Finance committee approves health officer raise

HURLEY — The Iron County Board of Supervisors Finance Committee this week approved about a $3,000 raise for Iron County Health Officer Zona Wick, bringing her salary closer to what several of the county’s other department heads make.

Iron County Clerk Michael Saari argued the pay increase was deserved, especially when accounting for the fact that Wick delayed retirement twice, as the county has been unable to find a suitable replacement.

“She does as much as anybody could do for the county,” Saari said. “And she’s good at her job.”

“She’s in one of the most responsible positions in the county,” committee member Jack Prospero, of Hurley, added.

The raise brings Wick’s salary to $60,000 a year.

According to the wording of the motion, the increase takes effect at the beginning of the next full pay period.

In other action:

—The committee tabled a discussion of salaries for the county’s clerk, treasurer and register of deeds until the committee’s next meeting. The move will allow the committee to discuss the issue in closed session.

—The committee also tabled a discussion of the salary for the county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center/Aging Unit manager until after Monday’s Human Services Committee meeting.