MERRILLVILLE | Merrillville leaders could change a town position to save money.
During a Tuesday meeting, Councilman Tom Goralczyk announced the assistant in Merrillville's town administration office is retiring effective March 8.
Goralczyk wanted to advertise the position internally until Feb. 22 and have interviews Feb. 26 with those who applied for the spot.
In an effort to save funds, Councilman Shawn Pettit suggested exploring the possibility of changing the position from full time to part time before advertising the job.
The current assistant, who has worked for the town for about 20 years, receives an annual salary of about $33,000, Town Administrator Howard Fink said.
Goralczyk thinks the position should remain full time.
Fielding calls, assisting Fink with daily operations and creating Town Council agendas are among the responsibilities of the town administration office assistant, Goralczyk said.
He said Fink "already has a lot to do," and he doesn't want to add to his responsibilities by changing the assistant position to part time.
"Phone calls need to be answered all day long," Goralczyk said.
No action was taken Tuesday, but the matter will be discussed during a council executive session next week, council President Carol Miano said.
"We're doing everything we can to save money," she said.
If the position isn't filled before March 8, Merrillville could have employees from other departments assist in the town administration office until someone is hired, Goralczyk said.
In other matters, the council opened bids for a front loader for the Public Works Department.
Hardings Heavy Equipment, of Lowell, submitted the lowest bid of $117,600.
The bids were taken under advisement.
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