Topic: Department heads lead by exmple?
started by: MADDOG
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 29 2008,1:03 pm
Listening to the commissioners a few months ago discussing county salaries, mention of wage freezes or possible small cuts in their own salaries were mentioned.Now the department heads have come forward nd asked for their fair share. That they have been doing their job plus more (over 40 hours/week) and deserve to be compensated for their knowledge and experience.
QUOTE
Nelson began by saying that his request was to continue his pay “at an appropriate level,” with nothing other than a cost-of-living adjustment.
His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
QUOTE
Callahan said he knows where the county’s at in the budget process for next year. During the last eight years he’s been in office he’s tried to make his department more efficient, he said, adding that he probably runs one of the most efficient departments in the county.
Callahan said his office has been pretty busy this year with several new developments going up, and he and his employees have also been working on a new computer system for marriage licenses.
In 2008, Callahan’s salary is $50,500.
Callahan said his office has been pretty busy this year with several new developments going up, and he and his employees have also been working on a new computer system for marriage licenses.
In 2008, Callahan’s salary is $50,500.
QUOTE
Distad said he just hopes the commissioners take into account his education and duties when it comes to consideration of his salary for next year.....His salary this year is $75,500.
Distad also discussed raising the compensation of a ditch inspector from $18 an hour to $20 an hour. Last year, the position was raised from $16 to $18 an hour.
Distad also discussed raising the compensation of a ditch inspector from $18 an hour to $20 an hour. Last year, the position was raised from $16 to $18 an hour.
QUOTE
Harig made the largest salary request out of the four, asking to go from what is comparable to a grade 16 on the county’s salary structure to a grade 17.
He said an investigator or supervisor makes the equivalent of a grade 16, and if you break this down to 2,080 hours a year, the sheriff’s salary is only 4 cents higher an hour than that position, he said.
“What I’m asking for is equal treatment,” Harig said. “Whatever salary adjustment is being made for the county, I’d like a fair shake on that — an adjustment to my salary as well.”
He said he believes his duties are more complex and that he easily puts in 50 hours a week, not counting nighttime meetings that count for additional hours.
< Tribune >He said an investigator or supervisor makes the equivalent of a grade 16, and if you break this down to 2,080 hours a year, the sheriff’s salary is only 4 cents higher an hour than that position, he said.
“What I’m asking for is equal treatment,” Harig said. “Whatever salary adjustment is being made for the county, I’d like a fair shake on that — an adjustment to my salary as well.”
He said he believes his duties are more complex and that he easily puts in 50 hours a week, not counting nighttime meetings that count for additional hours.
Okay, so what does this mean for the residents of Freeborn County? That in these times of economic crisis, we should pony up and pay more taxes county the county heads to empty the pockets of the citizens?
I would really like to see the County Board react to this by searching there own pockets and show that the coffers are empty.
Short of some union and government jobs, just who expects to see pay raises now?
It just seems to me that except for Callahan's salary which seems low, these department heads should be leading by example this year and be in front of the Board telling them they will just plain be pleased if the county will leave their salaries alone and not CUT their wages this year.
But alas,
Posted by Common Citizen on Oct. 29 2008,1:19 pm
Really? I thought Craig showed restraint and should be commended. 
Posted by gljoefan on Oct. 29 2008,1:21 pm
Anyone know how these compare to Mower County?
Posted by Common Citizen on Oct. 29 2008,1:30 pm
I hear all this blah blah blah about comparisons to other county's.Well hells bells people...unless the county's that we are comparing salaries with ALSO have the same budget then that arguement doesn't fly with me, nor should it with the other tax payers in this county...
nuff said...
Posted by minnow on Oct. 29 2008,1:58 pm
I actually agree with CC here. What were doing is comparing with other counties which have also compared with other counties. Hey, I want what county B pays, only county B pays that much because they compared to county C. County C pays that much because they compared to county A and so on...
Posted by gljoefan on Oct. 29 2008,2:34 pm
(Common Citizen @ Oct. 29 2008,1:30 pm)
QUOTE
I hear all this blah blah blah about comparisons to other county's.
