New Castle County panel hires Mary Lee Murphy as administrative aide

The New Castle County personnel subcommittee voted to hire Mary Lee Murphy to a newly created administrative aide position, effective as soon as staffing details are finalized.

President Monique Johns introduced the item, saying the position was posted, received one applicant and one interview, and the recommendation was to hire Mary Lee. Councilmember Hollins said the council should favor internal candidates when qualified staff are available and called the clerk's office “the face of the public.”

"As a matter of fact, when it comes to Mary Lee, personally for me, when my aid has been out, whenever I need Mary Lee for some assistance, she has gone over the top," Councilmember Hollins said. Councilmember Smiley added, "I've always found Mary Lee to be approachable and always been able to solve my problem which is a miracle." Both members said that experience informed their support.

Members clarified operational details before the vote. Councilmember Tackett asked whether the person would be physically at the front desk five days a week; a staff member replied, "So, yes, at the front desk or in the little room right behind the front desk." Council staff also explained that Murphy will laterally retain her current pay step and grade and therefore will not see an immediate pay increase.

Councilmember Smiley moved to hire Mary Lee Murphy to assist the county council clerk and deputy clerk "effective as soon as possible," and the motion was seconded and approved by a general voice vote. The subcommittee did not specify a start date beyond "as soon as possible," saying final timing would be worked out between staff and the council.