Hiring freeze exception approved

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved an exception to its hiring freeze Tuesday, granting county clerk Lindsay Oswald permission to advertise for a deputy clerk.

The circuit court employee supports case-flow management and court staff when necessary.

Oswald said the position is currently held by Gloria Tate, who is retiring next month. After Tuesday’s meeting, she noted that Tate is a longtime county employee who has knowledge about everything that goes on in the circuit court system. Oswald further noted that Tate has a history of going out of her way to help people.

County administrator Teresa Doehring said she and Oswald have worked closely but unsuccessfully on identifying potential alternatives to filling the position.