The Cass County Board of Supervisors met 9-a.m. Tuesday (July 7th), with all members present. During their session,  County Engineer Trent Wolken reviewed current road projects. Afterward, the board entered into a closed session for an evaluation/review of Wolken’s performance since he was hired for the position, as required in his contract. About 50 minutes later, they returned to an open session, during which County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas reviewed current legal activity.

Auditor/Board Secretary Dale Sunderman reports also, County Sheriff Darby McLaren has submitted payroll change notices to classify two deputies as sergeants with supplement pay of $1/hour.  The Board discussed the request as to who has final approval authority; whether or not the union agreement applied; whether or not this was supplement pay; etc.  The County Attorney remarked that there was nothing in Iowa Code that stated the board of supervisors had to approve supplement pay; and nothing in the union agreement prohibiting adding a rank/classification or supplement pay.

A union representative present virtually (electronically), remarked that it may be necessary to approve a memorandum of understanding to add the classification to the current contract.  She also asked the board to consider extending the contract for additional year/s with an option to renegotiate wages annually.  Two Board members, the Sheriff and a union representative will meet in the near future to discuss the issues.  After due discussion, action was postponed until a future meeting.