The Starke County Commissioners made a decision concerning the employment status of the Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director.
During their Wednesday night meeting, Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that when former EMA Director Ted Bombagetti was at full-time status, half of his salary and benefits were reimbursed by the state while 25 percent of Mary Lynn Ritchie’s salary and benefits was reimbursed as the director’s secretary. With a part-time position, only 50 percent of the director’s salary would be reimbursed. It would be a cost savings to the county, but Norem was unsure how much, if any, would be reimbursed when it comes to Ritchie’s salary.
Commissioners Norem and Charlie Chesak approved a motion to make the Starke County EMA Director a part-time position. Commission President Donnie Binkley was absent from the meeting. The commissioners will have the option of making the position full-time if several factors come into line.
Several applicants have expressed interest in the EMA Director position. Norem stated that the EMA Board will need to be notified to convene in order to interview candidates. The EMA Board will then recommend a candidate to the commissioners for hire.
