Fired Antrim Twp. workers dispute report used to oust them

"Proposed elimination of the Utility Clerk and Administrative Secretary" -

Utility Billing Clerk - This position is underutilized when strictly doing "utility billing clerk" duties. There is more than just printing and mailing quarterly bills especially during a strong economy when properties are changing ownership requiring new postings, final billing, etc. That is why this individual assists at the front desk and is transitioning into overseeing the OLDS (On Lot Disposal Systems) Program and the Recycling Program which will increase in 2009. Both are PA Dept. of Environmental Protection mandates. She audits all invoices received from the Sewage Enforcement Officer and review with expenses of Antrim Township citizens needing SEO services. This person is also assigned special projects by the Secretary, Manager and Director of Utilities. She also does research projects and assists in various other capacities.

Administrative Secretary - The "front desk" position must be a very skilled multi-tasker. From answering the phones to assisting citizens, developers, engineers, and a host of other positions that come through the front door every day! That "live greeting" is so important to our service. This person also does the permitting applications and sees that ALL information is obtained; posts utility billing payments received as a second set of eyes for the purpose of audit; is the editor of "The Antrim Times" newsletter; posts road maintenance activities and reports; and assists in dozens of other capacities daily typical to municipal government operations.

Our workload is based on the housing and economic development economy. Remember just one, two, and three plus years ago with housing starts, housing development plans, traditional neighborhood developments, new and mandated Pa. Uniform Construction Code requirements, new developments mean road, water, and sewer main line construction by private developers requiring inspection? The workload was tremendous for many of our staff members. The housing economy has slowed considerably...but for how long? There are thousands of home building lots either available or still in the planning stages. When the housing correction begins to turn upward, that workload will significantly increase. In the interim, staff assignments were being balanced due to new mandates, projects on the horizon, and yes, underutilization by some staff positions.

"ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE OVERSTAFFING" - This statement could not be further from the truth. Often the Finance Secretary and Secretary / Treasurer have working lunches at their desks due to their work loads.