County board discusses raising hourly wages, improving morale at meeting

By Editor | October 13, 2021

Discussion on raising the hourly wages and the morale of Fayette County employees was the first item, and one of the main topics, of the budget meeting of the Fayette County Board on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

County Clerk, Jessica Barker, stated that she recently lost two new employees in her office and that, in general, turn over in county employees has been high. Dustin Harmon, of Bellwether, offered figures on how even $1 per hour raise would impact the county budget and raise taxes. Board members requested more information before making any decisions.

State’s Attorney, Josh Morrison, questioned why the $55,000 in his budget for a second assistant state’s attorney was under consideration for removal by the board. He described the workload that is being shared with his current assistant state’s attorney. Morrison said that he has offered the job to qualified candidates but the salary has been a problem, and he cannot offer the position to anyone if the salary is removed. A decision was rendered that this issue be tabled for three months.

The issue of money for brakes on one of the animal control vehicles was addressed by Board Member Merrell Collins. He was assured by the board that the money was available.

In the regular portion of the meeting, Rick Harnish, of AMG Technology Investment Group d/b/a/ Nextlink Internet, offered information and fielded questions concerning the ongoing broadband conversation.

Casey Cameron, St. Elmo citizen, raised question regarding the ordinance for vaccines and masks.

Board Member Matt Hall reported heating and cooling problems in the courthouse.

Two appointments were approved:

Ronnie Stevens to the ETSB Board to fill the unexpired term of Chris Palmer, which expires in 2023,

Clyde Austin to be Commissioner of West Loudon Drainage District for three years (October1, 2021 to September 30, 2024, and

Approvals for:

purchase of a used animal control vehicle, and

annual renewal of a Liquor Licenses A & B for Hawg Diner LLC.

Board Member Glenn Gurtner continued discussion of the issue of the ordinance regulating liquor licensing and regulating certain games and a system for regulating and licensing of poker runs.

Board Chair Jennifer Waggoner suggested that this issue be tabled to which Board member Gurtner replied, “This has been tabled for four months.”

The issue was consequentially moved to the Rules and Regulation Committee, to get more input from the county board members and the County Clerk Jessica Barker.

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