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Cloverdale Town Council addresses salary changes
CLOVERDALE –— Without having a clerk-treasurer, the town office in Cloverdale is adjusting and trying to keep internal processes like payroll and claims in check. As a result, those remaining have had to step up.
One of them is Samantha Hinman, who normally works part time on the water side of the town’s affairs. However, she has recently assumed oversight of those duties and is hampered by being authorized to work 29 hours a week.
The Cloverdale Town Council considered how to make this issue more manageable, and equitable, during a special meeting held Tuesday evening. This also entailed amending the town’s most recent salary ordinance.
Town Attorney Daniel Hofmann began the discussion by touting how Hinman had been a “huge asset” in stepping up as a go-between with him and the council. In recognizing the extra work she has picked up, he said it would be beneficial to up her pay.
However, Hinman is not managing the town office alone, as Susie Bass, who usually works as an auditor, has picked up managing the town’s utilities. In light of this, Hofmann announced that Deputy Clerk Trina Baker had recently resigned.
Council member Gary Bennington claimed that former clerk-treasurer Cheryl Galloway made changes to the salary ordinance “without authorization,” suggesting it would have to be overhauled. Hofmann added that overtime pay would have to be considered, as the ordinance lacks related language.
Council Vice President Greg Jay proposed that Hinman’s 29-hour restriction be removed to free her up, with a salary adjustment to compensate her for the work she is putting in. The council recognized that this change would only be temporary until a new clerk-treasurer is appointed.
Hofmann said he would work on a revised ordinance and present it to the council soon. It was also agreed that Hinman should be paid retroactive back to Mrs. Galloway’s resignation on May 11, when she effectively undertook her additional duties.
Hinman stated that though they work together as a team, her work does not cross over much with Bass’ in looking over utilities and audits.
In other business:
• Hofmann also brought up how the town would eventually fill its town manager position. He said Brad Falk, who has wokred in Greencastle’s street and sewage departments, was interested in the position, but that it would require a “learning curve” for him.
Bennington thought out loud that candidates needed to be vetted heavily. The council agreed that advertising it needed a list of specific duties and minimum requirements, as well as credentials. Hofmann added that the town needed to look at the town’s employee descriptions and make changes and updates.
• The council also approved payment of a $6,000 fee to attorney Graham Youngs, who was hired by Mrs. Galloway to represent her before her eventual resignation. Hofmann noted this was a reduction from $8,775, and that Youngs sent the fee in good faith.
From his own opinion, the town attorney spoke on whether Mrs. Galloway correctly hired Youngs in the first place. Hofmann stated that the council was not given notice of Youngs’ services before he was employed, and also claimed this had not been budgeted.
Regardless, Hofmann said the town had to “wash its hands” and move on. The specter of the recent controversy lingers with Mr. Galloway’s two active complaints, one of which is a federal lawsuit. However, Hofmann said there was indication that Mrs. Galloway had withdrawn her own public access suit.
• Bill Mentgen of Energy Conservation Solutions attended the meeting to give an update on the renovation of the train depot. He stated that he had found additional “discovery items” with needing to replace gutters and perform excavation.
The council approved these two items, with Council President Larry Fidler abstaining due to “family involvement.”
• A request by Town Marshal Steve Hibler to post an opening for a new deputy marshal was also approved. He emphasized this was to fill an existing vacancy, not a new position. Hibler also told the council that computer issues in the Cloverdale Police Department had been addressed by 12 Point Technologies.
Council member Cindy Holland was not present at the meeting.
The Cloverdale Town Council will have its regular meeting this coming Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in the Cloverdale Town Hall.