County Road Department Raises Approved

County Commissioners took a look at salaries and wag-es of Road and Bridge Department, Transfer Station, and Noxious Weed Department employees during their March 21 meeting.

At the March 7 meeting, Commissioners Mark McGaughey, Marty Long and John Martin had discussed wages of the Grant County Sheriff Department and af-ter determining that if needed, the General Budget could supplement the 2023 department budget through the end of the year, helping retain current em-ployees and aid in the search for positions that have been short, they approved raises for that department.

It was a similar song and verse for Public Works Super-visor Shaun Minks last week. Minks reported to the commissioners that retaining and keeping experienced employees was a priority, especially with two employ-ees possibly looking at retirement next year, and quali-ty replacement hires would need to be sought.

Differences in the existing pay scale “wage ladder” were compared and questioned, and the possibility of even bigger differences with the new pay scale study were discussed. It was noted there was wiggle room to make adjustments through the end of the year.

After a 20 minute Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel, the commissioners voted unani-mously to give raises to the affected departments effec-tive at the next pay period.

All County departments are expected to submit their 2024 Budgets and Five Year Plans to the Commissioners by the first of July.

Health department

The Grant County Health Department was closed all week March 27-30 in order for the entire staff to attend the Governor’s Public Haealth Conference in Manhattan, Kans.

Denise James, Administrator of the county health department, spoke to Grant County Commissioners at their March 21 meeting, requesting approval for the temporary closing.

James said effects of the closing on the community would be minimal, while the positive benefits would far outweigh the negative.

“Almost everyone in the department is relatively new,” said James. “And this is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about public health and to network with others (in the same business) across the state.

James said six employees would be attending the conference and the expenses for the conference had been included in the health department budget.

Commissioners asked if the public had been notified and James said notices had been posted, including on the department’s Facebook page.

The 2023 Kansas Governor's Public Health Conference  included sessions concerning Maternal and Child Health programs; Family Planning; Community Awareness of public health issues, as well as learning what’s available to local communities through public health clinics and new regulations in the field and in Kansas.