Bartholomew County government workers saw a slight pay increase last year, but also a large increase in the cost of their healthcare.

We asked the Republican candidates running for Bartholomew County Council’s at-large seats how the county can keep and hire good employees with pay lagging behind the private sector.

Incumbents Evelyn Strietelmeier Pence, Jim Reed and Bill Lentz are running for the three at-large seats along with Mike Lovelace and Matt Miller on the Republican ticket.

Evelyn Strietelmeier Pence said that the county is not seeing much turnover in its employees:

05-02 Evelyn Pence Question 5 Full

Jim Reed said that the county is not seeing much turnover in its employees:

05-02 Jim Reed Question 5 Full

Bill Lentz said that the council would like to see county employees paid more, but it does not seem to be affecting retention:

05-02 Bill Lentz Question 5 Full

Matt Miller said that the County Council needs to find ways to improve employee morale after the changes:

05-02 Matt Miller Question 5 Full

Mike Lovelace said that government employees will never catch up with the private sector:

05-02 Mike Lovelace Question 5 Full

Democrats Pam Clark and Lynne Fleming are also running tomorrow, but they are guaranteed a spot on the November ballot. Democrat Gaby Cheek will also appear on ballots tomorrow, but she said she plans to drop out of the race due to family and work commitments.

You still have time to cast an early ballot in Bartholomew County. You can vote until noon today at the courthouse.

The 18-area vote centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. You can listen to live election result coverage when the polls close on NewsTalk 1010 WCSI.