By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Aug. 19 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, discussion was held on the county’s proposed severe weather policy.
“There’s been discussion around essential and nonessential worker compensation. We reached out to all department heads to request a list of essential workers or essential positions who would respond in the event of a severe weather emergency, so we can identify who is expected to report in that event,” Board Chair Maggie Armstrong said.
Armstrong went on to share information on efforts to streamline the pay plan for times when the courthouse may be closed due to severe weather.
“If the courthouse closes, all county offices close. So that means those nonessential workers would get an eight-hour workday of pay,” Armstrong said.
The supervisors then discussed how to address the essential workers who would be expected to work during the severe weather event. The consensus was that those essential workers would be paid regular time, unless the event required overtime work, in which case those workers would be paid overtime.
Armstrong also suggested how to handle situations in which a non-essential worker was unable or unwilling to report to work during severe weather when the courthouse was still open.
“If there’s somebody who feels uncomfortable, can’t get out, doesn’t want to drive, they would need to use time from a bucket, whether that’s vacation or comp time or personal time, if they’re going to choose not to come to work,” she said.
Supervisors Steve Smith and JD Kuster said if this becomes the policy, it will need to be clearly communicated to essential workers to avoid surprises.
No formal action was taken on the issue at this time.
Facilities Director Brandon Thompson shared information about the proposed War Memorial expansion and sidewalk repair project outside the courthouse. The supervisors approved the plans as presented.
The supervisors appointed Beth Watson to serve as Guthrie County’s representative on the Region XII Housing Authority Board of Directors.
Health Services Director Jotham Arber was scheduled to address the supervisors but had a conflict arise, so the supervisors tabled his report to the Aug. 26 meeting.
The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.