Following executive sessions in which a total of three candidates were interviewed, Franklin County Area Plan Commission unanimously voted to extend an offer of employment to Kaitlin Sterwerf to fill the void of APC Executive Director left when Cindy Orschell resigned last month.

Three board members were set to meet with the prospective hire Tuesday, so acceptance of the position could not be confirmed prior to deadline.

At a special meeting called Monday evening, five APC members spent most of the time hammering down the salary specifics –how they fit into county council’s total allotment and whether they followed council’s salary ordinances.

Council recently passed a gross salary of $45,000 for the new director. APC member Daryl Kramer proposed this be a non-exempt position where the employee could accrue overtime pay for monthly meetings of APC as well as the board of zoning appeals. The gross would be reduced to $43,150 ($25.53/hour) with an allowance for $1,850 in OT. A 90-day trial period was also proposed, which would pay the prorated amount based on $41,500.

There was discussion as to the candidate wishing to opt for comp time to offset overtime. 

“Problem is if that person decides they’re busy all the time and don’t want to take time off, we have to budget for it,”said member Rob Seig.

County commissioner John Heis spoke to this, saying it was his understanding that in such an overtime situation, the employee is entitled to 1.5 hours comp time for each hour of meeting time.

“Just because we budgeted for it doesn’t mean our hands are tied,”Seig added. “If they want to take comp time and it’s budgeted and we don’t spend it, council won’t have a problem …we just can’t go over budget.”

Glenn Bailey, speaking as a resident, said it would be easier to state a salary based on 32.5 hours per week and meetings would be just another part of the job.

Board attorney Tammy Davis said that’s preferential but that the salary ordinance may not allow for it.

The motion by Kramer passed unanimously.

Next was the main order of business. Member Denny Moeller nominated Sterwerf for director, it passing 5-0.

The 90 days at roughly 90% of total salary was then discussed. During the probationary period, the candidate would receive additional training certification. A planning course offered by Purdue Extension was also highly recommended. 

As Sterwerf was given three days to consider the offer, the board recessed versus adjourning. A special meeting was set for Feb. 17, 11 a.m., which may just be as short as announcing the candidate’s acceptance.

Brian Ariens has been hired as full time building inspector.