Advertisement

Herrington and Court Administrator Elaine Moore recently appeared before the Huron County Board of Commissioners to explain employee changes and request additional funding for new employee training.

"As a result of changes over the past few years, there has been some areas that have gotten backed up," said Herrington.

Some of the backed up issues, as explained by Herrington, include filing and document destruction. The two are asking for a part-time/casual summer employee to get things back to normal.

"If that is acceptable to the board, we do have someone in mind," explained Herrington. They will be checking if the position needs to be advertised to avoid any possible conflicts.

The court is also seeking a replacement employee to fill the future vacancy prior to the employee leaving to provide some training for the position.

"We would also like permission to advertise so we can have the new person get some training from her," said Moore.

She added, "There is a possibility we may have to train two if someone from inside the office wants her job; either way there is going to be an opening."

The opening position is that of General Civil Clerk; the position handles not only the front window but also attorney filings and other routine aspects within the office.

"If we have a four to six week training period, they have a better opportunity to learn the position," explained Moore.

Commissioners did not seem to have any issues with the court's intentions, however this took place during a meeting of the whole when no decisions can be made.

The commissioners will likely have addressed a resolution for the request at yesterday's weekly meeting.

In other business, commissioners are looking at a different firm to conduct county employee salary re-evaluations and position re-evaluations.

"This is a system we can use into the future; initially a job analysis supervised by Department Heads," explained Commissioner David Peruski.

He explained the new evaluation will include all employees of the courthouse, Sheriff's Department and Central Dispatch. "Everyone that is under our budget."

The plan would be implemented in three phases: the first being the re-evaluation, the second job analysis and the third in the development and implementation areas.

However, commissioners do wish to cover all the bases to prevent any confusion in the near future.

"Before we sign a resolution, I would like a copy of this sent to each union so they know what we are doing, then if they have a problem they can come to us," said Chairman Robert Haldane.

Peruski doesn't feel this is an issue because he has previously met with union representatives over the possible change.

"We (Ad Hoc Committee) felt that we needed a complete overhaul of what we have now and (there is) no harm to any employee with this," said Peruski.

The committee received two presentations from different firms and previously requested a third firm to do a presentation. The last firm basically said they do not have the time to do it.

"This can be done in 16 to 18 days; we have reviewed the cost," said Peruski.

The total cost if $31,000 for the new plan. For an additional $1,500, the committee is requesting the firm to do a benefit study, "To see how we compare with other counties."

"I believe we as a board should develop a department by department review; this can go a long ways to address and solve some short term and long term issues," said Peruski.

He said it currently takes approximately six to eight months, with the current firm, to get a response and recommendation. "Basically it's out of date before we get it," said Peruski.

Commissioners have already notified the current firm, Archer, of their intentions to discontinue their use.

In other business, Commissioners are currently advertising for an Equalization Department Director. They will pick the best two or three candidates and conduct more interviews.

At that point they will determine which direction to follow; a permanent director or continue the shared director, if no candidate is approved. The plan needs to be implemented by July 31 of this year.