Mineral County cafeteria employees have not received a raise since 1981, according to Burlington cafeteria manager Colleen Rotruck, who approached the board at the May 20 meeting requesting a pay raise.
Rotruck explained that workers are expected to complete 22 pieces of paperwork everyday — while performing temperature readings three times a day during serving times.
In addition, all managers now have to rewrite meal recipes.
“We have to produce a record number of breakfasts and lunches, and they have to be written out long-handed every day,” said Rotruck. “Every year we’re getting new duties.”
Rotruck said she and many of her coworkers have proactively continued their education, with her accumulating 112 hours of college credits, two associates degrees, and a chef certification from Fairmont State College.
Adding that her job only pays $.58 more an hour compared to the Cook I or Cook II positions, Rotruck started last year trying to get county cafeteria workers a raise by going through her association.
She then tried to get it passed through the faculty senate but failed, and has met with Superintendent of Mineral County Schools Skip Hackworth twice.
Next year, Rotruck says that all cafeteria workers will have to do their own ordering and inventory.
“The workload of cafeteria workers has grown astronomical,” said Rotruck. “I love my job and I love to cook and I have a special bond with the children and so do the other girls ... The economy is much higher and it makes us feel like our jobs aren’t important anymore.”
Rotruck concluded her speech during her ten minute allotment from the board by stating that she heard the board has received special monies in the form of a tax rollback, and that she hopes they will consider her request using that funding.
Hackworth went over a comparison of cafeteria managers’ salaries with other neighboring counties, such as Jefferson, Hardy, Hampshire, Pendleton, Grant — and also Allegany County in Maryland.
The results illustrated that Mineral County falls right in the middle of the above mentioned counties.
“We’re actually above Pendleton, and below Allegany,” said Hackworth.
“Every group thinks that the tax rollback money is designated for them,” said Hackworth. “We spent the entire money in the rollback to give all employees a pay raise. There is no difference between professional personnel and service personnel. All personnel will be getting the same salary increase. We didn’t distinguish between any one group.” 
“We’ve had other groups who have been told that the money has been set aside for them,” said Hackworth. “It was not set aside for them but to be used by the county. We are one of the few counties that has given all the money back to the employees.” 
Board member Terry LaRue requested Treasurer Steve Peer examine the budget to see if there would be any available money for the cafeteria workers’ salaries, and to bring any findings back to the board.
Board member Bob Shook said that would be like opening up “Pandora’s box,” and that all groups would make the same request.
“You might as well say to check for all of them,” said Shook. 
Board President Mary Aronhalt said “this is something we do need to look at.” 
“The cafeteria workers do a tremendous job for our schools,” said Aronhalt. “I appreciate the job they do. They are on their feet quite a bit, carrying heavy pots. I appreciate what they do for our students and staff.”