The board made some important decisions about its under-paid staff, but it's what was left undecided that concerns some Boone County residents.

Hallsville resident Glenda Castrop is a big supporter of the Boone County Fire District's volunteer firefighters.

"Our volunteers out there do a tremendous job," Castrop explained. "Sometimes they're out all night. And sometimes they're out all day, out here in this hot heat."

But when it comes to the district's paid staff, she has a special concern. According to the district's salary review committee Boone County Fire Chief Steve Paulsell makes about $177,000 a year, which is $25,000 more than his position allows.

"His salary has went up so much, faster than a gas ticket," Castrop said.

Castrop hoped the board would finalize Paulsell's salary, but it wasn't in the agenda.

"I just haven't had time to get the information that the board needs to get it together," Board Tresurer Dave Griggs said. "I would hope to have it by next week."

The board did vote to fix the salaries of three underpaid staff members: a training specialist, IT specialist and an executive assistant. They will receive salary increases to meet the review committee's minimum recommendations. The salary changes of the district's underpaid staff will take effect at the beginning of the next payroll period. What to do about the salaries of overpaid staff will be decided in another meeting.

Reported by Christina McAusland