County makes one courthouse layoff

St. Joseph County’s attempt to shore up its financial state resulted in just one courthouse layoff.

Other positions eyed for cuts, however, were changed from full-time to part-time. In addition, another employee whose job was likely to be eliminated resigned and found work elsewhere.

County administrator Teresa Doehring said the layoff and reduction in hours were part of an effort to close a $1.6 million gap in the county’s 2018 fiscal year budget.

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last month approved a letter of understanding that allowed it to offer severance packages.

According to Doehring, a cartographer with the Geographic Information Systems was let go with severance; three custodians and a clerk with Register of Deeds are now part-time; and a position in the equalization department will not be filled after the employee left.

The moves, which collectively will trim about $200,000 off the county payroll, took place last week.