Bloomington committee recommends creating part-time deputy clerk/treasurer to safeguard elections and office continuity

On Jan. 19, 2026, the Village of Bloomington Finance and Purchase Committee agreed to recommend that the full board create a part-time deputy clerk/treasurer who would work 15–20 hours per week to maintain office operations during the clerk/treasurer’s absence and to support elections.

Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury said the position is “critically important, particularly for elections,” and argued a deputy who can be formally appointed and take the oath of office is different from a temporary assistant. Atterbury described primary duties as answering phones, responding to emails, assisting residents, filing, data entry, utility billing, preparing materials, maintaining records, assisting with licensing and permits and elections, processing payments, and managing office functions during the clerk’s absence.

The committee discussed compensation and hours. The record estimates that a part-time deputy working 20 hours a week at $15 per hour would cost about $15,600 annually; at 30 hours per week the estimate is about $23,400 annually. The committee noted that, as estimated, the position would not require benefits if it remained under 32 hours per week.

Atterbury told the committee that during her leave last year staff encountered numerous problems—particularly with utility billing—that required correction on her return, and that many tasks require specialized knowledge of village procedures and computer systems. “Unlike a general office assistant, a deputy clerk/treasurer could be formally appointed, take the official oath of office, and legally act on behalf of the clerk/treasurer when necessary,” she said.

The committee agreed to recommend the position to the full board and to send the matter forward for the board’s consideration. The committee also discussed a possible limited role—about four hours per week—for the deputy to assist the Director of Public Works with filing and organization.

Procedural notes: at the start of the meeting, Dawn Drew moved to approve the agenda and Atterbury seconded; the committee voted unanimously in favor. At the end of the meeting Atterbury moved to adjourn and Drew seconded; the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps: the recommendation will be considered by the full Village Board; the committee did not record a formal vote on the recommendation in the transcript.