Brookfield Township is about to lose its right arm.
Township Office Coordinator Tabatha Dickson, whose duties touch on every township department, is leaving at the end of July to take a job at Youngstown State University. Dickson said she will miss working with many of the people in the township, especially in the police department, but said YSU made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Dickson started as a part-time employee 9 ½ years ago and has taken on duties never imagined at that time.
“I am happy for Tabatha as she advances in her career,” said Trustee Shannon Devitz. “While her presence will be greatly missed, I wholeheartedly support her decision to do what’s best for herself and her family.”
Manning the police front office at the administration building, she is the public face of the township. She manages police records and public record requests; answers the phone and emails; purchases goods and services; manages rentals of the township social hall and meeting room in the administration building; posts on social media and the electronic signs at the green and on Strimbu Drive; coordinates township social events such as the Easter egg hunt, Safety Awareness Night and the Route 7 Yard Sale; manages the senior citizens van program; handles some cemetery record keeping; and coordinates the release of vehicles from the police impound lot. And, that’s just some of what she does.
The trustees even carved out a day each week for her to assist Fiscal Office Dena McMullin.
The trustees said they would scale back the position’s duties for a new hire but Police Chief Aaron Kasiewicz recommended they still seek a full-time replacement so that the township building can be manned during regular business hours.
The trustees, meeting July 10, agreed to seek applicants for a full-time position. They are not listing a salary as the salary of the person hired will be based on experience. Dickson is making $15 an hour. The person hired will need to undergo an extensive background check to be cleared to handle police records and pass a drug test.
The trustees also are looking for someone with tech savvy, is organized, and is personable with members of the public.
Dickson said she is willing to come in on weekends for a while to help out and still wants to be involved in the Easter egg hunt.
Anyone interested in the position can call the township office at 330-448-4500.
$15/hour to do all that is a joke. No wonder she’s leaving.