“We’re growing in this county and we need accountability.” Those were the words of County Appraiser Lois Schlegel while addressing Pottawatomie County Commissioners with her budget presentation. Schlegel also warned the group the state is beginning to require more of appraisers.
Schlegel is also asking for a wage increase for her employees. A man who had just paid his taxes that day, Steve Minton of rural Westmoreland, asked some questions-expressing concern about rising taxes on his fixed income and Schlegel indicated she understood both sides to that. Minton added he didn’t want to deny anyone a fair wage and Schlegel said that’s where she wants to be but “we haven’t been–we’re trying to catch up.”
Schlegel is suggesting a wage proposal with a change from 37.5 to 40 hours for her employees–with numbers showing land parcels per employee being substantially higher than in comparable counties and in neighboring Riley County.
Schlegel admitted it’s been a struggle, warning county commissioners she may begin to lose employees to higher paying counties, such as neighboring Riley County…
Schlegel also warned commissioners the state is beginning to require more of appraisers, with more training and education. Currently wages add up to about $297,047.14. With Schlegel’s proposed increase, it would be $379,715.50. 380 for 37.5 hours and $398,811.20 for 40 hour weeks.
Several public works projects were also discussed by commissioners Monday, with Pottawatomie County road crews to patch the Bellevue bridge next week. Commission Chair Pat Weixelman says the County took bids on two graders during Monday’s regular meeting.
The Pottawatomie County’s Noxious Weed Department has started spraying for KDOT along the Highway 24 and K-99 right-of-ways. And the Commission is keeping an eye on a road south of Olsbug that’s coming up for vacating. The County took bids Monday on the Excel Road Sanitary Sewer Project and signed a contract with Country Stampede and the Sheriff’s office for on-site law enforcement.
Weixelman says the beverages sold during this years event will get a little stronger, with hard liquor allowed. There will also be a tent selling 3.2% beer before entrance into the park area.
Also addressing the commission was Zoning Administrator, Greg Webster says this year’s numbers are down a bit compared to figures from May of last year when the County had $2.7 million in permits. Webster expects permits to slow a bit during the summer, but he expects another surge heading into fall.
