Bloomington committee recommends part-time deputy clerk/treasurer to protect elections, office continuity

The Village of Bloomington Finance and Purchase Committee on Jan. 19 agreed to recommend that the full village board create a part-time deputy clerk/treasurer to ensure continuity for elections and day-to-day office functions.

Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury proposed the position, saying a deputy could be formally appointed, take the official oath, and legally act on behalf of the clerk/treasurer when necessary. Atterbury told the committee that backup is "critically important, particularly for elections, as the position requires certification to run elections and sign official paperwork," and that during her leave last year "there were numerous issues that had to be fixed upon her return, particularly with utility billing." The deputy would handle phones, emails, resident assistance, filing, data entry, utility billing, preparing materials, maintaining records, licensing and permits, processing payments, and managing office functions during absences.

Committee members discussed cost estimates and hours. At $15 per hour, a 20-hour-per-week deputy would cost about $15,600 annually; a 30-hour-per-week position would run about $23,400 annually. Members noted that as long as the position stays under 32 hours per week, benefits would not be required under current village practice.

The committee also discussed cross-training: the deputy clerk/treasurer could assist the Director of Public Works with filing and organizational tasks for about four hours per week to broaden coverage. The committee voted to recommend the creation of the position to the full board; the recommendation does not itself create the position and funding would be subject to board approval.

The committee’s recommendation will be placed on the full board agenda; members also directed staff to consult the village attorney about certification requirements for public works assistants before taking further personnel action.