Brandon Twp.- After five months and about $20,000 in savings to the township, a full-time position in the clerk’s office has been filled.
The township board unanimously approved the hiring of Diana Bertapelle as the full-time administrative assistant to Clerk Jeannie McCreery.
‘I’m excited to work for the township,? said Bertapelle. ‘I get along well with the staff and am looking forward to new opportunities.?
The township resident, 44, recently resigned as the part-time clerk for the village of Ortonville. Her previous experience includes several years as an administrative assistant for a financial group and a veterinarian. She has also done medical transcription for 12 years for Acute Care Centers.
Bertapelle’s full-time position replaces Susan Nassar, the former deputy clerk who resigned in February to take a position as clerk in the village of Holly.
Karen McArthur became the deputy clerk at that time, but the clerk’s office was still short a full-time position.
‘I can come in weekends and stay until 10 at night, but the work still piles up,? said McCreery, who noted that in four years she will be gone as clerk and McArthur will be retired. ‘My concern is for the office. I was looking for someone to be here on a permanent basis, to learn everything they could, understand how the office works and help the new clerk. I don’t want constant turnover.?
McCreery was defending her decision amid questions about the wisdom of hiring a full-time employee while the township looks to make budget cuts.
‘I need the same kind of staffing the other offices have, we have twice the work,? she said.
‘I’m not asking for more staff, just the same number to do twice the work. All I’m doing is filling a vacancy that I left empty for a while to save the township money.?
Bertapelle begins work Aug. 10.