Commission To Consider Staffing Matter For Clerk

berriencountyadministration-95
berriencountyadministration-95

The Berrien County Clerk’s office is hoping to find more, and longer serving, staff. Speaking during a Thursday meeting, Berrien County Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough told colleagues the county finance committee has spoken with Clerk Sharon Tyler, who asked them to make some elections positions a higher grade so people will stay in them.

“The clerk’s department has 23 employees set, but she’s eight short right now and she’s not had an interview with anyone who’s applied in two years,” Yarbrough said. “What happens is, because somehow with this department – those ranking numbers of one, two, three – determine your pay and is very low. Some of the people in those positions will work with Clerk Tyler and then thy move into the courts or wherever.”

Commissioner Jon Hinkelman said the alternative to the clerk’s request would be to bring in state help for elections, which would be more expensive. Yarbrough said a resolution to help the clerk’s office with its staffing issue will come to the county board next week.