coordinator, in lumping her increase in with the entire group of single department heads at 3.5 percent.

     “I apologize we didn’t bring it up for conversation,” Oswald said, “looking at her comparables and what she’s done.”

     Oswald acknowledged other departments that spoke up on Mootz’s behalf.

     Oswald said he would like the board to consider a 6.5 percent increase for Mootz, and revisit again next year to bring her pay up a comparable level.

     “If Lisa leaves, we’ll have a hard time replacing someone on the salary she’s getting,” said Oswald.

     Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach said he also spoke with Mootz, but could not see changing the increase from 3.5 percent to 6.5 percent.

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach said his position on the matter had not changed in a week’s time.

     “No one should receive a higher increase than elected officials,” he said.

     Mootz originally proposed a 10.98 percent pay increase.

     “Some counties our size don’t have IT,” she said of the comparables.

     Oswald reminded the board that Mootz is on-call 24/7.

     “I answer it nights and weekends,” she said.

     Mootz presented the board with a proposal that provides for a 4-5 percent increase over three years to bring her pay up to a comparable scenario.

     “I have been here for 23 years,” she said, “and I would like to stay in Jones County.” Mootz informed the board that the Linn County IT coordinator makes double what she is getting paid.

     “I know 10.98 percent is a lot to ask for when I’ve only ever asked for 5 percent,” Mootz said.

     Oswald’s motion to consider a 5 percent increase for Mootz failed due to lack of a second.

     Supervisor Ned Rohwedder said the decision on employees pay increases is a tough situation for the board.

     “There are so many deserving people and everyone provides a valuable service to the county,” he said.

     Rohwedder said despite his feelings to approve a higher increase for Mootz, he chose to stick with the 3.5 percent.

     “I don’t want to in any way diminish the services any one provides to the county,” he reiterated. “You are all essential, but I am still comfortable with the decision I made last week.”

     With Supervisor Lloyd Eaken absent during the budget discussion at the Feb. 14 meeting, the board decided to revisit the pay increases during their Feb. 21 meeting when they have a full board.

     Oswald also asked the board if there was any interest in revisiting the previously approved increases for some of the elected officials. During the Feb. 7 meeting, it was approved to reduce the percentages by 25 percent. Oswald said some would see less than a 3-percent increase at that rate.

     “We spent the entire day looking at it,” said Manternach. “Once the decision is made, it’s made.”

     Sheri Jones, recorder, who’s been with the county for 19 years, said while she is not unhappy with the 3 percent increase, she reminded the board that she took the time to talk with the Compensation Board, which proposes increases for elected officials.

     “This decision will not change how I do my job,” she said. “But the Comp Board takes their time and comes with a recommendation, and we always have to wait and see what will happen (with it).”

     Zirkelbach said the county could not continue to approve increases that are higher than the cost of living.

     “I don’t envy your job,” said Jones. “I know we’re not supposed to take it personally and compare it to other people’s jobs, but it’s hard to understand why someone gets a higher percentage.”

     County Auditor Janine Sulzner said the Comp Board is comprised of all volunteers, all taking their time to serve.

     Treasurer Amy Picray was present, she said, to support Mootz, but echoed Jones’ sentiments. “It feels like a bit of a dig,” she said.

     Paula Hart with Environmental Health, said while she appreciates the 3.5 percent, one-person departments are in a different position.

     “I take pride in my job and want to represent the county well,” said Hart. She said due to her responsibilities in reporting to the Board of Health and putting a budget together, she asked for a 9.57 percent increase. “But I’ll still do my job regardless,” she said.

     Mootz said while some departments offer step increases for their employees, there is nothing in place for those who report just to the board. If that were in place, Mootz said employees like herself could avoid going back and forth with the board every year on an increase. GIS Coordinator Kristi Aitchison agreed as well.

     Sulzner suggested the wage discussion begin in December before the budget hearings to give employees time to figure their budget.