The Starke County Commissioners took action this week to reinstate a county employee previously terminated by a county official.
Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that the terminated employee filed a grievance and a hearing was held to gather comments from both sides of the issue. It was then when they decided to reinstate the employee in a different department during a public meeting.
Commission President Don Binkley officially asked the county council members to create a full-time Commissioners Clerk position with pay identical to a clerk’s rate of pay with longevity to be funded under the commissioners’ budget. The employee, whose name was not given for legal reasons, will be working in the clerk’s office to begin with scanning court records as required by the state. The employee then may be utilized in other county departments as seen fit by the commissioners. The employee will answer only to the commissioners until a suitable full-time position becomes available for placement.
The council members approved the position and pay with a unanimous vote.
During the commissioners meeting, Commissioner Kathy Norem made a motion to officially reinstate the employee with vacation time and any back pay that may be applicable.
