SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Auditor quits as Eden coordinator

posted 12/16/05
"We’re not getting pushed by threats," County Commissioner Alan Lichter told Auditor Si Stephens before deciding to reject his request for a raise. Stephens then followed through on his vow to step down as coordinator for the county’s changeover to the Eden computer system. He will also instruct his managers not to work overtime on the conversion.

Stephens had asked for a temporary increase in salary for himself and two managers in his office. "There is an inordinate amount of additional burden placed on three individuals," Stephens said. "Everyone in my department is still doing their regular jobs and in addition we are charged with the awesome task" of converting over to the new accounting system. "The amount of time we have to put in is extraordinary," he said. Managers do not receive overtime pay. They will be working on some Saturdays and Sundays.

Commissioner Kevin Ranker asked Human Resource Director Becky Rusnak for her thoughts on the matter. If the commissioners approved Stephens’ request, they would "see a huge ripple there," she said. "I think you’d have unhappy staff on your hands."

Rusnak reminded the commissioners the pay scale for non-represented employees is undergoing a "global survey." All of the salaries are being compared to salaries in the 13 comparator counties. There is a separate process for changing job descriptions and salaries for positions represented by the union.

Stephens said, "I don’t want those jobs reclassified now. I want temporary out of class pay. Those jobs will change." The commissioners and the county staff have said the conversion to the new software accounting system will change county operations.

Ranker noted many employees have worked extra hours. With the charter and the new software system and a new director for CDPD, "so much change is happening in the next year," he said. Also a citizen salary commission will be reevaluating elected official’s salaries.

Stephens said, "If you decide not to pass it (the resolution granting more pay), first you’ll have my resignation as coordinator for the county. And my management staff will be requested to not work overtime on Eden."

Ranker told Stephens "The board is not going to move forward with your request at this time."

Later that day, Stephens put his resignation as coordinator in writing. The commissioners met with Rusnak, Administrative Services Director Dave Zeretske, Public Works Director Jon Shannon and Solid Waste Manager Matt Zybas to discuss how to proceed with the conversion. They will discuss it again at their next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005.

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