County Pay Raise Possible
The possibility of pay increases for county employees was briefly discussed at the county court meeting Aug. 14. County Treasurer Alan Dierschke presented figures showing what monthly raises of $25, $50, and $100 for each of the 32 employees would cost the county. Dierschke said, “Some department heads have been suggesting a raise,” so he put figures together for the commissioners’ consideration before the next budget is worked out. Dierschke said the last across-the-board raise for county employees was $50 per month in 1996.
According to his figures, a $25 raise would cost the county $11,399 per year; a $50 increase would cost $22,798, and a $100 raise would cost $45,596 per year. Commissioner Hugh Schafer said he thinks employees getting new and better health insurance qualifies as a raise.
The court discussed additional compensation to Martin County for answering Glasscock County’s 911 calls and for doing computerized background checks on cars and drivers for the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Department.
A monthly 911 fee of 50 cents is included in each telephone bill. County Judge Wilburn Bednar said that money is channeled to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission, and is then sent back to the various counties to help with 911 expenses. He said this fee generates some $356 per month in Glasscock County, and that money will now go to Martin County.
Bednar said Martin County has not asked Glasscock County to pay for these services. Bednar said he thinks there are two or three 911 calls from Glasscock County each month. He said Martin County also answers some of Borden County’s 911 calls, and is not compensated for that service.
Commissioner Michael Hoch said he thinks Glasscock County should pay some additional compensation to Martin County, but doesn’t know how much. Action on the matter was postponed.
There was also brief discussion, but no action, regarding how much Jim and Diane Havlak should be paid for answering the 911 calls while the system was in transition to Martin County.