Commissioners approve planning/building job-title changes and two appointments

Starke County commissioners approved administrative job-title and description changes for planning and building staff and confirmed several personnel appointments during the meeting. Staff presented new job descriptions for the director of planning and building, a deputy administrative assistant with delegated authority, and a planning and building secretary who will also serve as the board of zoning appeals secretary and code-enforcement officer.

Commissioners discussed whether hiring and firing authority is delegated by ordinance to the planning commission. Staff said copies of delegations exist in county ordinances and that the planning commission historically has had delegated authority on building and planning matters. The board approved the job-title changes and appointments by voice vote.

Separately, after interviews, commissioners moved to offer the veteran service officer position to Maria Booth and to appoint Theresa Pew to the planning commission for a one-year term. Michaeline (county staff) was instructed to make formal offers and process appointments.

The motions carried by voice votes; the board did not discuss salary details publicly at the meeting. Commissioners directed staff to process the appointments and to confirm where delegated authority resides in county ordinances.