Kossuth County supervisors trim elevator request, set transfers and signal deputy pay changes
Loading...
Summary
Supervisors reviewed department budgets, created a restricted elevator capital account with a $10,000 transfer, kept contingency funding, and signaled a move to make Autumn the first deputy at 85% amid broader debates over deputy staffing and wage longevity.
Kossuth County Board of Supervisors spent its session Wednesday finalizing budget line items, approving a plan to create a restricted capital project for courthouse elevator work and organizing transfers to fund a planned parking-lot renovation while deferring several final levy decisions until next week.
Supervisors instructed staff to set up a courthouse elevator project account and to transfer $10,000 into that capital account while leaving a $20,000 contingency in the general fund. County staff had proposed a $50,000 elevator line; the board elected a smaller, staged approach so that funds are saved in a restricted project but general contingency remains for other emergencies.
The board also confirmed a $100,000 parking-lot project, with $50,000 moved into capital this year and a planned follow-up transfer next fiscal year to complete the $100,000 target. Supervisors said the split preserves flexibility while earmarking funds for the paving and related handicapped-access improvements discussed by staff.
Budget discussions included department wage calculations, a recurring longevity payment and options for 3% versus 6% raises. Supervisor 1 said the board would seek consensus rather than a formal motion on most wage items so department heads know what to expect. In a separate personnel conversation, the board signaled support for moving Autumn into the first-deputy slot at 85% and asked staff to reflect that change in worksheets; the board discussed whether offices should retain more than one deputy at higher percentages but did not adopt a formal policy change in this meeting.
Supervisors also clarified that E911-related revenue intended to reimburse GIS services will be coded and budgeted to clarify compensation; staff will add a GIS revenue line so the county’s reimbursement practices match the services provided.
The board did not take formal roll-call votes on these budget directions during the public session; supervisors repeatedly described decisions as consensus directives to staff rather than ordinances. The meeting concluded after setting dates and follow-up tasks for remaining items, including further review of self-insurance details and the levy impact of any final transfers.
