The Starke County Commissioners briefly discussed a request to hire a full-time person for the Starke County Clerk’s Office.
Clerk Bernadette Welter Manuel told the commissioners last week that she’s been without a needed part-time person. She explained that one part-time employee moved from the Clerk’s office to another county position and was not replaced.
Welter Manual asked that a current part-time person from her office be placed into a full-time position. An extra person is needed to help with the election now that the county will participate in precinct voting and not Vote Centers for the May Primary Election.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said the problem they face is not having funds available to provide benefits for an additional full-time person at this time. Commissioner Charlie Chesak concurred saying it’s a tough decision, but the money isn’t there right now. Commissioner Bryan Cavender asked Welter Manuel if she’s able to work with a part-time person right now, and she said that person will not be able to help in the election, but the employee could help in other areas.
Norem suggested asking for the full-time position during budget time.
Funding for a part-time person is currently in the Clerk’s budget, and Welter Manuel said she will make that work for now.
