Salary increases for some of the staff at Mason County sparked a short debate Tuesday night at the Mason County Commissioners’ meeting. The Commissioners were asked to reclassify the salaries for four county employees. Two of those increases were for employees who have been appointed interim directors: Tom Moore who is Interim Director of Utilities and Waste Management and Brian Matthews who is interim Public Works Director. According to the County’s Human Resources Director, Karen Jackson, anytime a staff member is working out of classification, it is the County’s policy to compensate that person.
The third reclassification was for a clerk in the Mason County Jail who has been completing duties beyond the scope of her job for about two years. This salary increase was approved by the Mason County Civil Service Commission and is part of a union agreement.
Those salary increases were granted. The fourth reclassification was a request by the Public Health Director who sought a salary increase due to added work load and a substantial change in duties. That proposed raise was tabled for 30 days to allow the State Legislature to complete its budget which could have an impact on funding Public Health. However, that potential increase could be used to help fund other County staff.
There were also comments Tuesday night that the County is giving out “piecemeal raises” which started the debate about salaries.
In the end, the Commissioners did agree that something needs to be done when it comes to salaries but there was a warning about raises leading to additional cuts.