Washington

After a detailed discussion about part-time versus full-time personnel, including costs comparisons and employee retention, the supervisors gave a green light to a third shift in the county ambulance emergency services department on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Interim Director Katrina Altenhofen in response to an earlier request by the board for anticipated third shift costs, noted that $117,000 to $130,000 would handle staffing costs for two EMTs and two medics, full-time, something anticipated additional revenues likely will cover. The trucks and equipment are already there. Total estimated operational cost for the third shift operation is $381,412.362, including additional personnel.

During the discussion prior to the vote, discussion included the need for a balance between full-time and part-time personnel with Altenhofen explaining there are some individuals who clearly want part-time employment. She stressed it is matter of choice, not a directive.

Supervisor Stan Stoops noted that the county decided to provide the emergency services and said, “we own it, we are obligated to it,” as part of the health and emergency services for residents. He noted that the palming is done and Altenhofen said that the next is to hire people.

Calling the department and its operation a “growing process,” that began slightly more than three years ago, Altenhofen stressed “it will continue to be a growing process for another five to 10 years.” Depending on employee hiring, it is estimated that the shift could be in operation next month.

In another personnel issue, the board, after a detailed discussion about percentages and references to the Social Security Cost of Living increase, approved a 3.5% increase “across the board” in compensation of elected officials and, following more discussion, a 4% increase for non-elected officials. The difference in the percentage is an acknowledgement that the salaries have a wider range and even with a .5% difference, the 4% is not equal to the other official’s compensation.

The approvals came after some information on pay ranges in other comparable counties and the recognition that, despite some lowering in interest rates, inflation is still on the rise. An example given about the difference in purchasing power was the cost of topical loaf of bread that is equal for everyone, but the effect on all income is not.

In other business, the board:

Received a request from the Domestic Violence Intervention Program to an allocation of $2,000, unchanged from last year to aid working to end domestic violence. In the presentation, Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement, told the board that even after a victim has left the abuser, stalking by the abuser very likely starts. Even more, there has been a 3.7% increase (112 county residents) seeking help from DVIP over those in 2022. However, at the same time, “we are facing a 37% reduction in funding from the federal government.”

Had a detailed discussion regarding the county fiscal year 245 budget directive before approving a directive for all apartments to total operating and personnel costs (current levels) then reduce all by 5%.

Approved the personnel change for Public Health Program Director Megan Waterhouse, effective December 6, who has resigned the position.

Discussed the Tri-City Electric Co. of Davenport and Des Moines, courthouse wiring $53,300 project, something that was recommended by IT. Tri-City already has done the new phone system which is now operating under warranty. The county’s IT report recommended the rewiring as part of it. Depending on the start time, it could be done in a month or take three to four. However, concerns were voiced about proceeding in view of the planned remodeling at the courthouse. It was noted that rewiring would likely be ended regardless of how the remodeling/renovation goes. Approval was given in a 4-1 vote with Fedler opposed.

Adjourned the regular meeting and began a work session about American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) funding for county projects that includes the plan to use the county owned Orchard Hill complex as well as renovation of the courthouse. An estimate for that entire project was approximately $6 million; the APRA funds total approximately $4.3 million and supervisors have discussed no exceeding of $3.5 million.