A group of Poweshiek County employees recently met with the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors  to discuss wage guidelines for county employees and the request more than the five percent increase that was recently approved for the employees by the county board.

County employee Brenda Sutfin asked the board how they came to  the decision to approve a five percent increase for non-contract county employees.

Supervisors Chairman  Diana Dawley indicated the board had reached to  other counties to see what type of monetary increases they were approving.

Sutfin stated that times have changed, and she felt five percent was not enough, especially for employees who are making a lower hourly rate.  Board member Merle Doty stated he has sympathy for the employees and appreciates their efforts, but it is not easy to do more when the supervisors board is not a private company, but a governmental entity  relying on taxpayer money.

The employees questioned the county board taking a seven-point-five percent increase but only approving a five percent increase for the employees.  The board their salaries are recommended by the compensation board.

The board thanked the employees for attending the meeting and expressing their thoughts and concerns.