Hiring request approved

St. Joseph County commissioners have approved a request from county clerk Lindsay Oswald for an exemption to the county’s hiring freeze.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, commissioners gave Oswald the green light to hire a deputy clerk.

Commissioners acknowledged Oswald has been short-staffed for a year and that funding to accommodate the request was included in the county’s 2021 fiscal-year budget.

Oswald, who also serves as register of deeds, said the new hire would serve primarily in the area of vital records, which helps the public with certified requests and CPL appointments.

She noted, too, that the person would be cross-trained to assist during time off for register of deeds staff.