County court personnel changes approved

Highland County commissioners Shane Wilkin and Tom Horst approved two personnel proposals from Highland County Court (Madison Township) Judge Robert Judkins during the Wednesday, Jan. 9 board meeting.

Although not mandated by state law, Judge Judkins requested commissioners' approval for a new court administrative clerk, Monica George, and deputy clerk, Michelle Hatch.

George will replace Ron Coffey, who has been named the new Greenfield city manager. Hatch will replace George, who has been serving as the court's deputy clerk.

"We are excited for Ron and the city/village of Greenfield," Judkins said.

"The court administrator position has become a complex thing. It takes a long time to learn how to become a court administrator. Monica has been with us several years, and she can move seamlessly into the clerk's position.

"With the promotion of the deputy clerk to clerk, we will need a deputy clerk to replace Monica," the judge said. "After a lot of searching and consideration, we have offered the position to Michelle Hatch. She is a local person, and she happens to be (Greenfield council member) Betty Jackman's daughter."

The judge said the personnel changes would save the county approximately $4,000. George will be paid $20.10 per hour (compared to $21.40 for Coffey) and Hatch will be paid $10.50 per hour (compared to $12.60 for George).

"I hope, with commissioners' approval, we hire both Monica and Michelle," Judge Judkins said.

"The hiring would be up to you as long as you stay within your budget," Wilkin said.

The judge said state law permitted him to make the personnel moves without commissioners' consent; however, he said, it's always been his practice to seek commissioners' input.

After a motion to approve the personnel changes by Horst and a second by Wilkin, commissioners voted, 2-0, to approve the court's request.

Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer was absent due to an illness.