April 19, 2024

Supervisors approve raises for county officials

Board declines pay increase

By Jamee A

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors followed the suggestion of chair Denny Carpenter and approved pay increase of 42.79 percent of the recommended amount by the Jasper County Compensation Board at its Tuesday meeting. The board itself did not take a pay increase and also decided against an additional $1,500 for the board chair. (Jamee A)

Pay increases were determined for Jasper County officials at the Jasper County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

The board, led by chairman Denny Carpenter, did not follow the recommendations made by the Jasper County Compensation Board but instead approved the pay increases at 42.79 percent of the recommended amount for the auditor, recorder, treasurer, county attorney and sheriff. The board decided to not take a pay increase and also passed on an additional stipend of $1,500 for the board chair.

“I would like everyone to know that one of the things that makes it difficult for us is when we have a big jump in one office at 8.32 percent and one down to 2.93 percent,” Supervisor Joe Brock said. “It has not been our practice to give 8 percent raises here in the county. We’ve held the line on salaries.”

The compensation board recommended increase of the Jasper County Sheriff’s salary by $7,990 to total $104,000. With the 42.79 reduction of the increase the sheriff will receive $4,571, a 4.76 percent raise, for a total of $100,581. The county attorney was recommended a $3,132 increase and received $1,792, 1.68 percent, for an end salary of $108,660.

All at the same pay rate, the county auditor, county recorder and county treasurer were recommended an increase of $3,487 by the compensation board. The board approved an increase of $1,995 which is 2.99 percent more for salaries — $68,508 each.

“Another thing is we do not look at these things personally,” Brock said. “But I can’t support an 8.32 percent increase in salaries.”

In other business:

• The board approved an five year agreement with ShoreTel for a phone maintenance contract.

• Sanitarian Kevin Luetters was approved for the Master Matrix Construction Evaluation Resolution to evaluate applications for construction permits for large animal confinement operations.

• Ryan Eaton with information systems requested a maintenance agreement with Forbes Office Solutions for the treasurer’s copier and was approved by the board.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com