Jamie Gould

The Committee on Salary and Personnel recommended salaries for elected officials for the years 2005 and 2006, including the County Clerk, County Treasurer, Clerk of Courts, and Register of Deeds. The resolution also addresses the statutory extension of the County Sheriff term from two to four years, with previously set salaries for 2005 and 2006. Additionally, the committee recommends discontinuing the requirement for elected officials to contribute 10% of the monthly family health insurance plan premium, effective January 1, 2005.

The Iowa County Board of Supervisors discussed a petition for a land use change submitted by Marc & Joanne Kuklinski for a parcel of land in the Town of Ridgeway. The petition sought to change the land designation from A-1 Ag to AR-1 Ag Res for the purpose of creating two residential lots. The Zoning, Planning, Sanitation, & Rural Planning Committee initially denied the petition, but the Board of Supervisors sent it back to the Committee with direction to draft a new Amendatory Ordinance approving the petition.

The Iowa County Salary & Personnel Committee recommends ratifying contract changes for the 2007-2008 Iowa County Highway Department Employees Union contract. Key changes include amendments to articles on recognition, seniority, holidays (adding Spring Day), vacations, sick leave, other paid leaves (bereavement), and the contract term, extending it through December 31, 2008, with automatic renewal unless notice is given by September 1, 2008. The agreement includes a vacation accrual plan, wage increases of 2.5% effective January 1, 2007, and 2.75% effective February 15, 2008, and a tool allowance for the Lead Shop Classification. A side letter provides 10-hour holiday pay for three major holidays during the 2008 four-day/10-hour work schedule.

The Iowa County Board of Supervisors discussed the UW Extension Department's request for additional administrative support. The committee considered the need for facilitating UW Extension Agents' productivity and approved additional Secretary hours in the UW Extension Department's 2005 annual budget. The Finance, Bonds, Insurance and Tax Claims Committee also approved the proposed additional Secretary hours. It was resolved that the current part-time Secretary position in the UW Extension Department would be eliminated, and a new full-time Secretary position would be created.

The resolution authorizes the Iowa County Highway Committee to purchase highway equipment necessary for construction and maintenance, including snow and ice removal. The committee can trade or sell old equipment if it is in the county's best interest. However, any single equipment unit exceeding $125,000 requires further approval from the Iowa County Board.