Commissioners approve hiring, wages for 4H assistant

Antelope County Commissioners approved hiring Brooke Kumm as the new 4H youth coordinator. Kumm will join the extension staff May 27, 2025, following graduation

Commissioner Casey Dittrich asked what the starting salary is for the position.

Antelope County Extension Board President Kim Young said the wage will be $20.52 per hour. The wage was built into the office's 2024 budget.

Commissioner Regina Krebs asked if the salary is determined by the state.

"This is a county position," Young said.

Young requested wages for extension office manager Lisa Welding be increased to $18.08 per hour. The increase was factored into the 2024 budget.

"We request the salary increase to be effective October 2024. We value the work Lisa does ... we appreciate her willingness to take on extra (duties) in the absence of staff members," Young said.

Welding has worked in the position for five years.

Salaries for the same position in area counties range from $17 to $20.52 per hour, based on an array presented to commissioners.

Krebs asked if a salary increase was given last year.

According to Young, no. Since she's served on the extension board, the group has worked "to getting them back up with increases."

Commissioners' chairman Charlie Henery asked if the extension board expects to give an increase during the next budget cycle.

"We have not discussed that in detail," Young said.

Commissioner Neil Williby said the wage is a 12.3% increase.

"Usually 3% to 5% is a big raise," Williby said. "What if every county employee showed up to request that kind of increase?"

Young stressed the wage increase was included in the budget the commissioners approved for fiscal year 2024-2025.

"Since you said she's not an elected official, we had to have it approved. You approved the budget," Young said.

"It's in the budget?" Williby asked?

"Yes," Young said.

Krebs asked if this is the last year "playing catch up" on wages.

Young said she believed so.

"We were trying to get her more in line with what other counties are paying their office managers and for taking on extra responsibilities," Young said.

Krebs made a motion to approve the wage increase, noting in the future, she would like to have wages discussed during the budget process. Eli Jacob seconded the motion. Krebs, Jacob, Williby and Dittrich voted in favor. Henery cast the lone dissenting vote.

In other action, commissioners:

• Learned how much money would be deposited in the road and bridge fund following sale of scrap metal and salvage equipment.

• Discussed microsurfacing projects south of Brunswick, near Grove Lake and on old Highway 14

• Certified Brian McDonald as county highway superintendent for a year-end report.

• Reviewed distress warrants as presented by county treasurer Deb Branstiter. Warrants were presented to the sheriff for collection on Nov. 1 and must be collected by Jan. 1.