Sheriff David Dalrymple has made a trade with Northampton County Council. He's giving up five part-time screening officers in exchange for a badly needed clerk. At a hearing on this proposal, Dalrymple said this trade will probably cost the county a little over $1,000 a year.

Dalrymple's proposal was unanimously adopted at council's March 19 meeting.

"We need clerical assistance," Dalrymple said, noting there are only four clerks in an 81-person department. He added that the citizens of this county will greatly benefit from a constant, steady presence at the front desk. The sheriff's office processes nearly 4,000 firearm carry license applications every year. This new clerk will also be part of the team reviewing these applications. "It will greatly enhance our operational performance and professionalism," he concluded.

"I think it's a great idea," said Council member Bob Werner, who thanked the sheriff for reaching out.

Council also unanimously agreed to add a probation officer position for the newly created Drug Court that launches April 2. The salary for that position is $59,404. This person will supervise participants in this program, conduct treatment meetings and participate in the hearings that will be held weekly.

"We can't do it with our current staff," said Court Administrator Jill Cicero. She added, "We will find the money for this position in the court's budgets."

Ken Kraft supported the proposal because it will save us money in the long run by keeping participants out of jail. Agreeing, Hayden Phillips said this new position is needed because council decided during budget season to eliminate the treatment program at the jail.