Board debates full-time status for predator/pest technician; agrees to work session with weeds board

Lincoln County commissioners discussed whether to convert predator and pest control technician Barry Johnson from two part‑time assignments into a single full‑time county position and how to structure oversight and budgets if that occurs. No formal personnel action was taken; the board directed staff to meet with the weeds board and continue current operations while splitting any overtime between the two departments.

Commissioners and staff described the predator and pest program as successful and noted efficiencies from sharing staff and operations with the Lincoln County Weed Department. Supervisors said the previous model used two part‑time positions; when one full‑time weed employee left, the predator program relied on part‑time/seasonal labor and overtime arose when duties overlapped. Staff reported an example payroll period with 16.25 regular hours and 20.25 overtime hours, producing an overtime cost of $561.94 in that pay cycle.

Officials raised questions about classification, benefits cost (retirement, health insurance or cash‑in‑lieu), and whether a consolidated, year‑round position would be budget‑neutral after factoring overtime reductions and benefit expenses. County staff suggested a work session with the weed board (weed board meeting scheduled June 11) to determine whether to consolidate administration under the weed board and how to allocate budgets and duties. In the interim, the board agreed overtime will continue and be split between predator and weeds budgets while staff prepare cost and operational options.

The predator program also requested a county‑purchased 20‑foot storage container to hold four‑wheelers, trailers, chemicals and traps. Technician Barry Johnson described a 20-foot “high cube” unit with side doors that would allow easier access and storage of vehicles and materials; staff reported a vendor quote (delivered) and said a second vendor quoted roughly $2,300 higher. Commissioners asked that the container purchase be placed on the next meeting agenda so the board may approve any expenditure above the department spending threshold.

Staff also shared budget figures for the predator program: revenue from July through April totaled $66,297; of a $93,000 budget, $69,843 had been spent to date, leaving the program close to revenue neutral for the reported period. Commissioners said those revenue figures supported continuing the program but requested more detailed cost allocations and the formal work session to resolve reporting, certification, and budget questions.