The Delta County Board recently approved various wage increases for certain department heads within the county.

ESCANABA – The Delta County Board approved wage adjustments for three department head positions within the county at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

According to the board agenda, the wage adjustments for all three non-union positions will not result in any additional cost to the general fund budget due to retirements.

“These are supervisory positions, and when you have a subordinate position – you’re next subordinate position down – typically you’re within about a 10% range that your salary is set to make sure that your subordinates aren’t coming up and surpassing you,” said Commissioner Christine Williams.

Williams further stated the county’s Finance Committee recommended to increase the Building & Zoning director’s salary with two separate five percent increases to occur over the course of two fiscal years. However, the board ultimately approved one five percent increase beginning in FY 2027, bringing the annual salary for the Building & Zoning director to $68,250 upon recommendation of the Finance Committee.

The current director, Jack Smith, earns an annual salary of $66,685.06. The board is expected to revisit the next five percent increase for FY 2028.

Williams added, “It’s much more digestible to increase salaries on these smaller percentages over time versus these big jumps.”

An exception to this statement, she said, is the Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping Services position, currently filled by Cory Schroeder. Schroeder currently earns $78,183.82.

Because Schroeder holds certifications that result in a financial benefit to the county by reducing the need to outsource work for certain projects, his salary increase was substantially more than a five percent increase.

Van Ginhoven initially motioned to increase the salary to $90,000 effective immediately or at the next payroll cycle, but that motion did not receive support from commissioners.

Instead, a motion passed to increase the salary to $90,000 beginning in FY 2027, in line with the Finance Committee’s recommendation, though Van Ginhoven opposed the final vote.

The county’s controller, Andrea Bell, will also receive an incremental increase in recognition of expanded duties and the anticipated completion of the Bell’s bachelor’s degree next year.

The board approved a salary increase of $64,708.88 beginning in FY 2027, based on the Finance Committee’s recommendation. Bell currently earns an annual salary of $62,220.08.

Van Ginhoven also opposed this decision, saying she did not think the pay was sufficient enough for the work the controller does.

In other business, the board:

– Appointed Jill Johnson to the Pathways Community Mental Health Board.

– Adopted Information Technology policies that were brought forward from the county’s FY 2024 audit.

– Approved the filling of one corrections officer position and one dispatcher position within the county.

– Awarded the courthouse entrance bid to UP Concrete following the Finance Committee’s and Buildings and Grounds committee’s recommendation. The bid is to repair both courthouse entrances as stated, totaling $96,820.00 while utilizing the remaining ARPA funding of $66,809.84 and general fund balance of $30,010.16, following current fund balance policy.

– Tabled the agenda item pertaining to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) upcoming project along US-2. MDOT is seeking Consent to Grade rights on county-owned fairgrounds property located at 1027 N. Lincoln Road, as outlined in the board agenda. MDOT has submitted an offer letter to acquire these rights, which are valued at $2,400.

—

Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.