Supervisors approve replacement on deferred-compensation committee after debate; one supervisor votes no

The Polk County Board of Supervisors voted to replace Assistant County Attorney Ralph Marasco with Deb Anderson as Polk County’s representative on the deferred compensation (deferred comp) committee. The change was approved after supervisors discussed whether an attorney should serve on the committee and the timing of a contract solicitation.

Supervisor Connelly questioned the change and the committee’s current needs, saying, “I don't understand why we're doing that. Ralph has been on the deferred compensation board, I think, for a couple years now.” A county staff member responded that the county had issued a request for proposals (RFP) that has been returned and will be evaluated the following Thursday. The staff member said the RFP cycle is commonly run every three to five years.

A supervisor pushing for the replacement argued that a finance and budget director brings more subject-matter expertise to the committee than an on-staff attorney, noting the county often seeks outside counsel for specialized legal matters and that the committee’s work would benefit from financial expertise.

At roll call, Connelly voted no; other recorded votes on the appointment include Altringer and McCoy voting yes. The motion to appoint Deb Anderson carried.

The board’s action occurs while the county is reopening oversight of deferred compensation services via an RFP; supervisors said the timing of the RFP return was a reason to reexamine committee membership. Speakers mentioned Mary Wells and a representative named Lola as related contacts who have had roles with the committee in the past.