Page 15 - Demo

15continuedIt is clear that counties will rarely be able to match wages and salaries offered in the private sector, but counties must offer competitive public sector wages and salaries to attract and retain employees. County leaders can also help attract and retain employees by providing good working conditions, treating road department employees with respect, and recognizing work well done. These things go a long way in attracting and retaining employees. And finally%u2026Working with county engineers and road supervisors across the state has only increased my admiration for the work you all do. Public Works people are generally resourceful. They find a way to get the work done, often under trying conditions. My respect has especially grown for those road department leaders in the western part of the state. They may not have reasonable access to rock quarries or hot mix plants, and they may face even more challenges in hiring employees than their counterparts in the east, but they find a way to keep roads in as good a condition as possible. For all road department folks around the state, my hat is off to you. Thank you for the work you do!In my humble opinion, the county engineer or road supervisor has the most important job in county government. The work the road department does is seen and scrutinized by the public every day. For county commissioners and administrators, you will have a more successful road department by supporting them. Respect their expertise. Carefully consider their recommendations. You do not always have to do what they recommend. Often the budget will not support what really needs to be done. However, please recognize and appreciate that they want to do what is best for county roads and county taxpayers.Thanks to all of you and to KDOT for your support over the last four years. I am very proud that all 105 counties have supported the KAC Local Road Engineer program by paying the annual subscription fee and that KDOT has matched those county contributions. I know that the program will only improve under Darryl Lutz. We will see you%u2026down the road! nKeith, thank you for your service and dedication as KAC%u2019s Local Road Engineer these past four years! We appreciate all you%u2019ve done for Kansas Counties and KAC as well. Best wishes to you on your new adventures just ahead on this journey we call life!