COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners formally approved a number of requests to fill vacancies from the Sheriff’s Department, 911 Central Dispatch and the Commission on Aging during their regular meeting Tuesday.
They also adjusted pay rates for employees who were moving from one department to another. Two employees who are transferring from 911 to the Sheriff’s Department have to change unions which further complicated the pay issue.
Branch County Sheriff John Pollack needed to fill two full time clerical positions. One opened when an employee left without notice in late September. The other will be vacated on October 31st when another employee retires.
A part time contractual clerical position will be needed while the retiring clerical employee trains the two new employees. Pollack also needs to advertise an open Corrections Officer position since the person leaving will be going to the Prosecutors office.
Prosecutor Ralph Kimble asked that the new employee be credited with his prior county service for the purpose of placement with the Governmental Employees Labor Council Tier 2 Level 6 pay scale. Kimble requested that the employee be at the five year rate. He had worked for the Sheriff’s Department for 13 years, left and came back where he worked for four months. When he returned, he was placed at the Tier 2 new hire rate. Terri Norris and her fellow Commissioners agreed that was the pay grade to use.
In addition, 911 Director Kurt Spalding was given permission to fill two dispatcher vacancies after a pair of employees transferred to the clerical positions to the Sheriff’s Department.
Commissioners also gave the Commission on Aging permission to fill a part time aide’s position due to a recent retirement. The person hired will perform in-home personal care, homemaking and respite care for eligible Branch County seniors.
