County Commissioners Approve Controversial Hiring Amid Pay Dispute

In a recent government meeting, the Trumbull County Commissioners approved the hiring of Daniel Prabonik as the new assistant water superintendent for the county's Sanitary Engineers department, effective August 29, 2024. The decision followed an authorized job posting from July 31 to August 8, 2024, and Prabonik will receive a starting pay of $27.42 per hour, reflecting over ten years of experience.

However, the approval process was not without contention. Commissioner Frenchko raised concerns regarding the criteria for Prabonik's experience, questioning whether it aligned with the county's guidelines. She expressed apprehension that the addition of three years of experience to his qualifications might have been arbitrary, potentially undermining the fairness of the hiring process. Frenchko emphasized the need for clear guidelines to prevent perceptions of favoritism in salary negotiations.

Gary Newbrow, the sanitary engineer, defended the decision, explaining that for non-union positions, the county has the flexibility to negotiate salaries based on experience. He noted that the urgency to fill the position was critical, especially given the impending retirement of the current superintendent and previous difficulties in attracting candidates due to salary concerns.

Despite the approval, Frenchko abstained from voting, citing a lack of clarity in the county's policies regarding such hiring practices. The motion to hire Prabonik ultimately passed, highlighting ongoing discussions about compensation structures and hiring practices within the county government.