Alcona commission may hold off on new hire
Sean HarkinsThe hiring of an intensive probation officer for the Alcona County Probate Court likely will have to wait until 2009.
The Alcona County Board of Commissioners discussed the funding of the position during its meeting on Wednesday, but no action was taken.
Probate Judge Laura Frawley told the board the position would cost about $42,000. Of that, $15,000 would be covered by a grant and $13,500 would be covered by the state.
Frawley was asking the county to pay $16,382, which would cover the remaining $13,500 and some additional costs for the position.
"The bulk of that cost to the county is benefits, but certainly I think that's a bargain," Frawley said.
Juvenile officer Tamrya Ranger said the previous intensive probation officer resigned in September 2007, and had not been replaced since. The court also has a part-time night surveillance employee and a part-time family specialist who works with the court but is a District Health Service employee.
Ranger said the full-time probation officer would be able to randomly check in on kids who are on probation, which is a very effective criminal deterrent.
Frawley said the cost of the officer to the county will be offset by fewer youth having to serve in residential treatment, which can cost the county upwards of $200 per day.
"It's the right thing to do for the county, it's the right thing to do for the juveniles of this county," she said.
A line item exists in the county's budget for the position, however there was no money allocated for it in this year's budget.
Several board members said they were in favor of hiring an officer, and Kenneth Timm suggested the board make a motion to do so. However, Carolyn Brummund said the board should follow procedure and wait until the position can be included in the 2009 budget.
"It's being taken under consideration as the 2009 budget is developed," Brummund said.
The county's budget year runs from January to December, and Brummund said budget discussion already has begun for next year.
The board also approved the purchase of a small generator for under $1,000 to supplement a generator currently used for the county building and 911 dispatch center. A new, large-scale, generator will be purchased using a Homeland Security grant in the coming months.
Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.
