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9.5 % Raise for Elected Officials? |
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Written by Anton K Neff
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Thursday, 21 September 2006 11:53 |
Budget hearings concluded September 6th and I have had questions concerning raises for our administrative elected officials (Auditor, Treasurer, Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor)--perhaps the 9.5% figure jumped out at you when you read the Evening World’s article? This seems like a steep increase at face value, but the basis for this decision justifies this percentage and makes the figure realistic.
Before any compensation issues were discussed, our first priority was to balance the budget. We were successful by reducing and adjusting expenses totaling about $200,000. From that point, the Council was open to compensation proposals as long as the cost of any proposal was covered by further cuts. We had very good discussion on several ideas and I appreciate all of the input we received from our elected officials, department heads, and employees who helped us make decisions.
After being discussed for many years, our County Council finally addressed a recurring inequity in compensation for courthouse employees—longevity. Our highway department, our deputies, and even part-time employees have had the benefit of some type of longevity pay already in place. And for those who are not familiar with longevity, it is a form of compensation based on years of service. In our case, years of continuous county employment.
There is a side effect of implementing longevity, however. Some current employees and any future employees, with the right amount of service years, would actually get more compensation than our elected officials. In addition, there had been situations in the past where (due to state budget procedure and Indiana Law) elected officials did not get any standard of living wage increase when everyone else did.
We addressed this by placing elected officials at a new salary level that was just outside the reach of any employee longevity amount. The new levels also helped make up for past “no-raise” years and bring salary levels in line with other counties our size. So, yes, elected official compensation has been set at a level that represents a 9.5% increase, but these salary adjustments are a part of a larger plan that addressed longevity and standard of living increases for employees. As mentioned earlier, none of this would have even been implemented had there not been a way to pay for such a proposal.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact me--that is why you have trusted me to serve as your County Councilman and I welcome your contact. |
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County Option Dog Tax - Yes or No? |
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Written by Anton K Neff
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Wednesday, 02 August 2006 13:49 |
At the July County Council meeting, information was shared with respect to the Dog Tax. For many years, the state has had a dog tax that assessed each dog owner a certain amount for each dog, or group of dogs. Trustees were the typical dog tax collectors and the system was largely done on the honor and convenience system (i.e. taking care of the dog when you see one). While it is purely a guess, I would suspect that a large number of dog owners do not pay dog tax at all or consistently.
What was the Dog Tax for? The money collected was spilt several ways with a portion going to a state fund and a portion to the county/township fund. I will have to verify it, but I think a portion also went to Purdue and another portion could be designated to go to an animal control organization. Traditionally, a farmer who had an animal killed by a dog or pack of dogs would contact the township trustee and make arrangements for reimbursement for the value of the animal, which would be paid from the Dog Tax fund.
Now, the state has eliminated their administration of the Dog Tax and allowing each county to decide on whether or not to have it. There are still many unanswered questions.
At the time presented, there were reservations about implementing the County Option Dog Tax. I moved to table the decision in an effort to gain more information and review what was presented. The motion was seconded and passed 7-0. The issue will be back for discussion at our August 14th meeting.
I would generally not support a tax unless we know the following:
-How is it going to be managed, assessed, and collected and is it going to be done in a fair and consistent manner?
-What is the cost associated with having the tax?
-Where will the money collected go and what can it (or does it) have to be spent on?
-What are the pros and cons of having the tax?
I encourage you to contact me with your questions, concerns, ideas, and/or suggestions regarding the County Option Dog Tax. |
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September Budget Hearings - Communication is Key |
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Written by Anton K Neff
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Monday, 10 July 2006 10:35 |
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County budget hearings are now scheduled to start on September 5th and lots of budget legwork is already underway by the various local government departments and the Auditor's office. The Council will soon have a chance to review current and proposed budget figures. As with years past, I encourage folks to sit in on these hearings. I encourage you to ask questions of anything you are not familiar with or of anything you are concerned about. This is a process open to the taxpayer for the opportunity to be heard. I have found over the years that internal friction and rumors are usually fueled by miscommunication. One of the most important components of effective government is communication and I work very hard to promote this. Please feel free to contact me when you need assistance. |
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Funding for an Emergency Warning System |
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Written by Anton K Neff
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Thursday, 25 May 2006 16:41 |
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With the help of several community leaders, emergency management, and elected officials, research is being done on various ways to alert folks in Owen County of severe weather. At first, outdoor warning sirens was the primary subject, but the issue has expanded further and the research is much broader so that no matter what type of emergency, various types of alert systems could be used in different parts of the county. Of course, no system can reach everyone 100% no matter how much money is spent, but coming up with an effective system to reach the most people possible for the best price is very important. Your input is important. Please contact me and offer your opinion on a warning system. Is it long overdue? Well worth the cost? A waste of money? It is important to hear from you. If planned right, this can be a great service to the citizens and taxpayers of our County. |
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New Local Website Links Added |
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Written by Anton K Neff
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Sunday, 07 May 2006 20:31 |
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I periodically update web links and audit my site to stay as current as possible. After a recent visit to the 2nd Annual Business Showcase, sponsored by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation, I reviewed the list of members to find new web links. Approximately twelve new links to local businesses and organizations were added to this website. Please browse through the list and visit many of our local businesses and organizations that are headquartered in Owen County and serve Owen County. |
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