After debate on scoring, nepotism and retroactive pay, commissioners create facilities administrative coordinator position

The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 May 26 to create a Facilities Administrative Coordinator position at grade six and to promote current facilities employee Deb Meter into that role effective May 26, 2026.

The personnel committee presented a job description and a scoring worksheet; committee members said the grade is based on the countys classification tool. Several commissioners challenged the evaluation and asked why the position was not publicly posted or interviewed, questioned the qualifications and supervision expectations in the job description, and pressed for clarity on the number of supervised staff and software used for invoicing (QuickBooks vs. DSNA). One commissioner raised a nepotism concern, noting the promoted employees daughter works in the same department; another urged the position should be lower graded.

Commissioners debated an amendment to make the promotion effective May 1; the board rejected that amendment on a 3-2 vote after a legal reference to the state constitution regarding post-facto compensation was cited. After further discussion the main resolution to create the position and promote the employee passed 3-2. The record shows Commissioners Engles, Wy and Benzing voting yes and Commissioners Collins and Langer voting no (roll call recorded in the minutes). Staff said they will consult with labor counsel and finalize implementation steps including job posting plans for any additional facilities positions discussed separately by the committee.