Rice County Board Approves Interim Sheriff Compensation
The Rice County Board of Commissioners today unanimously approved the payout of remaining benefits and pay increase for the interim Rice County Sheriff.
Chief Deputy Jesse Thomas has been appointed to fill the remainder of Sheriff Troy Dunn's term and requested Commissioners allow him to participate in the County's Sick Leave Trade-in Program which occurs between October and December of each year.
Thomas also requested per state statute a Leave of Absence from his current position.
Total Sick Leave Trade-in is 160 hours equivalent to $9,435.20. Vacation accrual of 164.15 hours is $9,679.93. Severance is 50% of 365.61 hours which is $10,780.00.
Pay increase to the Sheriff's position is $1,688.40 for the remainder of the seven weeks in 2021. Equivalent to $135,200 a year. That amount is less than Dunn's current salary.
Dunn's last day on the job is Friday, November 12, 2021. Commissioner Jeff Docken reminded his fellow County Board members there will be a farewell event for Dunn from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault.
The outgoing Sheriff has also agreed to join us on the KDHL AM Minnesota Program Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
If you can't listen live there will be a podcast of the program available usually within an hour of the conclusion of the show on our kdhlradio.com website.
In other Board of Commissioners action, County Attorney John Fossum requested for the third time the extension of a hearing date by a former county employee for indemnification in civil litigation.
Fossum explained, James Ingham, former employee of Rice County was convicted of Gross Misdemeanor Misconduct of a Public Official regarding his conduct as a county employee.
Two individuals have filed suit, one case is settled, one remains open. Ingham had sought indemnification which Fossum denied. Ingham is requesting a hearing on the denial.
The parties involved have agreed to continue that hearing pending a possible resolution of the civil suit.
The Rice County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Commissioners also approved a Resolution adopting and confirming special assessments for 2022 Circle Lake Improvement.
168 parcels in the Circle Lake District will be assessed $300 each which will raise $50,400.
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