Benton County takes action on human resources

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors addressed the status of a human resources employee during its regular meeting Sept. 10.

Julia Biery was hired as an intern to former Human Resources Director Sue Wilber. Wilber resigned earlier this year.

Benton County Attorney Ray Lough said Biery is doing a good job and they’ve have worked a plan for the auditor and human resources to together in the absence of a human resources director.

The board can decide what they want to do with the human resources department in the interim, Lough said. He talked about adjusting Biery’s wage and changing her title.

Lough said Biery will manage wellness, retention, recruiting, interviewing and will assist with workers’ compensation claims. She will also help with employee reviews.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman suggested that Biery work three days a week at an hourly wage of $21, not to exceed 28 hours. The board approved the plan unanimously.

The job description for Biery will specify that she work under the direction of the board of supervisors, Lough said. Sheriff Ron Tippett suggested she work under the direction of the auditor.

Lough said county officials want to keep Biery as a part-time employee, but they also wanted to increase her hours. She has another job and is going to school.

Lough also discussed the dismissal of the Kirsten Nelson lawsuit. Nelson was human resources director before Sue Wilber. The board approved signing the dismissal.

Mae Hingtgen met with the board to discuss Health and Human Services Behavioral Health District realignment.

There were 13 mental health and behavioral districts in the state, but a proposal by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds created seven districts instead.

The biggest change is the geographical realignment, said Hingtgen. She said the changes in boundaries are only geographical for administration. The services will remain the same. Benton County may still get services from Linn County.

The new map was released Aug. 1. Three counties in the current region will no longer be together. Benton and Iowa Counties are grouped with other counties in Southeastern Iowa, instead of East-Central Iowa.

Hingtgen said the main priorities for the year include realignment and to take care of people in the current nine area counties.

Lough received approval for quit claim deed to Heitshusen Farms LLC for a one-acre parcel in Eden township that was once a one-room school. The property will go back to the owner of the original parcel, which puts it back on the tax rolls.

A budget amendment hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for the current fiscal year.