•October 16, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

During the Moultrie County Board discussion on salary and bonus recommendations Oct. 10 prior to the vote on a tentative budget, the county’s pay policy was tested.
Treasurer Stephanie Helmuth requested a $1000 bonus for first deputy Michelle Liddiard. Helmuth is the newly elected Republican treasurer and explained Liddiard was instrumental in the transition.
Circuit Clerk Christa Helmuth explained that the circuit clerk’s office, county clerk’s office and supervisor of assessments were all called on to donate staff to the Treasurer’s office.
Retired Democrat treasurer Marci Thompson had agreed to help with the office transition and the board had budgeted for that, but the new treasurer elected to use her a limited amount, saving the line item in her budget.
The circuit clerk explained it was not fair for the other offices to donate services in order to allow the treasurer to give bonuses.
Supervisor of assessments Lori Barringer reminded the board that her request for bonuses for office staff during her transition was turned down by the board, demonstrating inconsistency in the policy.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.