This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, February 13th, 2024.

Later in the program, we cover the latest Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee and the Waste Reduction District Board. More in the top half of tonight’s show.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between the WFHB Local News and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee

The Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee met on February 6th. For the start of the new year Council Member Jennifer Crossley was nominated for the chair position. She accepted the nomination and it passed unanimously.

Health Department Lori Kelley shared that they received feedback from WIS on their job description edits.

Council Member Goeff McKim asked what the health department’s goal is with the job description changes. Kelley responded.

McKim said he would support moving the positions from 35 hour positions to 40 hour positions.

Board of Health Chair Steve Pritchard shared that they have an increased workload, and need more staff to handle the new Health First Law.

Council Member Marty Hawke responded that WIS doesn’t look at the amount of work, but they look for an increase in responsibilities.

McKim agreed with Hawke saying that just because staff members have more work to do, it doesn’t mean that they are doing more skilled labor necessarily.

Kelley pointed out that even if they do create new positions, they do not have enough office space to accommodate the positions.

Kelley also reiterated that the Vital Entry and Registrar positions should be reclassified due to the fact that so much depends on the positions.

Crossley suggested that as a temporary solution, they should increase the hours to 40 hours per week, and continue to collaborate to figure out more long term solutions.

The committee did not reach any final decisions on the matter, but will continue to work with the Board of Health to reorganize the Health Department’s staffing structure.

Monroe County Waste Reduction District Board

The Monroe County Waste Reduction District Board met on February 8th, Board Member Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked for an update from Controller Catherine Martin about a transfer of funds that occurred to pay back an unexpected amount due on the closure bond debt account.

Executive Director for the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Tom McGlasson, Jr. clarified that the county will not need an additional appropriation on this.

During department reports, Waste Reduction Specialist Kayla Strand provided a report on behalf of the administration department.

Finally, Environmental Compliance Director Lee Paulsen provided an update on the November groundwater testing, which he said has remained consistent compared to previous months.

The Waste Reduction District Board of Directors will meet again for its regular session on March 14th.

Feature Report:

Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between the WFHB Local News and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn to that segment right now on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: