Editorial: VBT adds two full-time positions, as money rolls in

The Van Buren Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved two new full-time positions to its employee roster at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
One is a position that used to be full time years ago that combines a secretary to the supervisor with an assessing department position. The supervisor and assessing department share the same phone, same counter, and same coffee pot. This employee will train in assessing skills and be there to answer the phone when everyone else is out.
The part-time employee that worked for the supervisor and can’t earn pay for more than 20 hours a week was expected to be offered a job in Parks and Recreation.
This move was triggered by the upcoming resignation of long-time worker Kathy Cline, who retired once and now is working in assessing and retiring again.
The second new full-time position is called Executive Assistant to the Public Services Director. With all the development in the township, money is available and there’s much too much work for Matt Best, Ron Akers, and Jim Taylor in their departments. This worker is to help out all three.
While first announced as a position for intern Grace Stamper, officials backed off by Tuesday’s meeting and announced it will be publicly posted. Pay is $52,000. Help is desperately needed as the township development blossoms and directors work the midnight hours.