Prothonotary Kelly Ferrari's request to upgrade the positions of six of her office's employees was denied Wednesday by the county salary board by a vote of 1-4.

Ferrari asked the salary board to approve a measure that would change the job titles of six clerk typist II employees to account clerk II positions.

The upgrade would increase the employees' pay from $20.25 per hour to $21.35 per hour.

With benefits and retirement, the move would cost the county $20,000 per year, said Ann Brown, the county budget and human services finance director.

Ferrari said the employees' duties have changed significantly, as they handle millions of dollars in transactions and use the credit card machines.

She said the former prothonotary had certain employees performing specific tasks only, but all six are now trained to do all jobs in the office.

Because of that, all six now wait on customers who come into the office, where an extra service window has been added to aid the public, Ferrari said.

Ferrari said the workers answered more than 850 telephone calls in both January and February.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel suggested the matter might require a union negotiation, and asked why she did not bring the matter to the employees' union representative.

Ferrari responded that the union representative advised her to approach the salary board with the matter.

“I think this is more of a union negotiation,” Boozel said.

Ferrari said clerk typist is an antiquated title and the current job description includes outdated terms, such as operating a “switchboard.”

“I just don't think the title fits,” she said.

Boozel asked Lori Altman, county human resources director and chief clerk, whether job reclassifications are normally handled via union negotiations with the county.

“Usually, the union does bring some reclassifications to the table,” Altman said.

The commissioners, all of whom are salary board members, agreed that the matter needed further consideration.

Ben Holland, country controller and a salary board member, said Ferrari's plan has merit, but more consideration is needed before a vote is taken.

“Clearly, there are some questions, although there is validity in the proposal,” Holland said. “But we should do our due diligence.”

The three commissioners and Holland voted “no” on changing the job classification of the six employees, while Ferrari voted “yes.”

The next salary board meeting is at 10 a.m. June 23 in the commissioners meeting room at the county government center.