Circuit court clerks who serve as voter registration officers can receive additional compensation according to a new Indiana law.
Clerk Stephanie Rockey explained the impact of the new law during the Monday, July 1, meeting of the Washington County Council.
Rockey said that Washington County’s population is too small to require a separate voter registration officer, so it remains her responsibility.
Clerks already receive a per diem compensation; however, the new law also allows the county fiscal body – which is the County Council – to provide a stipend of up to $2,500 “to a circuit court clerk who serves as a voter registration officer each year in which a general election is held.”
The stipend wouldn’t be paid during municipal election years or during special elections. The law was effective as of July 1.
Rockey said the state assigned more responsibilities to clerks, so the stipend is meant to compensate them for the extra work.
Council President Mark Abbott told Rockey discussion on the matter would be delayed until the next regular meeting since the Council continues its practice of not voting on issues at the same meeting they are raised.
The Council asked their attorney to research the new law and report back on the findings.
The Council’s next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Monday, August 5.