Starke County Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel asked the commissioners this week to consider increasing poll worker pay.
She explained that poll workers put in at least 14 hours on Election Day, as well as training prior to the election, and asked that the pay increase by $10. They currently make $95.
The clerk said Starke County’s poll workers are the lowest paid in at least the northern part of the state. She noted that Pulaski County and Marshall County poll workers make much more.
There are over 60 residents that work the polls. It is a decrease in the number of workers due to the move to Vote Centers. Prior to the adjustment, there were over 150 poll workers.
The commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Additionally, Welter-Manuel asked if the commissioners could think about renovating the Clerk’s Office as it is one of the last offices in the courthouse to be updated in terms of carpeting and paint. Heating has also been an issue which will soon be addressed.
Lastly, the clerk asked that the commissioners start thinking about making the part-time Election Clerk position a full-time position as there is a lot more work that goes into that job.
