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Council discusses options for vacant clerk-treasurer post; Indiana code option on the table
Summary
Council reviewed staffing at the clerk-treasurer office after a vacancy and discussed options including hiring a consultant, interlocal agreement, or appointing a council member ex officio under Indiana Code §36-5-6-9; members asked staff to return with a recommendation in August.
Burns Harbor officials told the council they have had no candidates to fill the clerk‑treasurer vacancy during the 30‑day solicitation window and reviewed interim coverage: a full‑time deputy clerk (Maddie), a part‑time Monday worker and a quarter‑time shared staff arrangement with police. Staff said payroll and vendor payments continue uninterrupted.
Council President outlined options including continuing the current consultant support, hiring a qualified person to the office, entering an interlocal agreement with another town, or invoking a provision of Indiana law that allows the town legislative body to appoint a legislative member to assume clerk duties in an ex‑officio (unpaid) capacity. "Indiana code 36,569," the president said, "states in a situation like ours ... the town legislative body may select a legislative body member who would assume the roles of the Clerk Treasurer in an ex officio manner, would not get paid for it." Council members asked staff to prepare a recommendation and to aim for a decision in August to provide operational certainty heading into the election year.
No final staffing decision was made; council members asked that interested individuals contact the clerk's office and that staff return with budget implications and a recommended path forward at the August meeting.
