Commissioners approve new three-year deal for Holmes County JFS; raises part of plan

A new three-year contract that includes raises was approved Thursday by Holmes County commissioners for employees of Holmes County Job and Family Services.

The contract with the AFSCME, Ohio Council 8, No. 2336, goes into effect Sept. 1.

"The wages are 4% (increase) in the first year, 3 1/2% lump sum and 3 1/2 % lump sum," JFS Director Dan Jackson said, noting there was not much of a change. "Thanks to the union and the commissioners. It was a pretty smooth process. We try to be competitive to bring people so the environment can be a deciding factor for them when we get them in to interview. Nowadays, it's not even easy to get people in to interview."

Jackson said over the last quarter, Children Services was 100% on all the outcomes, starting investigations in a timely manner and meeting all visitations.

"We're one of the very few counties with 100% in the entire quarter," he said. "They just do a great job."

Mowing old landfill site

In other business, commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the mowing of the former Holmes County landfill parcels only in the last week of July.

Commissioner Joe Miller said the area currently serves as a wildlife sanctuary.

"It has become a real bird sanctuary out there," Miller said. "Birdwatchers love that. This year it got mowed too early, and we don't want that to happen again. The commissioners are responsible for the landfill for the next 14 years. We've got to maintain it."

The former landfill is under the county park district, which built a 1.6-mile trail.

Both bids rejected

The commissioners rejected both bids received to replace the eight tornado sirens and the installation of one new one because both bidders could not meet the 60-day requirement for the installation.

Hall said EMA Director Jason Troyer recommended the bids be rejected and the project be rebid.

"We're going to open up the window a lot larger to be able to have the completion of this project by March 1," Commissioner Dave Hall said. "We hope to have the bids in front of us by the end of September. We know the importance of having the sirens replaced."

Hall added he will represent the commissioners Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Early American Days in Killbuck, delivering a proclamation honoring the 150th anniversary of the village.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Commissioners approve new three-year deal for Holmes County JFS; raises part of plan