The Starke County Commissioners are recommending the county council increase the emergency medical services director’s salary by $4,000. That would bump Keith Emigh’s annual pay to $45,000, pending council approval.
The commissioners did not bless a recommendation to give county highway superintendent Rik Ritzler an additional $10,000 per year to serve as bridge program manager along with his other duties. They’re also recommending the council not establish new crew leader positions within the highway department. The rationale behind that request was to ensure greater oversight of crews and free up Ritzler and his foreman to handle other responsibilities. However the commissioners felt the new positions represented too many layers of management.
The county council will have the ultimate say on those recommendations when they meet on Monday, Oct. 19.
