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Osage
County Commission
County fills appraiser position
Wayne White
Managing Editor
One week after the Osage County commissioners learned the county
appraiser was resigning, they hired her replacement.
Commissioners held open-meeting negotiations Monday with deputy
appraiser Stacy Berry, after last week’s announcement by Osage
County Appraiser Marg Archer that she was resigning.
Berry, who has worked in the Osage County Appraiser’s office
for over eight years, was recommended for the position by Archer.
Commissioners seemed to be in agreement that they would follow Archer’s
recommendation, but Berry’s wage request and the number of
employees in the appraiser’s office were the subject of discussion.
“You’re here so we can approve you as the new appraiser?”
Osage County Commissioner Carl Meyer asked Berry.
“Based on Marg’s recommendation and your qualifications,
I totally give you full support for that position,” said Osage
County Commissioner Larry Woodson.
After an initial discussion of Berry’s wages, Osage County
Commissioner William Prescott assured Berry, “I don’t
think we’re going to go someplace else for an appraiser.”
Berry said she expected the transition of her taking over the office
would be smooth due to her experience. She expressed concern, though,
that once Archer left Sept. 26, the staff would be reduced by one
employee.
“We’re already behind, and we’re going to be a
person short,” Berry said.
“Money is not the most inclusive thing, but I want to be compensated
for my time,” she said. “I’m a little concerned
about the amount of hours I’m going to put in.”
She explained that the office was about a month behind in its work,
and with one less person, she would be required to work extra hours.
When asked the reason the office was behind, Berry said it was due
to new software being used.
“We’re still working through the bugs,” she said.
Woodson said he was willing “to put you immediately up to
Marg’s salary” of $48,000 annually. Berry counter-offered
that she would accept Archer’s salary plus payment for overtime,
or a higher base salary.
Woodson noted appraisers across the state would be renewing contracts
after the first of the year.
“There may be other counties that have a need for your expertise,”
Woodson said. “Who knows, we may not be able to afford you
come July 1st.”
Meyer questioned whether the office could get by without filling
the vacant position.
Berry answered that another employee would be needed.
“We have two or three more employees than Franklin County,”
Woodson said.
Prescott questioned whether Berry expected a salary plus overtime
pay, with Meyer asking Berry, “Are you willing to do the overtime,
and how much do you estimate?”
Berry said she would be required to assume her previous duties and
the appraiser’s duties until the vacant position could be
filled. She estimated her office would require 250 to 350 hours
of overtime, possibly requiring an additional $9,000 to $10,500
in wages for the remainder of the contract year that ends June 30.
Once the position was filled, a new employee would likely require
training before the workload was reduced, she said.
“I’d still like to get by with one less employee,”
said Meyer.
“I’d like to, too, but she’s not saying that,”
said Woodson.
“I’m still in a quandary,” he said. “I don’t
feel comfortable not knowing the kind of overtime we’re approving
here. It’s like a blank check right now.”
Woodson asked Berry to “put some numbers together” and
report back to the commission later in the day.
“We’re not debating whether we want to keep you,”
Woodson said.
“I do like it here and would like to stay,” Berry answered.
In the afternoon, commissioners again considered Berry’s salary
request, finally agreeing to pay her $55,000 annually with no overtime
pay. Commissioners also agreed that the open position in the appraiser’s
office would be filled.
As a deputy appraiser, Berry was paid $41,870 per year.
Tuesday, Berry said her new position would begin Sept. 29, and the
vacancy in the office would be posted. At this time, it is unknown
if the opening would be filled by promotion from within the office
or by someone newly hired, she said.
“We do have an opening,” she confirmed.
Berry, who lives in Shawnee County, said she has 22 years of experience
working in a county appraiser’s office.
In other business, the commission:
• approved a new state insurance plan that requires a $40
extra charge for those who smoke. Commissioners decided employees
who smoke will pay the extra fee. The county currently pays for
a single-plan health insurance policy for each employee.
• learned from road and bridge supervisor Glenn Tyson the
Kansas Department of Health and Environment has given the county
permission to store sand and salt at the county’s waste transfer
station. A building will be erected at the site for that purpose.
• signed an agreement for federal aid construction, engineering
and inspection with engineering firm Cook Flatt and Strobel for
an upcoming bridge project.
• approved conditional use permits for: Elaine Swafford, to
allow a daycare center near Vassar; Monica Ortiz, to allow an adult
care facility at Carbondale; and Robert and Pam Watson, for an ice
cream store south of Overbrook.
• heard from Keven Ward, of Trane Commercial Systems, that
the courthouse energy renovation project is on schedule, and the
new heating system is expected to be operational by early October.
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