Pierceton Town Council President Tom Barker. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

PIERCETON —  Town Council approved an outside consultant to aid in the training of Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast, Monday evening, Jan. 13.

The council approved the temporary hiring of municipalities consultant Retha Hicks on an open-ended contract to train and advise Mast as she acclimates to her new role.

The temporary hiring of Hicks was facilitated through Accelerating Indiana Municipalities (AIM), of which the Town of Pierceton is a member.

From Left: Town Attorney Tammy Kern, Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

Hicks served several terms as Clerk-Treasurer for Winona Lake. She will not work with Mast on a daily basis, said Council President Tom Barker.

Hicks recently aided South Whitley in straightening out bookkeeping issues, said Barker.

As a consultant, Hicks helps new clerk-treasurers, “work through issues as far as how certain processes are handled,” said Barker.

Barker reiterated the temporary nature of the open-ended contract with Hicks to town residents, “this is not a long term employment contract with the town.”

The open contract with Hicks and the town states she will be paid at the rate of $40 per hour on-site in the Pierceton Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, $35 per hour if she works from her home in addition to mileage at .55 cents per mile.

Some town residents weren’t happy with the expense involved in the contract with Hicks.

“I could do it for $30,” said former Pierceton Clerk-Treasurer Jerry Kreger during the council’s discussion of the contract. He was attending the council meeting as a town resident.

Despite some pushback from residents, “We need to get moving on this,” said Barker. “Especially if its what is needed to keep the clerk’s office operating.”

“We have no choice in this,” said Barker relating to the approval of the contract with Hicks.

The council approved Hicks’ contract for an initial workload of 30 hours.

From Left: Council Vice President Matt Brubaker, councilmember Mandy Espinoza. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

Hicks can not exceed 30 hours without approval from the council, said Vice President Matt Brubaker.

The temporary hiring of Hicks’ follows the termination of Carrie Owsley from her position in the clerk’s office earlier this month.

Despite concerns from residents, the approval of Hick’s contract is unrelated to Owsley’s termination, officials said.

The council attempted to tamp down concerns regarding the Owsley’s firing and Hicks’ contract. Owsley’s duties included working with the town utilities office and processing payroll for the town. The reasoning for Owsley’s terminatination wasn’t specified.

The council approved Owsley’s compensation for hours worked and vacation time. They denied the preparation of a severance package.

“According to the town handbook, we are not required to provide a severance package,” said Brubaker.

Other business included:

• The council tabled Pierceton Police Chief Tim Sammons’ proposal of presenting a decommissioned firearm to retired police officer Jim Bumbaugh for his 16 years of service. Barker cited further discussion is needed regarding the cost of replacing the decommissioned firearm.
• Sammons said the new signage reflecting the updated speed limit ordinance is ready for installation within the town.
• Mast announced the Clerk-Treasurer’s office will be open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• The Pierceton Redevelopment Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Pierceton Community Building. A meeting for reorganizing the parks board will follow at 7:30 p.m.