Posted on March 27, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher recently approached council members with a request to use one device for her personal number and work number.
Marshal Fisher has been carrying two devices, one for her personal line and another for the town-funded work line. After the Department recently changed over to Verizon to save some money, she received a cell phone that can hold two SIM cards.
During last week’s town council meeting, she asked the members for permission to switch over to just one device to alleviate her from having to carry both phones.
She explained, “My personal number, I've had it for probably 20 years and I get a lot of work calls which that’s not a problem. I usually always answer my phone and if not I’ll call them back and if it is work related, it only takes a couple minutes to take care of.”
Marshal Fisher said she’s been talking with Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe about working out a way to pay a portion of the phone bill to cover her personal line which costs about $39 a month.
Councilwoman Wendy Hoppe noted that since Marshal Fisher uses her personal number for work-related matters, the Town could possibly just cover the additional cost.
Town Council President John Rowe stated that he understands the reasoning behind the suggestion but noted that she’s not the only town employee who utilizes her personal phone for town-business.
Councilman Rowe said, “Now if we set a precedent too, do we have to do this for the Fire Department if they pay for their phones, if the Chief does? I’m sure Joe [Leszek] answers his phone all the time when we call him and we don’t pay anything on it.”
Fisher mentioned that she appreciates the offer to cover the cost but reiterated that she was willing to keep paying the bill for her personal phone line.
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe said he would look into the matter a bit more by coordinating with the Department of Local Government Finance and State Board of Accounts.
No official actions were taken during last Monday’s meeting. The matter will likely be addressed again when officials meet in April.
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