County Board Hears Complaints Over Executive Assistant Position

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Published on October 20 2014 3:02 pm
Last Updated on October 20 2014 3:02 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A group of local residents attended Monday's Effingham County Board meeting to protest adding $15,000 to the County budget for the services of an Executive Assistant.

Under the proposal, County Engineer Greg Koester would be paid the $15,000 to work eight to 10 hours per week in the position. Koester would assist in efforts to control costs, work on labor negotiations, and maintain continuity in county operations.

The executive assistant's position was proposed by County Board Chairman Jim Niemann. Koester has helped on an unpaid basis in recent months, but Niemann proposed that he be hired for a one-year period to see whether the position is warranted. The position would be reapproved on an annual basis if the need was there.

Eric Petty, who serves on the County Board of Health, said he and the other members serve for free, as a community service. Petty said he doesn't want to grow another "arm and leg" of county government.

One member of the public suggested that the County Board is elected to perform the duties suggested for the position, and suggested Koester might consider running for the Board as he might be better qualified than some of those now serving.

Former County Board member Wayne Russell asked who were the other applicants for the position? The answer is, "no one"; Niemann approached Koester about taking the position. Board members Dave Campbell and Rob Arnold both said that was an "oversight" and Board member Mike DePoister said, "we screwed up". Arnold said the position would be reviewed annually to "make sure it's useful." He said if savings generated by the person in the position exceed the salary of the person in the position, that's money well spent.

Niemann did not attend the meeting due to a family medical emergency, so could not respond to the questions and comments heard Monday. Board members voted to table the matter until next month.

The Board voted to lay over until next month the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting December 1. The budget calls for $475 more in income than outgo, and includes the money for the Executive Assistant position.

Arnold spoke to a recent meeting with County department heads on budget matters and County operations as a very good session and said he appreciated the comments voiced by the officials.

The Board moved ahead with a questionnaire and report to IDOT to comply with IDOT guidelines for the public transportation system in the county, and approved changes in the county bylaws that Board member Karen Luchtefeld termed "changes for clarity's sake". The Board also renewed an agreement with the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Service for $12,000, a $1,000 increase from the fee paid the past 11 years. The service provides help with murder cases and with cases that go on appeal. Also approved was the appointment of Linda Ruholl and Dr. Christopher Balda to the County Board of Health. Ruholl replaces Derek Sanders on the Board.

The Board approved a bridge aid petition for a project on the Fayette County line in West Township, with each county paying one-third and the township paying the remaining third. County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel reminded that election judge training will be held Wednesday at the Effingham Elks Lodge, County Treasurer Steve Dasenbrock reminded that the second installment of property taxes will be due soon, and County Health Department Administrator Rebecca Merten shared that work continues to make the County is prepared in the event of a case of Ebola occurring locally.