Commissioners approve 2022 pay hikes; elevate Greg Strouse to fulltime solicitor/assistant director for domestic relations

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Commissioners, in their capacity as the county salary board, have approved a variety of pay hikes for almost all county employees not covered under existing collective bargaining agreements. The actions came at a salary board meeting on Monday and voting members included the heads of departments affected by the actions and county treasurer Michelle Kunes.

The hikes covered some six and a half pages. Among the approvals were increases of $1.60 an hour for most all department employees not covered by a union pact, that amount in line with the new union contracts. Actions included the elevation of Greg Strouse to the newly created post of fulltime assistant director/solicitor for domestic relations.

As explained later by County Chief Clerk Jann Meyers, in domestic relations there will be a retirement of the senior casework supervisor/assistant director in July of this year. As recommended by Clinton County President Judge Craig Miller, she told The Record, Strouse will be moving from part time attorney for domestic relations to the new fulltime position and the retiring person will not be replaced.

The chief clerk said the two will work together for the first half of the year, a transition period. In 2021, Strouse was making $49,309 and the retiring supervisor was making almost $79,000. With the overlap, it will cost more for 2022, but after that, it should generate some savings overall with one health care plan saved as well, she noted.

Approvals also include a part time election assistant, a new position at $15 per hour.

As for part-time employees, correctional officers, custodians and security guards will go to $14.50 an hour.

Interns will go up from minimum wage to $12. A few other part time positions are to make more. The part time public defenders and other part-time attorneys are getting $1,500 raises.