September 26th, 2024
OLIVER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS were called to order at 8:00 AM with all members present.
Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Patrick Waters, State’s Attorney spoke with NDPERS in regards to the Health Insurance Incentive. Legally the county cannot increase pay for those that no longer receive the incentive, but not others, as it is still considered an incentive. Patrick recommended the county look into the private marketplace to compare rates.
Laura Huber, Treasurer, presented the balance of accounts.
The Public Budget Hearing was started.
Lee Husfloen, Commission Chair, discussed and asked questions of some budget requests.
Lee Husfloen, Commission Chair, recommended half of the requested amounts for salary increases.
Discussion was had in regards to cost of living and increases.
Patrick Waters, State’s Attorney, discussed his salary request of $18,000. He stated he presented data to the Commissioners to back up his request while other departments did not. Patrick stated he is paid 29% less than other State’s Attorneys in other counties.
Lee Husfloen, Commission Chair, stated that based on what was requested, it was only a 3% increase for the total budget and the Commission could give every office what they have requested.
Darrell Berger, Commissioner, recommended $5,000 for all employees and $3,000 for Commissioners.
Blake Wilkens, Commissioner, recommended $5,000 for all employees, aside from Patrick Waters, who he recommended an $18,000 increase and $3,000 for Commissioners.
Lee Husfloen, Commissioner, recommended $5,000 for all employees, aside from Patrick Waters, who he recommended an $18,000 increase and $3,000 for Commissioners.
Final budget approval will take place at the Commission meeting on October 4th, 2024.
Discussion was held on increasing the Sheriff’s Department credit card limits due to costs of fuel and an increase in patrols. Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell Berger seconded the motion to increase the credit card limits to $2500. A roll call vote was held: Darrell Berger-Aye, Blake Wilkens-Aye, Lee Husfloen-Aye
Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to appoint Rita Giesen as Election Inspector for the 2024 General Election. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion was held on the Weed Board. Lee Husfloen stated he would like a copy of the transfer and minutes of the transfer that took place in 2023 that he signed.
Patrick Waters, State’s Attorney, requested to bring his dog in once a week to his office. Discussion was held. It would remain in his office and he would clean up after it. Blake Wilkens and Lee Husfloen stated they did not care.
Blake Wilkens discussed updating the Courthouse generator. He spoke with NextEra and they stated they may be able to donate money to the County to cover the cost of a generator.
Discussion was held on repairing concrete in front of the courthouse. Jaden Schmidt will get quotes.
Discussion was held on hiring an HR professional. Alice Grinsteinner, Mercer HR and Oliver/Mercer EM would be approached to consider doing joint HR with Oliver and Mercer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:44 AM.
The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 8:00 AM, Friday October 4th, 2024 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.
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Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor Lee Husfloen, Chairman of the Board