By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Patricia Carlisle was approved Thursday as half-time Cass County emergency management coordinator, dividing her time with about 20 hours per week in her present role as senior safety coordinator for the Council on Aging.
She succeeds Bernie Williamson, who resigned from what had been a fulltime position.
Carlisle &#8221understands county government and with her organizational skills, I feel she will adapt to all the overwhelming paperwork that is covered by emergency management and homeland security issues,“; Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood stated in recommending her appointment to the Board of Commissioners.
County Administrator Terry Proctor said most personnel reductions called for in the 2005-2006 budget were accomplished through attrition except for two layoffs.
In other business, commissioners approved appropriating $4,500 to better utilize the maintenance garage.
Dickey said maintenance occupies but 50 feet of a 105-foot building, which was primarily occupied by Michigan State University Extension, which has since relocated to the 1899 courthouse.
Two jail inmates are also available to assist.
Chairman Bob Wagel said the honeycomb of tiny offices has long been a &#8221pet peeve“; of his. He calls the old car dealership which at one time also housed some Sheriff's Office functions the &#8221puzzle palace.“;
Proctor also reported he is discussing with District Judge Paul Deats the proposed video courtroom and has another meeting today.
The ad hoc budget and capital improvements committee meets Oct. 18 with Prosecutor Victor Fitz. The Board of Commissioners meets two days later on Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. Nine days later on Oct. 29 at 8 a.m. will be the commission's retreat.
Chairman Robert Wagel, R-Wayne Township, appointed an Elected Official Salary Committee of himself, Vice Chairman Ron Francis and Commissioners Gordon Bickle, Dale Lowe and Minnie Warren, with Francis as chair.
Proctor said Sheriff Joe Underwood has reviewed bids for inmate phone service at the jail and will be bringing a recommendation to the board's next meeting.
Becky Moore, CPA, is in the process of closing the books for the nine-month fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.