WARSAW — Employee handbook updates were the main topic of discussion during the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District’s regular meeting Tuesday morning, March 8, at the KC Recycling Depot, Warsaw.

Concerns arose over a request by Director Shelly Heckert for a 3 percent employee salary increase. Heckert said she had put in last year for her employees to receive a 3 percent increase, but the county council changed it to 1 percent.

While salary increases can be considered additional appropriations, those assembled were not fully comfortable with approving the increase without further discussion with the county.

There was also discussion pertaining to insurance packages and what can and cannot be offered. The board did not vote on the topic during the meeting but will look into it further and make a decision in the near future.

Heckert pointed out other changes she had made in the handbook to bring the items more in line with the county’s handbook. This includes things like vacation time, sick leave and personal days.

Other News

• A senate bill has passed that allows counties not using their solid waste districts to dissolve them.
• The booth at the recent home show was deemed a success, with several people stopping by. A sign was on display reminding residents to use their recycle bins for recyclables.
• Heckert was asked to be an at-large member of the Indiana Solid Waste Management District, which she accepted.
• Heckert also announced she has finished all of her solid waste management district reporting and that electronics had been overestimated. The number originally given was 189,000 electronic items collected but the number was actually 169,000.
• It was also mentioned that Advance Disposal purchased Earth First in Fort Wayne. On the one hand, this will increase landfill revenue. On the other hand, it could cause the landfill to fill up faster.

The next meeting is set for 11 a.m. April 19, at the KC Recycling Depot.