Debi is a single mother who thought she could best serve the town by replacing the former town clerk. After taking office, the town decided to move forward with the Boone County Utility (BCU) acquisition. After the take over (less than six months into Debi's term) both Bose, Mckinney and Evans (BME) and Tieber/Brock (TB) recommended a pay increase to the town clerks office for the additional duties required.
As it turned out, during the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit it was determined an elected official can not receive a pay increase in mid year of a term. The net result is, Debi learned earlier this year she owed the town $6000.00, and had to pay back her 'raise'.
Since there was (and still is) no Service Level Agreements (SLA) in place between the town and BME or TB, the town had no recourse on the bad advice. The town council was also handcuffed due to the town clerk being an elected official.
Note: There were other non-elected officials who received (according to SBOA) pay that violated the applicable salary ordinance. They were not required to pay the money back as the town was able to amend the salary ordnance for them under Resolution 2006-07.
Susan and I have made small donations to a donation fund Debi had set up at the request of a few town residents who felt this should have fallen on the advisors and or the town, and not the employee who followed and relied on the consultant's paid advise. Debi earned that pay. The advisors either did not feel a responsibility or cited that a donation would be a conflict as it might be perceived as an illegal contribution. To the best of my personal knowlege, neither BME or TB have not made any donations.
As an appointee to the Boone County Area Planning Commission, I receive a small compensation for each meeting I attend, this money will all be contributed directly to the following.
National City Bank
Zachelmeyer Donation Fund
Account # 107426319