Well hells bells people...unless the county's that we are comparing salaries with ALSO have the same budget then that arguement doesn't fly with me, nor should it with the other tax payers in this county...
nuff said...
Well hells bells people...unless the county's that we are comparing salaries with ALSO have the same budget then that arguement doesn't fly with me, nor should it with the other tax payers in this county...
nuff said...
Not sure what industry you work in, but comparisons are often made. It would not be the only factor, but it would be one.
I have no idea what the mower county attorney makes, but I would think it should be somewhat comparable.
I have seen people try to compare apples to oranges. Say thinking to compare Dakota to Freeborn County. So I understand the possible abuse. But I would want the information.
Say the Mower County Attorney makes $60,000. I would want to know why we pay more.
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 29 2008,3:15 pm
QUOTE
Say the Mower County Attorney makes $60,000. I would want to know why we pay more.
Better start asking.COMMISSIONERS’ RECORD MOWER COUNTY, MINNESOTA
010207.doc Page KK - 9
County Attorney
as of 1/1/07 .........................................................$77,742.00
Passed and approved this 2nd day of January, 2007.
Now let's assume he received the standard 2.6% increase for 2008?
Where did I hear that joke about the prostitute that charged by the inch?
Posted by Two Bears on Oct. 30 2008,12:02 pm
(MADDOG @ Oct. 29 2008,3:15 pm)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Say the Mower County Attorney makes $60,000. I would want to know why we pay more.
Better start asking.COMMISSIONERS’ RECORD MOWER COUNTY, MINNESOTA
010207.doc Page KK - 9
County Attorney
as of 1/1/07 .........................................................$77,742.00
Passed and approved this 2nd day of January, 2007.
Now let's assume he received the standard 2.6% increase for 2008?
Where did I hear that joke about the prostitute that charged by the inch?
Maybe the commish should take a closer look at our neighbors CO attorneys wages and adjust ours down a bit.
By the inch
Posted by gljoefan on Oct. 31 2008,2:23 pm
(MADDOG @ Oct. 29 2008,3:15 pm)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Say the Mower County Attorney makes $60,000. I would want to know why we pay more.
Better start asking.COMMISSIONERS’ RECORD MOWER COUNTY, MINNESOTA
010207.doc Page KK - 9
County Attorney
as of 1/1/07 .........................................................$77,742.00
Passed and approved this 2nd day of January, 2007.
Now let's assume he received the standard 2.6% increase for 2008?
Where did I hear that joke about the prostitute that charged by the inch?
Which is why you ask for the comparison. But according to minnow and CC it does not matter.
I would be open to learning more. But given this I would say that this is not the year for a raise.
Posted by bianca on Nov. 02 2008,11:27 am
The thing which chaps me is that these people are salaried. Usually when a person is on a salary, they are being compensated for putting in more hours than a regular Joe and it therefore makes cents 
for the company to pay a salary to compensate for their "extra" hours.They need to quit whining about their salaries and how they are over worked and under paid. Nelson will never understand this concept and what amazes me is he seems to do nothing as a county attorney other than "settling" Every year this man pouts about his wages and then threatens to take it to court (the most court time he probably spends actually trying to do something) if he doesn't get his way......if you are unhappy buddy, move on.....You are definitely replaceable and it wouldn't take much to fill your (cough) position.
As for Harig, he CHOSE the position he is in knowing what he would be making and still CHOSE to run. Get over yourselves and think about the people who voted you in who have lost their jobs and can't afford their taxes as it is.
They should all feel damn lucky to have job security in the economic crunch we continue to be in, ESPECIALLY with the tax increases that we have seen in just the last couple of years.
I've always agreed about Callahan, he's the only one in that list that seems to be getting far less money than what he probably deserves and doesn't seem to complain about it.
When a county just can't pay enough,according to these county "employees", without going over their budget, why can't the commissioners invoke a wage freeze? It happens everywhere else
Posted by busybee on Nov. 02 2008,1:35 pm
QUOTE
Nelson will never understand this concept and what amazes me is he seems to do nothing as a county attorney other than "settling"
Yes, he likes to plea bargain rather than go to trial.
