COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A part-time investigator for the Prosecutors office was approved by the Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday afternoon.
Money from a federal grant was being used to pay for an independent contractor in the Branch County Prosecutors Office but the funds ran out at the end of 2023.
A $15,000 allocation was made for an independent contractor in the 2024 budget but the contract was terminated due to what were called evolving job duties, liability coverage and the use of county resources during investigations.
Prosecutor Zach Stempien sought permission from the Commissioners to convert the allocated money to a new position for a non-union part-time staff investigator who would work at a starting wage of $20.51 per hour.
The work hours for the position would be on as needed basis.
In addition, the Commissioners on Tuesday approved a request from the Public Defenders for a paid summer intern position.
The 20-hour per week position would be for about 10 weeks. The intern would earn an hourly wage of $15 which will make the total cost $3,000.
The funds are available through the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant and will not affect the County budget.
Comments