Shakeup Planned in Village Clerk's Office

Mount Pleasant trustees Tuesday generally approved of plans to reorganize the village clerk's office next year.

Village Clerk/Treasurer Veronica Rudychev presented her ideas to the Village Board during a budget workshop at Village Hall.

Rudychev said she only needs one, full-time deputy clerk to work as her primary backup while also assisting with projects and elections. There are now two full-time deputies, and her plan is to eliminate the second position and hire two, part-time administrative/reception positions at 20 hours a week and an hourly wage of $10 to $15.

"Not only will we save on salary, but also on health insurance and other fringe benefits," she told trustees.

Savings could range from $7,500 and $24,000 for the year, depending on the hours works and the wage.

Village President James Majdoch said he appreciated Rudychev bringing her idea to the budget meeting, but said he wanted trustees to also consider that one of the full-time deputies may retire as of May 1.

"Maybe the numbers should reflect keeping that person on full-time until May 1 and then hiring the two part-time positions," he suggested.

But Trustee Karen Albeck said the clerk's budget didn't allow for that. She did suggest having a conversation with the employee to gauge that person's interest in taking one of the part-time positions. Payroll Coordinator Heidi Peltz reminded the board that a terminated employee is eligible for unemployment to the tune of a projected $19,000 for the year.

"If this person doesn't take the offer, then there is no unemployment to consider," she noted.

Rudychev said she is willing to talk to the employee in question but said she has not heard anything from this person about retirement. She also said she would expect this employee to apply for the part-time job and be as fully vetted as any other job applicant.