FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners voted Monday to hire a part-time cook at the jail and to move three employees to permanent full-time status.

Commissioners accepted an interview panel’s recommendation and hired Amanda Stevens of Farmington as a part-time cook. She passed her background checks, oral boards and was selected as the one most capable to do the job, Jail Administrator Maj. Doug Blauvelt said. She has taken classes in culinary arts and food preparation, he said.

Blauvelt told commissioners that three jail employees had passed their six-month probationary period and should be moved to permanent status. Commissioners approved permanent status for cook supervisor Lorna Nichols, cook Cathy Espeaignnette and clerical worker Victoria Parker.

Commissioners also agreed to transfer $250,000 from the unorganized territory’s undesignated funds to the paving reserve account for the unorganized territory. After the transfer, about $475,000 remains in the fund.

Deputy Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Vickie Braley said about $339,000 was spent to pave Baker Hill Road in Freeman Township, leaving a $175,777 deficit in the unorganized territory’s paving reserve account.

Commissioner Clyde Barker of Strong asked if there was any money that could be used to stripe the newly paved road for safety purposes. He estimated it would cost $16,000.

Commissioners determined it was too late this year to have the job done, but it could be put out to bid in the spring. They can also see what Road Agent Jerry Haines has left over in his operations budget before they use money from the undesignated fund, County Clerk Julie Magoon said.

Commissioners also voted to transfer $15,829 to replenish the perambulation reserve account. It would put $10,000 in reserves and cover a deficit of $5,829. The reserve was drained when a survey and related expenses were needed to determine what part of East Madrid Road in Madrid Township the county owned.

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