When you dial the supervisor’s office, Kittle may not answer the phone, but callers likely won’t go straight to voicemail.
As promised during the campaign, Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle waived his employment benefits enabling him to hire an Administrative Assistant. The benefits Kittle will forgo include his pension, healthcare, and life insurance, which total $23,600.
On Dec. 4, Independence Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to waive the supervisor’s benefits and add that $20,000 to the $20,000 wages of a part-time office assistant position. Thus, the township created a full time administrative assistant position.
Leanna Cole, who has been employed part-time as an office assistant for just over a year, agreed to work fulltime without medical benefits as an administrative assistant.
In her new position starting in January, Cole will meet residents at the counter, schedule meetings for the supervisor, and respond to phone calls and answer questions if Kittle isn’t available.
Cole, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, said she is looking forward to the new responsibilities. As a part-time employee she ‘just scratched the surface,? Cole said.
As a fulltime worker, she’s excited to ‘learn more about the township.?
Although Cole is eager to get started, she notes, ‘there’s a lot going on, but I’m used to working in a fast-paced environment.?
Kittle is enthusiastic about having Cole on board fulltime as well. From his point of view, having an administrative assistant will ‘help resolve problems more quickly? and aid him in staying organized.
‘The best asset we have is the people working here,? said Kittle and pointed out that broadening the experience base of current township employees gives them an opportunity to take on more responsibility later.