Committee recommends part‑time deputy clerk/treasurer to safeguard elections and utility billing

On Jan. 19, 2026, the Village of Bloomington Finance and Purchase Committee voted to recommend that the full board create a part‑time deputy clerk/treasurer who would work roughly 15–20 hours per week to serve as an official backup for the Clerk/Treasurer.

Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury proposed the role, saying a formally appointed deputy could take the official oath and legally act on behalf of the clerk/treasurer when necessary. Atterbury told the committee that continuity matters for elections and official paperwork, and that during her leave last year numerous problems—particularly with utility billing—had to be corrected upon her return.

The proposed deputy’s duties include answering phones, responding to emails, assisting residents, filing, data entry, utility billing, preparing materials, maintaining records, assisting with licensing and permits, supporting elections, processing payments, and managing office functions during the clerk/treasurer’s absence. Committee discussion also covered the deputy providing limited support to the Director of Public Works (about four hours per week) for filing and organizational tasks.

Committee members reviewed estimated personnel costs: a part‑time deputy at 20 hours per week at $15 per hour was estimated at approximately $15,600 annually; at 30 hours per week the estimate rose to about $23,400 annually. The committee noted that keeping the position under 32 hours per week would avoid benefits eligibility.

The committee agreed to recommend creation of the deputy clerk/treasurer position to the full board and to seek guidance from the village attorney on certification requirements affecting public works staffing before taking further action. The committee adjourned without taking the recommendation to a full-board vote; the next step is the board’s consideration of the recommendation.