County commission hears staffing update

St. Joseph County officials plan to form a committee in an attempt to stem an unprecedented staffing shortage in the prosecutor’s office.

During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, commissioners heard a status update from county prosecutor David Marvin. He said the roster of prosecutors is at an all-time low.

At full strength, the roster would ideally be five people deep, Marvin said. It currently is comprised of a two-person team: Marvin and Josh Robare.

Higher pay in larger counties is a common threat to smaller counties, including St. Joseph County.

Marvin said he would like to try resolving the issue with input and ideas from local people with an interest in seeing a strong, fully staffed prosecutor’s office.

Following nearly 30 minutes of discussion, commissioners and Marvin agreed to the formation of a committee to look further into potential solutions. Commissioner Jared Hoffmaster offered to work with Marvin and identify who should be on the committee.