The Isanti County Board of Commissioners agreed to terms on a contract with new county administrator Josi Wood during Tuesday’s meeting.
According to county human resources director Amanda Usher, the county initially offered a step-eight salary out of a nine-step pay scale.
Wood counter-offered with step nine of that scale, and a three percent increase after her probationary period.
Usher expressed concerns about the precedent set by the counter-offer.
"I really enjoyed Josi's interview and my interactions with her, and I think she'd be a great asset to Isanti County. Personally, I'd really enjoy working with her as well," Usher said. "However, I do have concerns as the HR director of the precedent some of the requests would set going into union negotiations next year."
Commissioner Mike Warring also said accepting the counter could cost the county more in the future.
"If we go above what our maximum is now, it's going to change the salary structure for everyone," Warring said. "Because we'll get reevaluated, and everything has got to be brought up to the percentage that it is. So you're looking at an awfully large amount of money."
The counter-offer was accepted with a 3-2 vote. Warring and commissioner Bill Berg voted against it.
Pine County crash sends three to hospital
Three people were sent to the hospital early Sunday morning following a rollover crash near Rock Creek.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened just before 1 a.m. on Highway 70 at Elmcrest Avenue.
A Chevy Suburban was reportedly traveling west on Highway 70 when it crossed the lanes of traffic hitting the gravel on the right shoulder. It reportedly overcorrected then entered the ditch on the left and rolled.
The driver, a 22-year-old from St. Cloud, was taken to Regions Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The passengers were transported for non-life-threatening injuries.
The State Patrol says alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Isanti Fire District battles Spencer Brook Township blaze
The Isanti Fire District responded to a structure fire in rural Spencer Brook Township late Thursday night.
Residents at a single-family home reportedly awoke to heavy fire at the front of their home at about 11:30 p.m. The occupants were able to escape without injury.
The fire district crews worked to preserve the attached garage of the structure. The house sustained significant damage.
The blaze was believed to have started on the porch of the home before spreading.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hinckley City Council approves special meeting
The Hinckley City Council has set a special meeting next month to hear an update on a planned development on the property behind the Family Dollar.
The city has been working with Zenith Property management to create a plan, with Mayor Don Zeman saying this update will help show the project’s scope.
"They're going to have a 3D presentation, and I think it's going to be beneficial to see what their project will be," Zeman said.
The meeting has been scheduled before their meeting on July 11 at 6 p.m. in the Hinckley Community Room.