By HOLLY GASKILL

Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar has again asked the county to consider wage increases for his employees. 

On Monday, Bonar notified the County Commissioners of more blows to the Highway Department’s staffing — in the last month, the Highway Department has lost two employees, both of which cited the ability to make more money elsewhere. 

The department has had eight employees leave since Bonar began as the supervisor in May 2021; six have cited more competitive rates. Of those who have left, Bonar reported two left within a year of being hired, ultimately wasting the department’s time and resources. 

Additionally, Bonar said six of his current employees become eligible for retirement this spring. Bonar expressed worry about what the loss of those employees and their experience would mean for the department. 

“I’m running a ship here, and I don’t want to see this ship sink,” Bonar said. 

During the 2023 budget planning session in August, County Council approved a 7 percent raise for county employees. Bonar says this may not be enough to stay competitive with neighboring counties. 

According to Bonar, the same positions in Huntington County receive $2.21 more hourly for highway employees; other job classifications receive a higher hourly rate. Huntington County also offers a longevity bonus to honor the years of service to the county.

“Right now, my 37-year employee that’s put his devotion and time to the county makes the same amount of money as the guy who starts tomorrow,” Bonar said. 

Bonar stated another neighboring county is currently working on raises to match Huntington’s rates, putting Wells County potentially even further behind. 

Commissioner President Mike Vanover thanked Bonar for bringing the situation to the board’s attention. Bonar said he wanted to ensure the county could sustain its department and continue to grow. 

“Labor rates have exploded nationwide … we want the same thing, and you’re doing a great job,” Vanover said. 

Outside of the labor, Bonar also notified the commissioners that the department required a new chip spreader. 

Bonar said the county’s current 21-year-old chip spreader has worked sporadically, often causing problems in the middle of projects. The machine’s repairs were quoted at $100,000. It was also determined to be in too much disrepair to trade in. 

County Engineer Nate Rumschlag said it has been repaired several times but has continually posed an issue. Rumschlag said he would not expect the machine to be usable by next season.

Bonar pinpointed a machine for $398,000 that would be available immediately. The department would be able to purchase it through the department’s remaining budget for 2022, but several transfers would need approval by the County Council. 

Commissioner Jeff Stringer affirmed that a new machine is a need for continued road safety. 

Because there were several inquiries into purchasing it, the commissioner approved Bonar and County Attorney Colin Andrews to write a letter expressing the intent to purchase the machine. 

The commissioners also agreed to revisit the potential highway permit fee ordinance at a later meeting due to the need to adjust the language. 

The commissioners later approved the following board appointments for 2023: Vanover to the 911 advisory board, Stephanie Tucker to the Solid Waste District board, and Blake Fiechter and Nathan Schrock to the Property Tax Board of Appeals.

holly@news-banner.com