Montcalm County's Board of Commissioners convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss significant staffing changes within the Prosecutor's Office, focusing on the creation of a new position that combines the roles of office manager and legal secretary. The proposed hourly wage for this position is set at $22.58, which has raised concerns among commissioners regarding its necessity and financial implications.

During the meeting, commissioners expressed mixed feelings about the need for this position, especially considering that it had not been deemed necessary during the tenure of the previous prosecutor. The discussion highlighted the challenges of hiring qualified candidates at the proposed wage, with some commissioners questioning whether the salary would attract the right talent. The previous union position was compensated at a lower rate, which led to concerns about potential grievances from union members if the new position was classified differently.

The prosecutor's office is currently operating without a dedicated legal secretary, with existing staff members attempting to cover the workload. The proposal aims to streamline operations and ensure that the office has the necessary legal expertise, as highlighted by the prosecutor's request for someone with legal experience.

After deliberation, the board decided to place the prosecutor's request on file, indicating that further discussion and consideration would be necessary before any final decisions are made. This decision reflects the board's cautious approach to staffing changes, particularly in light of union considerations and budgetary constraints.

In addition to the staffing discussions, the board also addressed a request from the city of Stanton for a county representative to be appointed to its Downtown Development Authority (DDA). A commissioner expressed willingness to volunteer for this role, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in revitalizing the community.

As Montcalm County navigates these staffing and community engagement challenges, the board remains focused on ensuring that decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the county's residents. Further discussions on the prosecutor's office staffing will be necessary as the board seeks to balance operational needs with fiscal responsibility.