Board approves pay step for new jail secretary with higher-than-starting rate

The Pottawatomie County Board approved hiring Claire McDowell as a jail secretary at a pay step above the starting rate after supervisors reviewed her experience and recommended salary placement. Jail administration said McDowell brings 10 years of court-related experience, bilingual skills useful with the jail’s detainee population and prior administrative responsibilities. The jail sought to hire her at a higher step than the entry-level salary and presented the request to the board because the pay exceeded step 2 and per county policy required board approval. Nut graf: Approving an above-entry pay step is intended to reflect McDowell’s experience and to align internal pay equity; supervisors reviewed the candidate’s background and approved the placement by voice vote. Supervisors asked how the placement compared with other secretaries; jail administration said she would be in the middle of the pay range, above one colleague with fewer years of experience. Supervisors moved and seconded the hire and the motion passed with all voting aye. Ending: The board approved the hire and asked the administrator to appear next week to discuss an advocate/PCA role and contract questions related to jail services.