By: Nathan Bloechl — [email protected]
Humboldt, Iowa — The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and i̶n̶t̶e̶r̶i̶m̶ County Engineer Ben Loots have agreed on a three-year contract that would make him the lead engineer until 2021.
Loots took over on an interim basis in December of 2017 when the board opted to not renew with contract of long-time secondary roads veteran Paul Jacobson.
Jacobson had been acting as the county engineer since 2000 before being relieved of his duties earlier this year.
Loots had been Jacobson’s second-in-command prior to his hiring.
The contract states that Loots will receive several salary escalators over his three-year tenure.
Loots will make $97,500 his first year, $100,500 his second and $103,500 his third.
He will have 160 hours of paid vacation time, as well.
The board also has the right to terminate Loots’ contract with or without cause by giving thirty days notice and securing at least a 4-1 roll call vote.