Vacation rollover granted

Jay County Commissioners granted a rollover of vacation time for a highway department employee who couldn’t squeeze in his time off before the end of 2010.
Highway superintendent Ken Wellman asked the commissioners about rolling over two weeks of vacation time for the department’s road foreman since he was unable to take the time off due to weather-related work.
Wellman said the employee should not be punished for deciding to come in and work on days when he was needed due to snow.
“He’s been a good employee for a long time now,” Wellman said.
Sheriff Ray Newton, who was present waiting to speak to the commissioners on another topic, supported Wellman by adding that he has occasionally had to deny vacation time to some of his department’s employees due to staffing shortfalls.
The commissioners initially hesitated at granting the rollover because of the county’s personnel policy, but after reviewing the section on vacation time, found that the policy states exceptions can be made at the discretion of commissioners.
“We can go ahead and grant the rollover,” said commissioner Milo
Miller Jr.
The commissioners allowed for up to two weeks of time to be rolled over. Jay County Auditor Nancy Culy told Wellman to let her know if the employee wants a payout for that time or if he plans to use some or all of the rolled over time this year.
Wellman also noted that the road foreman is planning to retire this year and that he shouldn’t need any additional money to pay for the vacation time due to the discrepancy between the current pay level and what a new employee entering that position will be paid.
In other business Monday, the commissioners:
•Told Wellman to put up a road sign westbound on county road 200 South near Nan-Del Lane indicating the end of a 35 mph zone.
The request was made by Newton since he said he’s received complaints that there was no indicator informing motorists that could return to the typical county road limit of 55 mph. The 35 mph speed limit on county road 200 South extends 2,000 feet west from U.S. 27.
•Were asked by Newton about whether the commissioners would approve purchase of two new vehicles for the sheriff’s department.
The commissioners told Newton that if the council will fund the purchase that they would review pricing. The council removed all money for capital purchases from county budgets for 2011.
Newton said he will approach the Jay County Council Jan. 12 to see if they will fund two new vehicles.[[In-content Ad]]