QUOTE
As for Harig, he CHOSE the position he is in knowing what he would be making and still CHOSE to run.
Posted by howie on Nov. 02 2008,6:07 pm
(bianca @ Nov. 02 2008,11:27 am)
QUOTE
The thing which chaps me is that these people are salaried. Usually when a person is on a salary, they are being compensated for putting in more hours than a regular Joe and it therefore makes cents for the company to pay a salary to compensate for their "extra" hours.
They need to quit whining about their salaries and how they are over worked and under paid. Nelson will never understand this concept and what amazes me is he seems to do nothing as a county attorney other than "settling" Every year this man pouts about his wages and then threatens to take it to court (the most court time he probably spends actually trying to do something) if he doesn't get his way......if you are unhappy buddy, move on.....You are definitely replaceable and it wouldn't take much to fill your (cough) position.
As for Harig, he CHOSE the position he is in knowing what he would be making and still CHOSE to run. Get over yourselves and think about the people who voted you in who have lost their jobs and can't afford their taxes as it is.
They should all feel damn lucky to have job security in the economic crunch we continue to be in, ESPECIALLY with the tax increases that we have seen in just the last couple of years.
I've always agreed about Callahan, he's the only one in that list that seems to be getting far less money than what he probably deserves and doesn't seem to complain about it.
When a county just can't pay enough,according to these county "employees", without going over their budget, why can't the commissioners invoke a wage freeze? It happens everywhere else
for the company to pay a salary to compensate for their "extra" hours.They need to quit whining about their salaries and how they are over worked and under paid. Nelson will never understand this concept and what amazes me is he seems to do nothing as a county attorney other than "settling" Every year this man pouts about his wages and then threatens to take it to court (the most court time he probably spends actually trying to do something) if he doesn't get his way......if you are unhappy buddy, move on.....You are definitely replaceable and it wouldn't take much to fill your (cough) position.
As for Harig, he CHOSE the position he is in knowing what he would be making and still CHOSE to run. Get over yourselves and think about the people who voted you in who have lost their jobs and can't afford their taxes as it is.
They should all feel damn lucky to have job security in the economic crunch we continue to be in, ESPECIALLY with the tax increases that we have seen in just the last couple of years.
I've always agreed about Callahan, he's the only one in that list that seems to be getting far less money than what he probably deserves and doesn't seem to complain about it.
When a county just can't pay enough,according to these county "employees", without going over their budget, why can't the commissioners invoke a wage freeze? It happens everywhere else
Nelson "choose" to run as well.
But don't we all choose, we may not run for office. But this is still America, if you think 90K for being County Attorney is such a great deal. Go get the degree and run for office.
Like others, I don't know that this is the year for an increase. But the 90K is not that much money for an attorney.
I would not take the job at $100,000.
Posted by hairhertz on Nov. 02 2008,6:18 pm
Howie has turned it down, any takes out there for $90grand? Isn't the position usually filled by a relatively newcomer type attorney who isn't making much as a junior partner?
How long has Whiner Nelson held the position? With his "talent" what would he make in the private sector? Or is he hanging in there hoping to become a judge?
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 02 2008,7:18 pm
(bianca @ Nov. 02 2008,11:27 am)
QUOTE
Every year this man pouts about his wages and then threatens to take it to court (the most court time he probably spends actually trying to do something) if he doesn't get his way......if you are unhappy buddy, move on.....You are definitely replaceable and it wouldn't take much to fill your (cough) position.
When a county just can't pay enough,according to these county "employees", without going over their budget, why can't the commissioners invoke a wage freeze? It happens everywhere else
When a county just can't pay enough,according to these county "employees", without going over their budget, why can't the commissioners invoke a wage freeze? It happens everywhere else
Sorry, but whenever Nelson plans to go to litigation over his wages, he hires an attorney.
Remember, "a man who represents himself has a fool for a client."
And no, I don't knoew who pays that bill.
As far as the wage freeze or holding down county employees pay, good luck. Most of them are in the union.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 02 2008,7:19 pm
(hairhertz @ Nov. 02 2008,6:18 pm)
QUOTE
Howie has turned it down, any takes out there for $90grand?
