The Greene County Board of Supervisors met yesterday in regular session.
The Board passed a 4 to 1 vote to give County Engineer’s Office Manager Sherry Graven a three percent merit raise to $19.31 per hour. The no vote was from Supervisor Tom Contner who said he was concerned with other such requests. Typically, the Supervisors decide on County employee’s salaries during budget time at the beginning of the calendar year. Supervisor Chair John Muir requested the increase after considering how much the position has changed from when Graven was hired a couple of years ago.
Following the Board’s decision, County Treasurer Donna Lawson inquired about the increase on behalf of her staff. She said two of her staff have been working for over 15 years and don’t make as much as Graven does. Supervisor Guy Richardson said all jobs in the courthouse are important, but that not everyone should be paid the same. Muir said because Graven’s job has changed so much, he felt that a raise should be brought to the Board for consideration. Lawson said she will make periodic merit raise requests throughout the year.
The Board approved the County Treasurer’s investment report for June of $5,684,550.82 along with 274 driver’s licenses that were issued last month. The Board also approved the Treasurer’s semi-annual report for the 2015 fiscal year from January through June. The beginning fund balance in January was $6,569,713.49 and the ending fund balance on June 30th was $6,493,470.96. Total revenues were $13,519,101.14 and the expenses totaled $13,595,343.67.
Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer gave a monthly update to the Board. Palmer said that Scharnweber Incorporated is making progress to extend sewer utilities to Wild Rose Jefferson. They have gotten through the worst of the project and are looking to have it completed by August 1st. As a backup plan, the contractor has a pump and tanker truck standing by to pump sewage and transport it to the City’s wastewater plant, if needed. Work to remove siding at 205 North Wilson was completed last week. The building’s exterior will now be sent to a Main Street Iowa design consultant for recommendations. Palmer mentioned that a meeting will be held with the airport commission to finalize plans for a new animal shelter.
During the open forum, another discussion took place with Shane Olson about establishing a county engine brake ordinance. Muir said rather than creating an ordinance, signs were made by the Iowa Department of Transportation that say: “No Unmuffled Engine Brakes Allowed.” One sign will be put by Olson’s property on County Road P-29. Muir said the signs follow the state’s excessive noise ordinance and law enforcement can handle any violators. Muir hopes it will decrease some of the violators that use jake-brakes. Olson thought it was a step in the right direction, but feels that more may need to be done in the future.