By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Pike County Circuit Clerk Debbie Dugan wants another employee to help with rising numbers of cases being filed.

But the Pike County Board tabled her request Tuesday night amid larger questions of courthouse employee numbers, salaries and space.

The most pressing issue might be space for an additional employee in the crowded historic courthouse.

State's Attorney Frank McCartney said talks are moving forward on the possibility of the county acquiring the former First Bank building across the street from the courthouse.

"I'm hoping to give you an update next month," McCartney said. "Within a month, we should know for sure where we stand."

The county and bank officials have been talking about the building since mid-2006.

"Hopefully the building will become available," Board Chairman Scott Syrcle said. "I don't think we'll get it for free, but we're still negotiating on it."

The two-story bank was built in 1966 for First National Bank, the predecessor of First Bank, and the main lobby was completely remodeled in 2001.

The building became available when First Bank bought out Community Bank. First Bank relocated to the Community Bank building at 1 Professional Plaza in Pittsfield.

Syrcle also plans to name a committee next month to look at employee salaries.

Board member Ray Davenport in November proposed establishing an hourly rate for all employees. The current piecemeal approach to salary issues poses a budget headache for county officials and causes board members to lobby for raises for separate groups of employees.

The review also might recommend which departments "need one more or could absorb one less" employee, board member Mark Mountain said.

The county hopes to act on Dugan's request within 90 days.

Dugan said her office had 2,127 more cases filed in 2007 than in 2003, and office revenues increased $688,420 over the same period. The circuit clerk's office has six employees, plus Dugan.

In other action, board members:

* Highlighted the county's employee wellness benefit. The benefit, available to all employees, provides $200 a year as reimbursement on wellness-related services, including physical exams, screening tests and behavioral/lifestyle modifications. Insurance Committee Chairman Don Peebles said early detection of medical conditions can help lower county health insurance costs.

* Learned the Ag Committee met with representatives of Pike County Landfill Inc. to begin discussions on a new solid waste agreement. The current three-year agreement expires June 30. Committee Chairman Cleve Curry hopes to have a new agreement in place by the end of May.

* Learned the flat parts of the courthouse roof need re-coating. The Building and Grounds Committee hopes to have bids to review in April.

* Reappointed C.A. Barber for four years and Hank Walton for five years to the Pike County Housing Authority and named Jeremy Thomas to the Rural Pittsfield Fire Protection District Board to serve the rest of Ronnie Bauer's term.

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379