County assessor proposes moving staff to midpoint using an open slot to cover raises

Kevin Gardner, Vigo County Assessor, presented a pay proposal to the council to move his office—9s staff (and the Harrison assessor—9s staff, with their agreement) to the midpoint of the county—9s Baker Tilly pay study. Gardner said the change would be accomplished by not filling a vacated full-time position and by permanently reducing shared part-time hours between the two offices, rather than adding new budget dollars.

Gardner said the vacated position contributed roughly $87,911 in payroll costs that had been budgeted but not spent during the vacancy; by taking 4,000 of the 6,000 shared part-time hours out of the joint arrangement and reallocating savings to increase full-time staff pay to midpoint, the combined offices could reach the council—9s mid-point goal and still produce an estimated $79,514 in net savings to the county.

Council members asked about equity across other departments and whether this approach could be duplicated. Some members said they support moving employees to midpoint but asked that the budget committee consider a broader policy and that any elected-official pay changes be considered at budget time; Gardner acknowledged elected-office salary changes are constrained and that some steps require budget-year adjustments.

Gardner said the proposal is intended to accomplish the council—9s previously stated midpoint goal at no net new cost; he said the assessor offices would absorb redistributed duties and that no existing employee was terminated to produce raises. The council did not record a final action on the assessor proposal at the meeting; members asked that HR and budget committee review be part of further consideration.