Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
A realignment of the department that oversees Shawano County’s $51 million budget has been judged a success and will continue.
County Board members on Wednesday agreed to maintain the arrangement implemented last summer with the merger of the county’s finance and administration departments.
Coming after the retirement of longtime county finance director Diane Rusch, the move meant reassigning Rusch’s duties rather than refilling her $81,000-a-year post.
County supervisors said Wednesday they were pleased with how finance operated under the management of County Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller and Accounting Supervisor Darcy Smith.
“As long as Brent and Darcy are here, I think this will have no problem whatsoever,” said Supervisor Arlyn Tober, vice chairman of the board.
The department merger meant moving finance and administration into the same county offices and entrusting Miller and Smith with handling most of the work involved in assembling the county’s annual budget.
The $51 million spending plan for 2016 was approved in October without any major issues or disagreements.
County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann said he was pleased with how smoothly the budget-making process went under Miller and Smith’s management.
“They really worked hard, and they brought it in,” Erdmann said.
The departmental restructuring initially was approved on an experimental basis through the end of 2015.
Board members voted unanimously Wednesday to continue the arrangement indefinitely.
No decision was made yet on whether Miller or Smith’s salary will be adjusted. Under the temporary realignment last year, Miller’s salary was increased from about $87,000 to $92,000 and Smith’s salary was increased from $57,000 to $67,000.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
The Shawano County Board on Wednesday:
• Recognized retired chief deputy John Gutho for his years of service to the county.
• Postponed action on appointments to the Shawano County Housing Authority board.