Three county commissioners reject benefits

Jan. 21--The three newest Saline County commissioners said Tuesday morning that they will waive their county-provided health insurance and retirement benefits.

Marilyn Leamer, director of human resources, said county elected officials may receive health insurance and retirement benefits if they choose.

Commission Chairman Monte Shadwick made it clear he would waive the benefits, as did Luci Larson and Dave Smith.

There was discussion about "grandfathering" in commissioners John Price and Jim Gile.

"I know we are not voting on this now, but these two have been elected under another situation," Shadwick said.

Leamer said commissioners could change the policy but allow the benefits until the current county commission terms expire.

She did not indicate how much money could be saved if commissioners didn't receive health insurance and retirement benefits.

Commissioners did not address the subject of their salaries. Shadwick, Larson and Smith have indicated they wanted to reduce the current salary of $28,766 a year.

Dividing the money

During the open forum session, Salina attorney Janice Norlin, who helped with a petition to increase the size of the commission from three members to five, said commissioners should take the money that was being paid to the three commissioners and divide it among the five.

"While we were circulating the petition for the Drive for Five, many people came up to me specifically and to other people who were circulating the petition, asking, 'Can't we put something in about the salaries?' The sentiment, at least from my perspective, was that you should take the pot of money and divide it by five," she said.

"... That would eliminate some of this talk about how the two new commissioners are increasing the county budget so much."

If the same amount of money were spent on salaries and were divided by five instead of three, each would be paid $17,259.60.

Televising the votes

Shadwick also said he wants all votes on county issues to be taken during the public meetings at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, televised by Salina Access TV.

County Administrator Rita Deister said that in the past, occasionally there were issues that had to be approved according to a time frame. Price gave the example of equipment that might be available at auction and could be sold if commissioners waited a week.

"I don't see how something can come on the whim within an hour," said Commissioner Larson.

According to Saline County policy, any purchases over $3,000 must be approved by the commission.

Contract approved

The commission also approved a $494,293 contract with L & M Contractors to replace the superstructure of the Thompson Road bridge over the Saline River.

The 240-foot bridge was built in 1975. Repairs are expected to start on July 6 and be complete on Nov. 27.

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