COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Due to the lack of a second, a request from the Branch County Commission on Aging to start a part time in home aide at the six month pay rate was not brought forward by the Board of Commissioners during their work session Thursday.
The employee works between 20 and 29 hours a week. COA Executive Director Amy Duff said in the process of hiring a new individual, they found out that their starting wage is less than what the person was previously making. Duff said the request was made as a way to attract better applicants.
But Commissioner Don Vrablic said this was not a unique situation and it’s been a countywide problem for several years.
He pointed out with the economy being what it is, the county does not have the ability or the resources right now to keep up with the private sector. He added they may look at new strategies the next time they go into contract negotiations.
Commissioner Leonard Kolcz motioned to bring the request forward to next week’s meeting saying he didn’t think the county takes care of its employees the way they should. But his motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Terri Norris was absent from Thursday’s meeting as she was handling a court case in Battle Creek.
