Commissioners Proceedings

July 9, 2018

All commissioners were present for a regular meeting to conduct county business.

No public comment was heard on today’s agenda.

Rich Biesheuvel, acting Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, met with the board to say there is spurge and thistle that needs sprayed. They are working on the sidewalk replacement at the library and the steps on the north side of the courthouse.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board and reported the cylinder is out of the landfill garbage truck and is in Gillette for repair. The commission is discussing the purchase of a different garbage truck since the one being repaired belongs to the city.

Carole Richards, Clerk and Recorder, brought in the Tobacco Grant for the commissioner to sign. She also presented a Hold Harmless Agreement with the School District. The agreement would protect Powder River Medical Clinic from liability if anyone is injured when evacuating elementary students to the clinic building in case of emergency.

Julie Riley and Mary Rumph, Extension Agents, met with the board to deliver fair board minutes and to ask for sawdust for the fair. The commissioners will take care of this.

At 1:00 PM, the County Compensation Board met to determine elected official salaries for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Attending were the commissioners, members Jeff Noble, County Attorney; Allen Drane, Sheriff, Carole Richards, Clerk and Recorder, and Pat Phillippi, Treasurer. Members from the public sector in attendance were Kathy Heidel and Mike Riley. Others in attendance were Cynde Jo Gatlin, Deputy Clerk and Recorder; Billy Stuver, editor of the “Examiner” and Cathy Landa, JP.

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Darold Zimmer called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken with all members present. Carole read the minutes of the previous meeting. Donna moved to accept the minutes as read. Pat seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Salary for the Sheriff/Coroner position was discussed. The commissioners explained that combining the offices would save approximately $8,000 in salary plus benefits with a 20% increase to the Sheriff/Coroner salary. Jeff moved that beginning January 1, 2019, the sheriff/coroner salary be revised to add 20% to the sheriff’s base for compensation for the added duties. Rod seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Zimmer called for new business. The inflation factor and increase in health insurance premiums were presented for informational purposes. Jeff reviewed the material and tried to better interpret the information. Mike asked how you set the compensation amount without the budget being final. The commissioners explained that the board’s recommendation is taken to the commissioners for finalization upon the budget. Jeff moved to recommend a 2.0% wage increase for elected officials providing taxes do not go up. Allen seconded the motion. Vote results were as follows: Pat Phillippi, Rod Schaffer, Donna Giacometto and Mike Riley voted against the motion. Darold Zimmer, Jeff Noble, Carole Richards, Kathy Heidel and Allen Drane voted for the motion. Motion passed.

The add-on money was then discussed. The commissioner’s explained that statute allows elected officials to receive $2000 above base salary for extra duties incurred. Each elected official is eligible for the add-on. After discussion, Jeff moved to add-on $2000 to the Clerk and Recorder position of extra duties for elections and Department of Revenue (DOR) duties incurred due to the closure of our local DOR office. Allen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Pat Phillippi declined the add-on for 2018-19 fiscal year. Jeff Noble, County Attorney, declined the add-on. Kathy Landa, JP, declined the add-on. Jeff Noble moved to give Kathy Landa, JP, $1000 add-on. No seconds were heard, motion died. Darold adjourned the meeting.

Cherie Stachey, Nursing Home Administrator/Director of Nursing, met to report there are 28 residents calling the Manor home. Larry Stachey and Rich Biesheuvel, buildings and grounds employees, will be going to Miles City to pick up kitchen equipment. July 17, 2018, is the active shooter walk through at the Manor.

Payroll time sheets were reviewed.

Darold called the MACo attorney to ask if the commissioners can refuse an elected official raise if other county elected officials are granted a raise. The answer was “NO”, the commissioners have to take it too.

Having heard no public comment and having completed all current business, the board adjourned at 5:00 PM.