Zapalac’s New JP Job Creates Recycling Center Quandry

Paul Zapalac, manager of the Fayette County Recycling Center, will be the next Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4.

Zapalac ran unopposed for the position in the Republican Primary after the current J.P., Dan Mueller, announced he would vacate the seat at the end of his term to run for County Judge.

The turn of events raised a question about the future of the County Recycling Center. Zapalac has received wide praise for improving the recycling program ever since the County hired him in 2013.

At a budget workshop meeting on June 9, Zapalac asked to stay on part-time as recycling manager for the County.

“What I would like to do is possibly stay over recycling as department head,” Zapalac said at the meeting.

Zapalac said he currently earns about $53,000 annually. Part of his salary includes a $6,600 stipend to serve as the County’s hazardous materials (haz-mat) coordinator. He proposed keeping his haz-mat stipend, possibly with an increase, and cutting the rest of his salary. Zapalac said that under such an arrangement, he would continue to oversee the recycling program on a part-time basis. He said the County could use the savings from the rest of his salary to hire two part-time employees. Zapalac’s plan also included a raise for existing employees and an increase in starting pay for the new positions.

“If you take all of that money in my budget, it’s only a two percent increase for salaries,” Zapalac said. “We’re just taking it and moving it around.”

County Judge Joe Webe asked Zapalac whether he will have enough time to devote to both jobs.

“I’m very proud of the recycling program,” Zapalac said. “Anyone who knows me knows I put everything into it.”

Zapalac said his plan, which includes starting pay of $17 an hour for the new part-time positions, will attract good employees.

“You surround yourself with good quality people and you’ll get a good quality product,” he said.

Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom said two of the other three justices of the peace work part-time jobs in addition to their elected office.

“As far as him being a J.P. and still doing this, at least he’s working for the County,” said County Auditor Cindy Havelka.

“I think we would be messing up by not having you supervise it in some fashion,” said Pct. 2 Commissioner Luke Sternadel. “It wouldn’t be where it is without you. We’ve got some projects in my area that haven’t kicked off yet, and you’re the one who knows everything about it.”

“I’d like to see you stay over it,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Drew Brossmann. “Look at how much you saved us on brush grinding alone.”

Brossmann referred to a $25,000 savings that Zapalac was able to execute last year.

“The way you’ve educated the public on separating the plastic,” Brossmann added. “That’s making us more revenue to support recycling.”

Weber asked the four commissioners if they wished to keep Zapalac as part time department head for the Recycling Center. None of them opposed. They did not settle on Zapalac’s stipend, however.