Isn't the position usually filled by a relatively newcomer type attorney who isn't making much as a junior partner?
How long has Whiner Nelson held the position? With his "talent" what would he make in the private sector? Or is he hanging in there hoping to become a judge?
Isn't the position usually filled by a relatively newcomer type attorney who isn't making much as a junior partner?
How long has Whiner Nelson held the position? With his "talent" what would he make in the private sector? Or is he hanging in there hoping to become a judge?
HaHaHaHa. That position just got filled.
Posted by howie on Nov. 02 2008,9:34 pm
(hairhertz @ Nov. 02 2008,6:18 pm)
QUOTE
Howie has turned it down, any takes out there for $90grand?
Isn't the position usually filled by a relatively newcomer type attorney who isn't making much as a junior partner?
How long has Whiner Nelson held the position? With his "talent" what would he make in the private sector? Or is he hanging in there hoping to become a judge?
Isn't the position usually filled by a relatively newcomer type attorney who isn't making much as a junior partner?
How long has Whiner Nelson held the position? With his "talent" what would he make in the private sector? Or is he hanging in there hoping to become a judge?
To be clear, I am not endorsing Nelson. My earned income in just over that and I don't have to put up with the BS. But to each their own.
Posted by busybee on Nov. 03 2008,7:09 am
Nelson has a lot of power that affects the outcome of people's lives, whether that's putting up with BS or not, I don't know?
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 03 2008,7:09 pm
Here's a little tiddy I found. It must work in Dakota County. It said it was last updated 1/07.< Performance Based Pay for Attorneys >
Posted by howie on Nov. 04 2008,12:10 am
For the record, the title of this thread is off. It was not a department heads, these guys are elected.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 04 2008,7:12 am
QUOTE
For the record, the title of this thread is off. It was not a department heads, these guys are elected.
Sorry, Bubba, these people are the heads of their departments. Three of them happen to be elected and one is not. Like I posted
QUOTE
Nelson began by saying that his request was to continue his pay “at an appropriate level,” with nothing other than a cost-of-living adjustment.
His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
Whether he may be insinuating a pay raise or not, I don't see where he's asking for one as it's quoted here.
His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
Posted by howie on Nov. 04 2008,7:41 am
(MADDOG @ Nov. 04 2008,7:12 am)
QUOTE
QUOTE
For the record, the title of this thread is off. It was not a department heads, these guys are elected.
Sorry, Bubba, these people are the heads of their departments. Three of them happen to be elected and one is not. Like I posted
QUOTE
Nelson began by saying that his request was to continue his pay “at an appropriate level,” with nothing other than a cost-of-living adjustment.
His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
Whether he may be insinuating a pay raise or not, I don't see where he's asking for one as it's quoted here.His 2008 salary is $90,000....He said he works long hours at the office — approximately 53 hours a week
Bubba? LOL coming from you.
Tell me, which one was not elected?
Here is another news flash for you, there are more department heads than 4.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 04 2008,7:53 am
QUOTE
Three of them happen to be elected and one is not.
Whoops, slipped. I was going to make a comment about the highway department and Sue Miller, then didn't. (She's a department head.)
Posted by hymiebravo on Nov. 04 2008,12:07 pm
(busybee @ Nov. 02 2008,1:35 pm)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Nelson will never understand this concept and what amazes me is he seems to do nothing as a county attorney other than "settling"
Yes, he likes to plea bargain rather than go to trial.
QUOTE
As for Harig, he CHOSE the position he is in knowing what he would be making and still CHOSE to run.
Without plea bargaining the court system in the U.S. would come to a screeching halt.
Posted by busybee on Nov. 05 2008,2:09 am
QUOTE
Without plea bargaining the court system in the U.S. would come to a screeching halt.
Can't argue there.
I mostly feel that when it comes to crimes involving victims, the plea bargaining shouldn't be so meaningless. Too much of that happens in our U.S. Court Systems. Crimes involving victims do not seem to be as important as drug crimes. Even the sentencing guidelines for drugs vs violent crimes are significantly different. Harsher on drug crimes.
