By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Senior citizens will have a chance to weigh in when county commissioners write a new job description for an aging benefits program director.

The job will replace the position of the longtime director of the Department on Aging Gayla Ratzlaff, who will retire April 28 after 15 years.

“She will be sorely missed,” commissioner Randy Dallke said.

Commissioners will advertise for candidates, and then gather input from county seniors. Some could be invited to sit in on job interviews.

Three directors were hired in short order 15 years ago. Dallke said the first two did not work out — one because of complaints from county seniors.

In other business Monday, commissioners:

• Voted to move the park and lake director, the planning and zoning director, and the sheriff upward on their pay designation ladders. The amount of their raises has not yet been calculated.
• Postponed making a decision on increasing fees at the county park and lake.
• Rejected bids on a new mower for the county lake because G&R Implement of Durham was not contacted for a bid. A new round of bids will be sought.