County Commission Oct 20, 2011

Board of County Commissioners October 20, 2011
Commissioners McCulloh and Lewis were present.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/ Director of Administrative Services, participated in a work session reviewing the extension of a payment deadline on a promissory note from University Park Benefits District. The remaining principal is $8,332; the simple interest of 6% on this is $499.92 for a amount due on Oct. 7, 2012, of $8,832.92. The commissioners approved.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, gave a history of the REACH committee. There was a discussion of the future direction of this committee. The committee was formed in 1999 at the request of the BOCC and called “Esprit de Corps Committee.” The mission was to help give the BOCC the employees’ perspective, promote good employee relations and promote communication between county departments. These objectives are facilitated by Employee of the Month/Year recognition, blood drives, a Giving Tree and a monthly informational newsletter as well as other activities.

Cindy Volanti, Human Resources, talked about the changeover of the health department (from city/county to just the county) effective January 1, 2012. All health department employees including the administrator will follow all Riley County personnel policies and procedures, as well as all pay schedules and benefit plans. The current administrator’s contract concludes Dec. 31, 2011. McGrath Consulting Inc. is making a classification and compensation study which will include the administrator’s position. This position will be eligible for a cell-phone allowance, use of county provided vehicle for business use, and volunteer benefits of supplemental insurance plans and deferred compensation

Clancy Holeman presented a draft version of a possible structure and role that a Public Health Advisory Board would take on Jan. 1. The main concern was what authority the new board would have. The BOCC has the final responsibility, but the advice and expertise of the Health Advisory Board will be essential. Deb Nuss, a member of the current Health Advisory Board, said that since commissioners come and go, we could see a shift of philosophy when it comes to public health. The concern was also expressed that if the Advisory Board really had no power, it could be difficult to get people to serve.

Julie Merklin, observer