Independence Township’s ordinance officer is back, reinstated by the Township Board.
The position had been cut for budget reasons. The voted 4-3 to reverse the decision. Wage and benefits for the officer is $66,500.
‘We cannot operate without an ordinance officer,? said Supervisor Dave Wagner at the March 16 board meeting. ‘It’s virtually impossible unless we want to let the township deteriorate to a state that none of us want to be in.?
Trustee Larry Rosso also saw a need.
‘I definitely believe we have to have an ordinance officer or it makes a mockery out of ordinance enforcement and that will get around,? Rosso said.
Treasurer Curt Carson, who brought forth the motion ,said the ordinance officer is one of the busiest in the entire township.
However, Trustee Neil Wallace felt the conversation was ‘premature,? since the board will be discussing possibly outsourcing the building department at the April 6 meeting.
‘To me this is more management issue than a board issue, that’s how it ought to be handled,? Wallace said.
Trustee Mark Petterson said there is an ‘absolute need? for an ordinance officer.
‘Nobody knows the codes like he does, he does a great job,? Petterson said. ‘He’s got a great vocabulary to deal with the public in trying situations. A lot of great things this man does, which is a very thankless job.?
Contacted for more information, Monday, Human Resource Director Carol Gabris said she was too busy.
‘I don’t have five minutes,” Gabris said. “I’m trying to get ready for union negotiations, maybe another time.?