Finance committee hires economic support specialist

HURLEY — The Iron County Finance Committee approved hiring of a third economic support specialist for the Iron County Human Services Department Thursday.

At its July meeting, the committee approved hiring of two economic support specialists for the department, as required by the state of Wisconsin.

The hiring does not cost the county any money, as the position is funded entirely by the state. According to county clerk Mike Saari, human services director Carolyn Kolson-Janov told him the state may allow Iron County to hire a third person because of extra funding being available.

The position would last between nine and 15 months and the committee was asked to approve the hire, even though a third position hasn’t officially been approved at the state level, because of the small amount of time given for training purposes.

“With the unemployment rate pretty high in Iron County, I think it would be great to supply another job to someone, especially when it doesn’t cost the county any money,” said committee member Tom Innes.

Committee chair Opal Roberts said, “A job is a job, even if it may only be for nine months. It can help someone somewhere.”