Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Burleigh County Commission held a special meeting focused on staffing and salary issues across multiple departments. Key decisions included appointing Dan as County Engineer with Casey as Senior Assistant County Engineer, with salary negotiations to follow. The commission also approved a stipend and grade increase for Emergency Manager Mary Singer for her work as Provident Building project manager. The commission discussed systemic pay compression issues affecting recruitment for positions including Finance Director, Treasurer, County Administrator, and County Engineer.
Key Decisions (4)
County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer Appointments
Dan appointed as County Engineer and Casey as Senior Assistant County Engineer. Both are internal candidates who scored nearly identically in interviews. Salary negotiations to proceed as both currently earn more than the advertised position salary range ($108,535 to $120,452). The candidates worked together to propose this structure rather than a co-engineer arrangement.
Provident Building Project Manager Stipend for Mary Singer
Approved stipend of approximately $9,000 for Emergency Manager Mary Singer for project management work from June/July to December, plus a grade increase from current level to Grade 16, Step 16 until project completion. Payment to come from Provident Building budget.
Deputy Veteran Service Officer Position
Position was advertised and closed with a few qualified applicants, but ranking scores were very low. Commission decided by consensus to put the position on hold pending strategic planning for the department. New Veteran Service Officer Chris has been in position less than three months and needs time to evaluate staffing needs including potential outreach coordinator role.
Finance Director Interim Staffing Plan
Commission reached consensus on interim approach: former Finance Director Clyde will return temporarily under existing hourly contract to help with year-end entries. A retired CPA who contacted the commission may assist with training Deputy Finance Director Taylor. RFP for accounting services closes February 11 with interest from I Bailey and another CPA firm. Taylor confirmed he is comfortable managing daily operations while working toward his CPA (12-18 months away).
Development Activity (1)
Provident Building Project
County building project requiring project management; Emergency Manager Mary Singer serving as project manager since June/July 2025
Market Signals (3)
Labor
Burleigh County experiencing significant difficulty recruiting for upper-level positions due to non-competitive salaries compared to state, city, and private sector employers.
Labor
County's pay grade and step structure creates compression issues where internal candidates for promotions already earn at or above advertised salary ranges for higher positions.
Sentiment
Commission acknowledged Burleigh County is a growing county requiring organizational structure planning for future expansion, particularly in highway/public works departments.