Clerk’s title change prompts concern

Peterborough County councillors approved adding manager of legislative services to the job title of a clerk Wednesday, but not before one member said the move could have financial implications down the road.

There is no cost associated with the title change, part of three revisions to county salary grids for non-union employees recommended by human resources director Patti Kraft, who authored a report on how to keep up with position additions.

Coun. Ron Gerow, mayor of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township, questioned the difference between the role of a clerk at the county and at his own township.

He sought clarity in determining if the county clerk performed any extra duties and the economic impacts that could have.

The new title is simply more reflective of the senior management role, particularly when it comes to advertising the position externally, CAO Troy Speck said. Clerks generally keep records and accounts, among other administrative duties.

The employee in the position carries out more than just clerk duties – they are also expected to provide leadership in the clerk’s office, he said.

His predecessor, now-retired Gary King, had carried out many clerk duties because he had more of a background in that area, Speck noted.

The annual salary of the manager of legislative services/clerk ranges from $82,570 to $103,212, while the range for a non-union deputy clerk is $58,724 to $73,405.