WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County commissioners are expected to make at least four exceptions to their hiring freeze to fill key positions.
Undersheriff Jason Bingaman told commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday he would like to fill three openings – two at animal control and a deputy road patrol position.
Meanwhile, Tabitha Wedge, District Court administrator/magistrate, asked commissioners to consider an exception to the hiring freeze, as she would like to fill the position of deputy clerk for the court’s civil division. The post is being vacated by 16-year employee Dorine Channey.
Bingaman said animal control officer Greg Musser resigned July 20. In addition, kennel support staff member Robin Lizik also has resigned. Furthermore, deputy Mike McCoy is retiring next month after a 23-year term of employment with the county.
All matters discussed Wednesday will appear before commissioners at their board meeting Tuesday next week.
Wednesday marked the commission’s first in-person executive committee meeting since February 2020.
Just not understanding why, if you have instituted a hiring freeze that each meeting seems to deal mostly with department heads looking for exceptions. How many employees have been hired under the “exception” qualifier? I can’t recall hearing of any exception requests being turned down. If you decide to freeze hiring then do it. Otherwise don’t waste everyone’s time.