(Spirit Lake)– The custodian at the Dickinson county courthouse is without a job.
Saying maintaining high-tech mechanical systems in the new courthouse is going to require a special expertise in numerous areas, the board of supervisors voted four-to-one today (Tuesday) to eliminate the current in-house custodial position effective immediately.
The supervisors voted four-to-one to draft a letter to the custodian offering him a severance package.
They then voted four-to-one to increase the contract hours with Reekers Cleaning Service on an interim basis until the county awards a contract to a full-time individual or firm.
The county already contracts with Reekers for after-hours cleaning of the facility.
Supervisor Wayne Northey cast the dissenting vote on each motion, saying terminating the custodian at this time is a huge mistake.
Supervisor Paul Johnson differed, saying the general contractor and architects on the courthouse project have been strongly telling them for some time already that maintaining the various high-tech systems is going to require a special level of expertise.
Supervisor Marti Allen added it’s unfortunate the current job description for that position doesn’t include those qualificiations.
The supervisors will form a committee that will write up specifications for bids on proposals for custodial services.
