Gmoser came down hard on the board two weeks ago after the Veterans Service Commission’s executive director, Caroline Bier, quit, claiming the board’s former president, Fred Southard, was creating a hostile work environment for her. Southard ultimately stepped down amid the allegations and Bier was allowed to rescind her resignation.
Gmoser told the board that because of their dysfunction they were not doing their duty to county taxpayers or veterans. The prosecutor, who provides legal counsel to the veterans board, said he was pleased with its progress.
“I’m delighted that they have moved forward, and I appreciate the work they have done,” he said. “They have certainly met the challenge I spelled out for them, and I appreciate it.”
The veterans board had previously rejected a new travel policy four times. It also trashed the salary study last month for various reasons, including one board member who voted no because the study contained “too many numbers” that he couldn’t understand.
Among Gmoser’s requirements for the travel policy was that commissioners carpool in the agency’s van. If they don’t, they will not be reimbursed for mileage. He also said trips under 100 miles would not be eligible for overnight hotel stays.
Bier said Assistant Prosecutor Dan Ferguson, who had been helping in the process, told her the prosecutor doesn’t expect the commissioners or their employees to travel back and forth daily, during multiple day training sessions.
Commissioner Ken Smith has been an outspoken opponent of a new travel policy in the past, mainly because he likes to stop at the casino with his wife on the way home from training events. He said he is on board with the new policy now.
Smith, Commissioner Lowell Stewart and Southard were also the ones who initially voted against the $10,000 salary study. After getting assurances from Bier that none of the employees would get salaries cut as a result of the pay ranges — no one is paid above the maximum for their range — Smith seconded the motion to approve the study.
“Even though I was against it at the beginning, I’ll go along with it,” he said.
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