The Starke County Commissioners will revisit whether to offer a long-term contract to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler when they meet Dec. 1. Commissioner Kent Danford previously raised concerns about the precedent such an action would set. He says possibly offering Ritzler a contract is a “test case” and adds he will say no to anyone else who requests a long-term employment contract until he sees how this works. Commissioner Kathy Norem agrees and says the county commissioners need to approach any such matters with an abundance of caution. Danford is going to meet with county attorney Marty Lucas between now and the Monday, Dec. 1 commissioners meeting to review the language of the proposed contract. A unanimous vote of the three commissioners is required. President Jennifer Davis is spearheading the effort.
