 Fulscher recently brought his request for a raise forward as part of
the EMA budget for next year. In addition, the county's EMA
committee has discussed the issue. The motion that came out of the
EMA committee was to approve a raise for Fulscher of $9,564 for next
year.Originally, Fulscher suggested to the EMA committee that he
receive the raise spread out in increments over the next four years.
Over that time, his salary from the county would increase from
$30,400 to just under $40,000. That does not include the other
salary of $33,000 Fulscher receives as the 911 director, which was
frozen as of last year.
Terry Carlton said the motion was brought to the finance
committee in order to ensure that a majority of the board members
have a chance to weigh in on the issue.
Fulscher was present to explain his intentions in asking for a
raise from the county. "Twenty-three years as the 911 director and
20 years as the EMA director, I've never asked for a raise. I'm one
of those guys that gets up every morning loving my job and coming to
it," said Fulscher.
It was later added that the EMA position does receive a raise
from the county board when figured into yearly budgets, but it is
spread out.
Fulscher said he was as surprised as everyone else when it was
suggested that all of the raise be given to him next year, instead
of spreading the extra money out over the next four years.
"Whatever you decide, I'm OK with that. I made the recommendation
to spread it out over the next four years," said Fulscher. "Even if
I get nothing, I appreciate the show of support."
Fulscher also said that in four years' time, he could retire, but
he is not planning on doing so. "That would give me an ability to
retire if I could," said Fulscher.
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Fulscher said that in 2000, he had provided some figures on the
salaries of similar positions in neighboring counties, and he did
the same for 2013. On average, neighboring counties pay $59,367 to
EMA directors and $64,402 to 911 directors. Fulscher reiterated that
he fills both of these positions. He also provided job descriptions
for both positions, as well as a list of other tasks he takes on for
the county.
As an example, Fulscher pointed out that the grant money that has
been brought in this year by the efforts of the EMA and 911 has
totaled over $3.7 million so far.
Carlton added: "The committee looked at that and didn't blink at
the higher value, because what they're (EMA/911) generating, they
are actually dropping more into our budget, into our general fund,
than what that raise is."
Carlton made a motion to adjust the original number, changing the
proposed raise to $2,500 for the year 2014. The committee approved
the amendment. After that, the committee approved the new amount,
which will be presented in the budget for 2014 when it is brought
forward to the full board.
Chuck Ruben said he would inform the whole board as to the
discussion this month, but the figure would be voted on with the
rest of the budget later on in the year.
Committee members present were Chuck Ruben, chairman; Bob Farmer;
Andy Meister; Jan Schumacher; and Terry Carlton. Guests included
Vicki Dugan, county treasurer; Mary Kelley, circuit clerk; and Sally
Gosda from the health department. Dan Fulscher was also present.
[By DEREK HURLEY] |
