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Grant County board records staff resignations, a retirement and discusses possible State's Attorney appointment
Summary
The board noted the resignation of Deputy Director of Tax Equalization Bernae Hertz, accepted retirement payout for Garland Hochhalter, denied a retroactive pay request and discussed the possible appointment of Randy Bray as State's Attorney; a challenge to Sheriff Dillon's appointment was also raised.
The Grant County Commissioners’ minutes record several personnel and appointment items discussed at the December 2024 meeting.
Jacqueline Steinmetz provided a brief review of an Agricultural Land Valuation course she attended and met with the board regarding the resignation of Bernae Hertz, who is listed in the minutes as Deputy Director of Tax Equalization. The minutes note Hertz’s resignation but do not specify an effective date or any successor.
Garland Hochhalter informed the board he will retire effective Dec. 31, 2024. Commissioner Al Roy Hochhalter moved and Commissioner Marty Meyer seconded a motion to payout any remaining vacation time to Garland Hochhalter after the retirement date; the board approved by roll-call vote (Meyer-aye, Hochhalter-aye, Zenker-aye).
Employee Steve Heinert requested a retroactive $2.00 hourly raise to the start of his employment in 2024 and restoration of prior vacation and sick leave; the board denied that request and recorded Heinert’s resignation effective Jan. 2, 2025. Separately, the board approved a motion to payout any remaining vacation time to Patrick Diehl after his resignation date; the roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous.
Separately, David Crane, Pat Merriman and Randy Bray met with the board to discuss the possible appointment of Randy Bray as State’s Attorney. The minutes state that Daniel Devitt asked that Sheriff Dillon’s appointment be reversed immediately on the basis of a residency question as of the day of appointment; Commissioner Meyer asked Mr. Devitt to provide reasoning at the Dec. 20 meeting. The minutes do not record a final decision on the State’s Attorney appointment or a reversal of the sheriff’s appointment.
The minutes do not include direct quotations from those who raised these items and do not specify follow-up actions beyond the recorded payouts and the request for Mr. Devitt to present reasoning at the Dec. 20 meeting.
