By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commission chair Daniel Friesen sees the updating of the pay scale for the county as long overdue.
"We were so far behind," Friesen said. "We were losing good people. Our attrition rate, our turnover rate was very high and we were failing to fill really important positions, like sheriff deputies. I strongly believe we get what we pay for and we needed a policy that provided some consistency."
Friesen understands that the county can't always be competitive with everyone, but they should try to be competitive within the government sector.
"Total increase, I think, was about 12% across the board for budgeting purposes," Friesen said. "We directed the county administrator that should not increase taxes at the end of the day. He was able to accomplish that. In fact, we've lowered taxes this year by 5% in the county."
Friesen also agrees that being competitive for those looking for a first job is key to allowing people to start their careers in public service.
"That was probably our worst deficiency is we couldn't get entry-level people in the door," Friesen said. "That's a great place for government to play in, is getting individuals started. We don't always, and I don't think we should, compete with the private sector on some of the more expensive jobs, but certainly need to pay a fair wage in some of the entry level jobs."
Friesen said he's glad the commission was able to acknowledge the employees hard work for the community.