Caledonia Argus

Public Health nurses receive six percent raise

Posted: 12/10/03

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Houston County has responded to a nationwide nursing shortage by granting a six percent increase to its of nurses.

Commissioners approved a three percent annual salary adjustment and a three percent market adjustment to nursesí salaries at their Tuesday, December 2 meeting effective the beginning of 2004.

The total of the increase is $16,776.

A public health nurse making $30,030 a year in 2003 working four days a week, would in 2004 make $33,572. A homecare coordinator who earned $43,763 in 2003 would earn $47,830 in 2004.

Personnel director Tim Comstock said they have been unable to fill three vacancies that occurred in the last few months. Comstock said the county offers nurses competitive schedules such as no nights, weekends or holidays, but feels the pay scale is keeping four year degree registered nurses from applying.

In a memo to the board, Comstock stated, ìEven with the cost of living adjustment that we have given to our public health nurses, their wage scale is lower than what area health providers are paying to attract nurses to their organizations.î

Some discussion centered on whether Houston County Public Health Director Linda Grupa should be included in the raise.

Comstock said a need hasnít been demonstrated in that area and that Grupa does not perform nursing duties.

Commissioner Kevin Kelleher pointed out that the purpose of the raise was for retention.

The board eventually decided not to include her in the raise.

County to lease hangar space

The county approved leasing out hangar space at the Houston County airport, and will advertise for bids starting at $500 a month. The hangar will hold three airplanes.

Tom Molling of the highway department said he based the $500 fee on 10 percent of the replacement value of the building.

Meeting of Dec. 9 cancelled

The board did not meet on Tuesday, December 9, due to an Association of Minnesota Counties conference.

On Tuesday, December 16, a human services meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., and the regular board meeting will be held at 1 p.m. An Employee Appreciation ceremony with cake and coffee will be held at 3:00 p.m.

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