Scott Monroe, plant manager and now also interim general manager of the Southwest Barry County Sewer & Water Authority, had his salary raised at Tuesday’s board meeting.
The board approved the raise because of the increased workload with a “mix of his previous and the new position as interim general manager.”
Chairman David Messelink, who represents Hope Township on the board, said he checked and found the supervisor of the Gull Lake Sewer and Water Authority makes $97,500 a year with benefits.
A $1,000 a month raise, and keeping his present benefits, was set for 90 days to see if both parties will want to continue the arrangement. If it becomes permanent after the 90 days, Monroe will receive $88,775 annually, up from the present $77, 775.
Monroe, who has been with the authority for 23 years, offered to hold off the raise for 90 days, but the board declined, making it effective the next pay period.
Messelink said he expects Monroe to, “rise to the challenge and do an excellent job.”
In a split decision at a May 4 special meeting, the board fired former manager Mark Doster after months of wrangling about his pay, hours worked and accessibility to the public.
Messelink, Barbara Earl, representing Johnstown Township; Wes Kahler, from Barry Township, and Matt Peake, Hope Township, voted to terminate Doster. Jim Stoneburner, Prairieville Township, voted “no.”
In the next few weeks, the full board, along with Monroe, will work on a job description and duties for the combined positions. Still to be negotiated is a separation package with Doster.//
Monroe said he has talked to officials at Gilmore Car Museum about possible sewer service and will talk again about their future plans, what they have on site now and go over a feasibility study of a sewer district including the museum recently completed by Prein & Newhof. He also asked the firm to develop a bid on engineering costs for the project, “if we move forward.”
In other business, the board approved leasing a fingerprint/ time clock system for employees at the office and the plant for $2,016 a year. The biometric time clock system comes from Advanced Time Management, from Canton, with guarantees of replacement of a system within 24 hours, if needed.
And, security cameras will be installed at the authority office with coverage of the parking lot and entrances and at the plant, also covering the parking area and entrances, from Prudential Alarm & Security. from Oak Park, at a cost not to exceed $5,000 for installation, equipment and training. Camera footage will be available for 30 days, then be recorded over.
