May 9, 2016
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 9, 2016
Commissioners Doug Tucker, John Grewell, and John Prinkki were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
9:00 Compensation Board Hearings. Compensation Committee Joe Johnson, Gordy Hill, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, County Attorney Alex Nixon, and Treasurer/ Superintendent of Schools Jane Swanson-Webb, were present; Clerk and Recorder Marcia Henigman participated via phone. The Committee discussed the Consumer Price Index increase for the previous year and Carbon County Elected Officials Salaries compared to other Montana counties. They also discussed past salary increases and the average increases in Carbon County’s Taxable Value and revenues. Commissioner Tucker noted the County has hired a Road Superintendent to oversee County Road operations that were previously overseen by the Commissioners; he believes elected officials are well compensated. The citizen representatives discussed recommending a 1% or 1.5% increase and settled on 1% in addition to the 1% longevity increase. Commissioners noted they are considering giving the non-elected officials a dollar equivalent increase. Commissioner Tucker moved to adopt a 1% wage increase for Carbon County Elected Officials for the 2016-2017 fiscal year; Commissioner Grewell seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Grewell moved to accept Compensation Boards recommendation for a 1% increase to the elected officials’ base salary for the 2016-2017 fiscal year; Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried.
10:00 Commissioners discussed the makeup of the Health Insurance Committee. Commissioner Grewell moved to have the Insurance Committee consist of representatives from the Road Department, Sheriffs Department, Weed Department, and one representatives for employees in the Administration Building and one representative for other employees in the Courthouse; Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Grewell moved to provide $30,000 additional life insurance benefits to eligible county employees (annual cost of $5,947.20) and $10,000 additional life insurance benefits to the spouse and children of eligible employees (annual cost of $1,805.40); Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Grewell moved to offer Flex Plans for employees to contribute to; Commissioner Tucker seconded; the Commissioners discussed allowing the difference between the premium of the Basic Plan and County’s $700/mo contribution to be placed in the Flex Account if the amount was matched by the employee. Commissioner Grewell amended his motion to allow for the contribution with employee match and noted that union employees will receive this benefit subject to contract negotiations; Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried.
10:30 Commissioner Grewell moved acceptance of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant Agreement; Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried.
10:35 Road & Bridge Superintendent David Ohnstad met with Commissioners. Commissioner Grewell moved to accept the Superintendent’s recommendations on Road Sign Management; Commissioner Tucker seconded; motion carried. David is working to create a sign inventory and tracking system. They discussed the invoice from Tri-State Equipment for work performed on the Bridger Volvo Motor Grader and the benefits on exercising the buyback option for that piece of equipment. They also discussed pre-trip inspection documentation, implementing a road condition report to track maintenance requests, the hot-plant asphalt supply bid, scheduling dust control, and implementing a time tracking system for employees to track road maintenance activities and materials.
12:00 Adjourned
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Assistant