Kootenai County approves short-term higher-duty pay for building department inspector

Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 2 to approve a temporary higher-duty stipend so a senior inspector can perform the duties of a deputy building official who is undergoing surgery.

Craig Davidson, representing Community Development, told the board the deputy building official will require surgical intervention and that a senior inspector can step in but the work is "beyond the scope of his current position for other duties as assigned." Davidson said the department projects the assignment could last about six weeks, with hope the deputy returns in four weeks, and estimated the additional personnel cost at about $746.

The board discussed the timing of pay and personnel policy requirements. Commissioners noted the county personnel policy requires an employee to be in a position a minimum of 30 days to qualify for retroactive stipend pay. "Of course with the personnel policy, he's got to be in a position minimum of 30 days to be, as you know, retroactively paid for as a stipend," a commissioner said during the discussion.

Before voting on the pay request, the board moved into an executive session. After returning, a motion to approve the higher-duty pay "as requested by community development" passed on a recorded unanimous vote: Commissioner Eberline, Commissioner Duncan and Chair Metari each voted "Aye." The motion did not name a mover or seconder on the public record.

The approval directs Community Development to implement the stipend consistent with county payroll and personnel rules. Davidson said if the deputy official returns earlier than projected the actual additional cost would be lower than the estimate.

The discussion occurred early in the meeting during the agenda item titled "higher duty pay request, community development." No public comment was recorded on this item.