By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission approved a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for all Ellis County employees, elected officials and contract positions on Tuesday.
The cost-of-living adjustment is intended to keep wages competitive, support employee retention, prevent wage compression and reduce turnover costs.
The county commission planned for this item last year, but Commissioner Michael Berges said he has concerns about the broader economic outlook.
"Everywhere we can save money right now, it feels like we need to. It's tough because I can see all the reasons to do it, but I also struggle with that outlook and making sure we're as secure as we need to be," Berges said.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county's savings are due to its employees, and retaining staff is more cost-effective than replacing them.
Commissioner Neal Younger said, "We don't want to be a training center."
The resolution was approved by a 2-1 vote to take effect June 22.
Braden Parke, chair of the Wage and Benefits Committee, also attended the meeting to present a proposal for the 401a retirement plan that would introduce a new $60 match tier.
The current 401 (a) matching contribution includes tiers of $15, $30 and $45. Darin Myers, county administrator, said 109 employees are in the $45 tier, and if all were to move to the proposed $60 tier, it would cost about $37,500 in the 2026 budget.
The commission said they would like additional time to review the proposal before making a decision.
Secured loads policy
Justin Craig, environmental services director, received approval for a resolution establishing a secured loads policy at the Ellis County Landfill to address increasing concerns about roadway debris.
The policy is designed to reduce litter, improve public safety and address residents' complaints by enforcing load security standards.
The policy will be fully enforced starting April 1. Violators could be subject to a 50% surcharge on landfill fees and possible law enforcement involvement.
Alcohol funding request
The Ellis County Commission approved the distribution of alcohol tax funds as recommended by the CARE Council.
One-third of the collected alcohol tax revenue, designated for alcohol and drug programs, will be split evenly between Dream Inc. and the Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency. Both will receive $3,865.
Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria
The commission voted not to approve financial assistance for the reconstruction of the East Main Street approach to Old Highway 40 in Victoria.
The city of Victoria requested the county fund one-third of the total $124,685 cost, as the approach is deteriorating, resulting in large potholes.
Younger said the project was not budgeted as it was brought forward outside the commission’s budgeting process.
"Maybe this is something that we should look into for the future, to start putting funding away to help assist in other communities or villages around," he said.
The commission rejected the request with a 2-1 vote, with Leiker voting in favor of the funding.
Other business
The commission reappointed David McDaniel and Mason Ruder to new three-year terms on the Joint Planning Commission beginning July 1. Their current terms end on June 30.
Mackay received approval to purchase 27,456 gallons of asphalt emulsion oil for the Catharine Road reconstruction project, which is expected to cost about $74,400.