Business transactions or other documents requiring notarization would no longer be available from the St. Joseph City Clerk's office to anyone other than a bonafide resident of the city under proposed Fee Schedule changes under consideration by the City Commission.
City Clerk & Finance Director Deb Koroch has included the change in the City's Consent Agenda this evening. Currently, the Clerk's Office will notarize documents for the general public at no charge for city residents, but with a $10 fee for non-residents. The city has been advised that while they may provide the city's residents with free Notary Public service, they must charge all customers, regardless of residency, the same fee for the service.
Rather than change the practice of charging for non-residents, staff members are suggesting that the city commission adopt a policy of providing Notary Services exclusively to city residents…still at no charge…and essentially eliminate the $10 fee for non-residents by eliminating the practice of offering Notary Services to anyone other than city residents.
Assuming there is no dissent to the consent agenda request, the new practice would be implemented immediately, thus eliminating any notarizing service for non-residents of St. Joseph.
On another note, City Clerk Koroch's retirement begins this Friday, July 1st, however she is on vacation this week, and she may still be around in one form another for a while. Inasmuch as the search process is not yet finished for her replacement, the City Commission tonight will also take up a part-time interim contract for her services until the gap is filled. If approved, the plan would have her continue to work part-time, remotely from her new home, beyond her retirement date to help with a smooth transition period. She would answer staff questions, monitor financial activities, and make certain the financial reports are in good shape for the auditors who are due on site in late August. She would also be willing to return, if necessary and mutually agreed upon,, for a week in August to complete the pre-audit preparations or be on site while they are, whichever makes the most sense.
The proposed part-time interim role would pay $45.70 an hour, with an anticipated average of up to 15 hours per week until her replacement is found. She would be paid only for time worked and would earn no benefits. The proposed agreement would cover up to the end of November to allow for flexibility in the event there is a delay in filling the position. The city is expected to act on the proposal tonight.
