Lyon County saving thousands by having interim manager

Lyon County has seen a savings of $64,455 after replacing a full-time county manager with a part-time interim manager, according to Human Resources Director Steve Englert.

Englert said the salary of former county manager Donna Kristaponis was $126,631, including an auto allowance, with benefits at 36 percent of salary, or $42,480, for a total package of $169,111.

However, Kristaponis said Englert's figures are a bit inflated, as he included the auto allowance as part of the salary, when it is not.

Kristaponis said her salary was $118,000 a year, and she only made that amount from July 2006, when she received an 8 percent raise after her performance evaluation. Her salary as of January 2006 was $110,000. At 36 percent, her benefit package for the calendar year 2006 would have been $40,931, for a total of $154,631.

"I drove a hell of a lot more than they paid me in car allowance," she said. "The commissioners didn't consider it salary. It's reimbursement money."

In either case, since Kristaponis was fired Feb. 15, the county has spent less on the county manager's position this year than they otherwise would have, including the costs of advertising for a replacement.

Englert estimates the cost of advertising on three national Web sites totals $4,500.

The county also spent $2,500 in $500 payments to four out-of-town candidates to offset some of their transportation costs, including a payment on Thursday to candidate Dennis Stark, who is coming back for a second interview with individual commissioners.

Interim Manager Bob Hadfield's contract cost the county $8,500 per month from March through May for a total of $34,000, and $7,100 per month from June to July, totaling $14,200. Hadfield's compensation was trimmed 20 percent when his hours were reduced to 32 per week. Hadfield does not receive benefits.

In addition, the county paid Kristaponis $49,166 in salary, not counting auto allowance, for January to May. Her contract stipulated she be paid for three months after her dismissal. The amount paid including auto allowance, according to Englert, would have been $52,792.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

Two Versions

2006 cost of Lyon County manager position (Lyon County figures)

• $126,631 - Annual salary and auto allowance for former Lyon County manager Donna Kristaponis in 2006

• $42,480 - Value of benefits for Kristaponis

• Total - $169,111

2006 cost of Lyon County manager position (Donna Kristaponis figures)

• $113,699 - Annual salary for former Lyon County manager Donna Kristaponis in 2006 (auto allowance was not part of salary)

• $40,931 - Value of benefits for Kristaponis

• Total - $154,631

2007 cost of Lyon County manager position

• $49,166 - Five months of salary and $3,596 auto allowance paid to Kristaponis the first five months of 2007. She was paid for three months after her dismissal.

• $4,500 - Cost to advertise position on three Web sites

• $2,500 - Reimbursement for candidates' travel expenses

• $34,000 - Bob Hadfield's salary from March-June 2007; no benefits; 40 hours per week

• $14,200 - Hadfield's salary from June-July 2007; no benefits; 32-hours per week

• Total - $107,962

- Source: Lyon County Human Resources Department and Donna Kristaponis