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Supervisors approve updated vacation schedules for secondary roads and jail staff in 4–1 vote
Summary
After extended discussion about fairness and job differences, supervisors voted 4–1 to adopt a revised county employee handbook vacation schedule that aligns secondary roads accruals with prior union agreements and outlines additional schedules for sheriff’s office and jail staff.
Kossuth County supervisors adopted an updated employee handbook vacation schedule on June 26, approving changes for secondary roads employees and additional schedules for courthouse staff, the sheriff’s office and jail.
The discussion focused on perceived fairness between different job classes. Bailey, the jail administrator, explained that her position carries on‑call responsibilities and that she is scheduled and compensated in ways that differ from other courthouse staff; she noted that being on call “24/7 365” is part of her job and that she earns vacation on a schedule aligned to that role. Bailey said she appreciates consistency but explained why her accrual practice historically differed from a standard 40‑hour schedule.
Supervisors debated whether secondary roads employees should remain on a schedule that mirrors their previous union arrangement or be standardized with courthouse 40‑hour staff. One supervisor argued the secondary roads schedule offered “the best of both worlds” compared with the union package, noting other non‑vacation benefit adjustments made for that group. Attempts to change secondary roads to match courthouse 40‑hour accruals failed for lack of a second; ultimately a motion to approve the updated handbook as presented passed on a roll‑call vote, 4–1 (Wachter/Swachter recorded as opposing).
The board’s roll call was recorded as: Swachter (Yes), Garman (Yes), Stacker (No), Haas (Yes), Neff (Yes), resulting in the motion carrying 4–1. Supervisors instructed staff to finalize the handbook language and ensure the changes are clearly documented in the county policy book.
The approved update is a housekeeping and benefits‑alignment measure intended to codify prior practices for employees who had historically earned vacation under differing schedules, with the board recognizing the operational differences between road crews and courthouse or jail staff.
