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County treasurer requests restoring half-time assistant as health staff defend retaining department vehicle
Summary
Treasurer notified commissioners that the part-time office assistant resigned and asked the board to restore a half-time position to handle new motor-vehicle workload; health department staff urged keeping a 2017 Ford Escape used across four counties and discussed maintenance and replacement budgeting.
Daniels County's treasurer told commissioners on Jan. 20 that her part-time assistant resigned and asked the board to reconsider restoring the assistant position to half-time rather than the quarter-time allocation approved previously. The treasurer described the state motor-vehicle system and other new administrative burdens that require substantial training and near-continuous presence to avoid backlogs.
At the same time, health department staff (Mary and Leanne) discussed county-owned vehicle use. Records presented showed fluctuating mileage and limited maintenance over recent years: the 2017 Ford Escape has about 80,800 miles and has been paid for with program/grant funds, including insurance charged to grants. Health staff said the vehicle is actively used across four counties for provider meetings and outreach; commissioners asked whether usage patterns justify replacement or an upgrade and whether funds exist to budget a future replacement.
Commissioners asked staff to provide figures on actual hours used by part-time personnel and the historical mileage/maintenance costs for the health vehicle. The treasurer asked for more time to collect budget numbers; commissioners asked staff to return with cost breakdowns so the board can weigh restoring a half-time position against budget constraints.
Outcome and next steps: Treasurer will provide data on hours and budget impact for a half-time assistant. Health staff will continue using the vehicle and seek quotes or budget options for possible replacement in future budget cycles.