Posted by minnow on Nov. 05 2008,8:40 am
Well, let's be honest. Selling pot is a much more serious crime than raping a women, putting a gun to her head and smashing someones head in with a baseball bat. Priorities are priorities.
Posted by busybee on Nov. 05 2008,8:59 am
See, minnow, I know you understand. We're just on opposite ends of the issue.
I guess I just struggle with accepting irrational behavior being rationalized & minimized when it comes to issues of violence/crimes against victims vs drug crimes, which our society seems to have NO EXCUSE for.
Posted by minnow on Nov. 05 2008,9:07 am
You must have missed the avatar.
Posted by busybee on Nov. 05 2008,6:20 pm
Maybe you did! 
Posted by howie on Nov. 05 2008,7:59 pm
Maddog,You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 06 2008,11:55 am
(howie @ Nov. 05 2008,7:59 pm)
QUOTE
Maddog,
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
Are you referring to the people in this article? < tribune >
Posted by hymiebravo on Nov. 07 2008,1:23 pm
Plenty of comments on that one.I like the one where some body says the county atty. should be making $360,000 a year.
They can pay for it too.
Posted by hymiebravo on Nov. 07 2008,1:33 pm
(howie @ Nov. 05 2008,7:59 pm)
QUOTE
Maddog,
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
And the cryptic trivia continues.
Is this the position where the occupant usually retires before his term is up. Then an assistant takes over and gets his name put on all the documents.
Then come election time. Everyone goes, " hey I've heard of that guy before " and he gets elected?
Or am I way off.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 07 2008,2:37 pm
Where'd howie go anyway?
Posted by howie on Nov. 07 2008,7:02 pm
I still here. Did you ever figure out that the story was about the elected officials and their salary requests? The department heads report to the administrator.
Posted by howie on Nov. 07 2008,7:04 pm
(hymiebravo @ Nov. 07 2008,1:33 pm)
QUOTE
(howie @ Nov. 05 2008,7:59 pm)
QUOTE
Maddog,
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
You never answered the question. Which would of the elected positions is no longer elected? Here's the hint, it is the one that was appointed but will have to stand for election.
And the cryptic trivia continues.
Is this the position where the occupant usually retires before his term is up. Then an assistant takes over and gets his name put on all the documents.
Then come election time. Everyone goes, " hey I've heard of that guy before " and he gets elected?
Or am I way off.
I don't think the current holder of the office was the assistant. But I am only guessing at which one the used car salesman was talking about.
But what do I know I am a bubba right
Posted by howie on Nov. 07 2008,7:05 pm
(MADDOG @ Nov. 04 2008,7:53 am)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Three of them happen to be elected and one is not.
Whoops, slipped. I was going to make a comment about the highway department and Sue Miller, then didn't. (She's a department head.)Or wait, maybe HHS has a department head too??
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 07 2008,7:37 pm
QUOTE
Did you ever figure out that the story was about the elected officials and their salary requests? The department heads report to the administrator.
Yes I did and yes they do. QUOTE
And the cryptic trivia continues.
Is this the position where the occupant usually retires before his term is up. Then an assistant takes over and gets his name put on all the documents.
Then come election time. Everyone goes, " hey I've heard of that guy before " and he gets elected?
Or am I way off.
That's kind of what I was wondering. Is this the position where the occupant usually retires before his term is up. Then an assistant takes over and gets his name put on all the documents.
Then come election time. Everyone goes, " hey I've heard of that guy before " and he gets elected?
Or am I way off.
QUOTE
But what do I know I am a bubba right
QUOTE
Or wait, maybe HHS has a department head too??
I'm guessing you mean DHS and that means yes again. 
Posted by howie on Nov. 07 2008,7:42 pm
Yup I was wrong. I meant DHS. See how easy it is to admit you made a mistake without calling someone a bubba?
Posted by howie on Nov. 07 2008,7:44 pm
(howie @ Nov. 04 2008,12:10 am)
QUOTE
For the record, the title of this thread is off. It was not a department heads, these guys are elected.
Here is the quote. I was just pointing out that is was the elected officials.