The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors convened on October 7, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on payroll resolutions and scheduling changes for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department.
The meeting began with a discussion regarding pending resolutions that require final approval from Anne, who has not yet responded to recent communications. The board expressed the need for her input before proceeding with any decisions. Minor changes to the resolutions were noted, including adjustments to reflect hourly pay rather than salary for certain positions.
A significant topic of discussion was the proposed change in payroll processing frequency. Currently, payroll is processed monthly, but there is a suggestion to shift to a bi-weekly schedule, which would increase the number of payrolls from 12 to 26 per year. Concerns were raised about the additional workload this change would impose on staff, with some members advocating for the retention of the monthly payroll schedule.
Bill, a board member, highlighted the potential financial implications of the proposed changes for the EMS department. He requested that any resolutions related to EMS be tabled until he could return to the meetings, as the changes could lead to a financial strain on the department's budget. He emphasized that altering the start of the workweek from Monday to Sunday would be necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts and additional staffing costs.
The board discussed how this change might affect other departments, particularly law enforcement, which operates seven days a week. The possibility of having separate payroll schedules for different departments was raised, with the board seeking clarification on whether this would be permissible.
As the meeting progressed, the board acknowledged the need for further discussions and input from Anne before finalizing any resolutions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit these topics in future sessions, ensuring that all departments are adequately considered in the decision-making process.