LaPorte County Council approves multiple hires, liaison reassignments and appointments; close votes on training hotel rooms

The LaPorte County Council approved a package of personnel permissions and liaison changes at its Jan. 26 meeting, including hires across the animal shelter, treasurer’s office, planning commission, clerk and prosecutor offices.

A motion to permit the small animal shelter to hire an assistant director was moved by liaison Brett Kessler and carried; one council member recorded a nay on the voice vote. Treasurer Dan Berney secured permission to refill a clerk in his office after reporting investment interest and noting staffing needs. The planning/building office requested replacement of an administrative coordinator (Mike Pollan spoke to the need) and the council approved hiring the coordinator for planning and zoning appeals.

The clerk and circuit court asked to hire a deputy clerk for a busy criminal desk, and the county prosecutor requested a victim advocate to satisfy state requirements for victim services; both hires were approved by council vote. Council then discussed nominations and a roll‑call sequence for the Alcohol Beverage Commission; the transcript shows nomination votes and a 4–3 split in the roll‑call sequence for one of the nominees (Danny Schrader receiving a 4–3 tally in the recorded roll sequence). The clerk emphasized establishing a submission deadline for applications so commissioners have time to review materials.

On training travel, the council approved permission for two hotel rooms for coroner training (later clarified to be two rooms for two nights) but the motion on hotel rooms passed by a narrow margin, 4–3.

Next steps: Departments were authorized to proceed to refill indicated vacancies. The clerk’s office will manage appointment submission channels and timing for future appointments and will report back on processes for candidate submissions and deadlines.