Commission votes to reclassify county clerk position amid pay-equity debate

Riley County commissioners on July 30 voted to reclassify the county clerk position from pay grade HH to pay grade FF after a lengthy discussion of statutory duties, internal equity, and how motor-vehicle compensation should factor into comparisons with other elected offices.

Human resources director Elizabeth Ford presented pay-grade comparisons and ranges. Riley County Treasurer Shiloh Hager questioned using motor-vehicle compensation as part of the grade comparison, citing statute and court decisions; County Clerk Rich Mardorelli urged commissioners to consider recruiting needs and noted statutory responsibilities that make the clerk role broadly demanding. "The statutory responsibilities are clearly lined out," Mardorelli said, arguing for grading the role to aid recruitment. Commissioners approved the reclassification, and the motion specified the grade change would be effective when a new person assumes the position. The commission recorded the formal motion and vote during the meeting; the transcript does not specify the new hire date.