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County attorney warns staffing shortages could force reduced services without pay changes
Summary
County Attorney Heather Figger told commissioners her office is understaffed and that comparable positions in neighboring counties are offering higher salaries, citing McPherson County's $115,000 offer; she urged consideration of pay adjustments or a compensation study, while one commissioner opposed increases outside the adopted budget.
Harvey County Attorney Heather Figger told the commission Aug. 26 that her office is short-staffed and struggling to recruit attorneys at current pay levels. Figger said she learned that "McPherson County is offering $115,000 per year for a similar position," and warned that, without changes to make pay competitive, she may need to reduce non-mandated prosecutions or services because four attorneys are covering the workload for five positions.
Commissioner Don Schroeder suggested the county commission consider contracting for a limited focus compensation study to provide data on pay competitiveness; Commissioner Becky Reimer said she was not in favor of increasing pay because it was not included in the current or next year's budget. The discussion did not include a formal pay decision; staff were asked to consider options for the upcoming budget process.
