Commissioner Meeting Gets a Bit Heated

Things got a little contentious during Tuesday morning's Board of County Commissioners meeting when discussing the possibility of making Kelly Bland, the Executive Director of Tourism in Osage County, a full-time county employee.
Bland is currently a part-time employee who graduates from college in May. Bland's part time contract will expire in June. After hearing what Bland had to say in her tourism report Tuesday morning, Kevin Pasley, who represents District No. 2, was all for signing Bland on to a full-time contact.
Randall Jones, representative for District No. 1, had some questionson the matter, though.
Bland will be making $31.50 an hour, which is more than elected officials in the county. With that being said, she will be responsible for her own insurance, social security and will not be afforded any sort of retirement plan.
Board Chairman Darren McKinney wanted all three commissioners to vote yes on Bland becoming a full time employee, but Jones was unwilling to do so. 
With a 2-1 vote, the County Commissioners gave an offer sheet to Bland, which would make her a full-time employee effective July 1.

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