Some Clarion County workers to see pay hike

The Clarion County Salary Board on Wednesday approved a 2.5 percent pay increase for some county employees. The row officers will also receive a salary increase, which is based on an average of what other nonunion employees receive.

The employees who will not receive increases at this time belong to unions.

“The bargaining units are not bargaining yet,” said County Treasurer Tom McConnell.

The county’s jail guards and Children and Youth Services (CYS) workers are members of the United Mine Workers, the court-related employees are members of the Teamsters and the sheriff’s deputies are members of the Butler County Community College Police Union.

“All of the contracts are open at this time,” said County Commissioner Ted Tharan.

In other business

– County Coroner Randall Stom announced new, state-mandated fees provided by his office.

He said Act 154 set the fees for services for nongovernmental agencies. Those rates are: $50 for cremation authorization, $500 for autopsy reports, $100 for toxicology reports and $100 for coroner reports.

– The commissioners approved a contract on behalf of the courts with Equivalent, a program for jury selection, tracking and payment at a cost of $1,005.

– A contract was approved with CenturyLink for another dispatcher position at the 911 center. Tharan said the position was to be used as a backup in case one of the other four stations malfunctioned.

– The board approved two vehicle lease agreements: a Ford Escape for use by CYS and a vehicle for the sheriff’s department.

– The board approved a salary increase to $13.59 per hour for corrections officer Dillon Haines, who has completed one year of training.

Also approved was the repositioning of David Sprankle from full-time deputy warden to part-time deputy warden, effective Dec. 19, 2018.

Two new hires were also approved: Alexander Burkhardt and Ashlea Wilson as part-time corrections officers, effective Dec. 12.

– Two promotions were approved for CYS: Teresa Hodren to program specialist and Sarah Wallace to caseworker.

-The commissioners, on behalf of CYS, awarded two contracts. The first with Children’s Aid Society for foster care and the second with Lifepsan Family Service for specialized foster care.

– A contract was approved with Sara Seidle-Patton to perform the duties of post conviction relief attorney, effective Jan.1, at a monthly rate of $1,000.