Montcalm commissioners approve one-year renewal for Special Assistant Prosecutor Betsy Hartley

Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Ginster asked the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on April 28 to renew a contract for Special Assistant Prosecutor Betsy Hartley and described her as a key mentor and trial-experienced attorney in his office.

Ginster told commissioners Hartley had previously served 20 years as an assistant prosecutor in another county, had trial experience and had been "outstanding" in her performance for Montcalm County. He asked the board for a one-year contract renewal to provide stability while he recruits a chief assistant prosecutor. "Her most critical role right now is that of mentoring and training our two younger assistants," Ginster said.

Commissioners questioned whether the arrangement was a cost-effective model and whether it would delay filling a permanent position. Ginster said his priority is to recruit a chief assistant first and that Hartley's presence would provide necessary continuity during the hiring and training process.

Nut graf: The board voted to renew Hartley's contract for one year on a part-time contractual basis, with terms the prosecutor proposed to balance budget constraints with the need for experienced trial counsel and on-the-job mentoring.

Motion and terms: Commissioner Nate Alexander moved to approve a one-year renewal; the motion passed. The motion as recorded by the clerk authorized a part-time contractual appointment at $75 per hour, not to exceed 100 hours per month, without benefits.

Ginster and commissioners discussed office capacity and the need for a paralegal or other support staff to reduce attorney time spent on lower-value tasks while the office rebuilds capacity. After discussion, the board approved the motion by voice; no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes.

Ending: Ginster said Hartley would continue to provide coverage through the summer and to assist with training; the board did not take additional staffing action at the meeting.