Webster County auditor seeks modest pay relief, cross-training and election equipment planning

Webster County Auditor Shawna Abrams told the county budget panel that her office’s budget contains few substantive changes this year but asked the board to consider a cost‑of‑living increase for her staff and described ongoing cross‑training and equipment needs.

Abrams said the office’s overall wages fell after a higher‑paid clerk left and two new clerks were hired at lower rates — "probably right around, dollars 7 less an hour" — and added, "I would at least hope that we could get a cost of living increase in our office." She described this as a request rather than a finalized commitment and noted the county is still compiling overall budget numbers.

The auditor reported that election activity should include only one scheduled election in November unless a special election arises unexpectedly, and that cross‑training for payroll and elections began on Jan. 1. On equipment, Abrams said tablets used for voter check‑in are only a couple of years old and that the main voting machines were replaced within the last four to five years; some machines are unused reserves after precinct consolidation.

Asked about office equipment, Abrams said she requested funds for a standing desk, telling the panel, "That was for the stand up desk. I got a quote... The quote back then was like 85," and that she added modest padding in the line item to account for price increases (the transcript does not specify the units or currency of the quoted figure). She also said engineering would assist with assembling the desks.

Board members stressed the county’s broader budget constraints when discussing raises, with one participant saying the intent is "to be able to give everybody cost living raise wages at the end of the day" but warning against promising increases before finalizing numbers and noting state scrutiny of large local wage jumps. Staff clarified worksheets reflect current wages, though FICA and IPERS splits may not be fully itemized in the displayed worksheets.

Abrams also updated the panel on personnel: Cassandra has returned from maternity leave and is catching up on duties such as minute books, and the auditor said she expects to begin cross‑training on real estate and drainage work once those areas are in a steadier position.

The panel closed the auditor’s presentation and moved to the next item.