County considers staffing changes

A proposed staffing move that would likely include furloughs, reduced hours and potential layoffs could impact as many as 45 St. Joseph County employees.

During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, commissioners examined the issue of temporary staffing reductions in light of the coronavirus pandemic and financial toll it has taken on county operations since mid-March.

County administrator Teresa Doehring said employees placed on furlough would continue to receive insurance benefits and qualify for unemployment in addition to whatever pay they receive from the county if they continue to work on a part-time basis.

A preliminary list Doehring cited Wednesday breaks down the potential numbers. It includes three positions in administration, four in county clerk/register of deeds offices, one in probate court, three in juvenile court, reduced hours for custodial staff in buildings and grounds, three in treasurer’s office, reduced clerical staff in animal control, four positions in sheriff’s department administration, five full-time and several part-time spots at Commission On Aging, five to seven positions in district court, and seasonal staff in parks and recreation probably will not be brought back.

Rough estimates show the proposed measure will save the county about $25,000 a week, Doehring said.