HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission agreed to cut salaries for the County Treasurer after a heated discussion with her during the meeting.
Jan Hull’s salary will go from $69,000 to $52,000 effective August 17. Even with the cut she will still be making more than similar counties in the area. That includes Saline and Butler counties. County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan talked about the numbers for those two counties before the vote. He says in Saline County, the treasurer makes $47,133. In Butler county, the salary is $50,356.
The cut by the commission is based on an evaluation of her job performance and the problems and errors that have plagued her department since she took office. But, she told the commission that the issues she has faced and errors made were made by her predecessor as well, that being former treasurer Clark Miller. She says she looked through the audits and says they also happened from 2008 through 2013. But, Commissioner Dan Deming commented after her that it didn’t happen to the extent of what has happened since she took office. That was echoed by Commission Chair James Schlickau.
As we have been telling you, the resolution passed Tuesday states that she lacks knowledge, training or expertise to adequately perform the duties of her office or provide the same to persons employed by her.
They were also concerned that she wouldn’t come to commission meetings at times, especially one where an auditor was there. She told the commission she was busy with computer problems and felt that was more important at that time. But, the commissioners also pointed out that she walked out of other meetings with the auditor. The county has dealt with $40,000 in fees and is hiring an internal auditor to help with the problems within the department.
Even though Hull’s salary is being cut, she will still get additional money for fees from the state for the tag and title work her department oversees. That totals more than $10,000 a year. And she’ll still be making more than the county treasurers in Saline and Butler Counties.
The commission also cut the Deputy County Treasurer’s salary by $8,800 because of the same concerns of lack of knowledge, training and expertise.
Commissioner Brad Dillon was not at Tuesday’s meeting, but apparently was also in favor of the cuts in salary.