Judge bucks council on county hiring policy
By Debbie Lowe

The lone agenda item for a special Oct. 2, 8 a.m. council meeting received no action due to a lack of information and funding.

The council was called to consider an additional appropriation of $200,000 for the Carroll Manor renovation project. That was the amount needed to accept the only bid for the project.

However, enough money was not available from various funds to meet the anticipated need.

Although not on the agenda, Carroll Superior Court Judge Jeffery Smith appeared to explain why he appointed a new bailiff for his court without following the county's hiring policy.

Under the policy, a department head is required to gain permission from the county council to replace personnel before a position is advertised.

Smith said the former bailiff went on unpaid medical leave and is still receiving county medical benefits.

He said, given the circumstances of the situation, he did not have time to advertise the position for two weeks prior to the appointment.

"My goal is to run an efficient court," Smith said.

Smith quoted the Indiana Statute giving him the authority for the action.

"The court's view is that I had to have one (a new bailiff) and I appointed one," he advised. "The way I see it you didn't have the authority to tell me I couldn't have a bailiff."

"We have some rules that we expect to be followed," Baker said. "A drug screen was to be done and results back before employment."

Smith said the person hired understands that the position could be temporary. If the former bailiff returns, the new bailiff will not have a job.

"I was fortunate to find someone willing to leave her job with the knowledge that she might not have a job in six months," he said.

Smith said he was asking the council to direct county auditor Beth Myers to provide $3,000 from the general fund for medical benefits for the new person.

The request was tabled and a decision is expected at the Nov. 3 meeting.