(THIS IS A CORRECTION OF AN EARLIER STORY ON STUTSMAN COUNTY SALARY INCREASES. WE REGET OUR ERROR.)

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Stutsman County Commission had a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss budget matters.

At the meeting, Shannon Davis, Human Services Director, addressed the increases in salary for county employees. The commission had already agreed on a step increase from 2 to 2.5. Davis also spoke of the cost of living adjustment of 5 percent.

Commissioner Joan Morris stated that between both increases, the overall increase means an 11.5 percent between the two. According to Morris, this means about a $400,000 increase in current year pay to go from 2 to 2.5. That is a 6.2 percent increase in pay before getting to the cost of living adjustment.

Commission Jerry Berquist stated even making those changes that the county would be behind. He said the county has spent over $230,000 in overtime, and the county had budgeted $185,000 for overtime.

Morris said that Stutsman County is not alone there…

Berquist said that year to date 22 individuals had terminated employment this year and 10 vacant positions currently.

Davis said the county did a market comparison to identify several positions that needed grade changes to bring them to market value. There were 15 positions that will have a grade adjustment to bring to market value. 3 of those positions went up more than 1 grade.

In an email, Morris stated the 3 positions moving up more than 1 grade include the Nurse Supervisor, the Sheriff, and the Human Resource Specialist. As a result of all of the suggested grade changes, the Sheriff’s department alone is currently budgeted to receive an approximately $70,000 increase in salaries for three employees. Included in this increase is a more than $43,000 per year increase to the Sheriff’s salary.

Commissioner Morris believes the money could be spent better elsewhere…

The commission passed the motion to approve the grade changes with Commissioners Klose and Morris voting no.