Merrillville Town Council is moving funds in various department budgets to help pay for three director positions, citing growth in economic development and the number of town employees.

Councilman Richard Hardaway, D-2nd, said the council hasn’t started interviewing any candidates yet for the positions — Economic Development director, director of Human Resources and IT director. He said the IT position will pay a cap of $69,999, while the other two director positions will have a salary cap of $65,000 each.

He said the Economic Development director will take over the duties currently being performed by Town Manager Pat Reardon, allowing Reardon time to work on other matters.

The town has been receiving a number of new development proposals, particularly at Ameriplex at the Crossroads where several new warehouses have been built, are under construction or about to begin construction. Many of the developments are seeking financial incentives from the town.

Councilman Leonard White, D-7th, questioned the need for a full-time Human Resources director.

“Those are a lot of people in top positions. I don’t think we need an HR person every day,” said White, who said he was more amenable to contracting someone.

Council President Rick Bella, D-5th, disagreed.

“The town now has about 170 employees. I wholeheartedly disagree with you. Now is the time,” Bella said.

The police department now has 61 employees and the Dean and Barbara White Community Center has nearly that many. Financial adviser Trista Hudson said the two positions will be partially paid with Redevelopment Commission money, with the remainder coming from a line appropriated in the Town Administration budget but not assigned to any specific matter.

The IT position will be basically paid the same as the current IT person, through several departments, but there will be some adjustments made, Hudson said.

“We’ll be doing some shuffling,” she said.

The council transferred more than $81,000 to cover the salaries.

In other matters, the council approved a new Mediterranean cuisine restaurant to be located at 8160 Mississippi St., in the space formerly occupied by Rapid Fire Pizza.

It also approved three large gatherings that have been taking place for years — St. Sava Church Serb Fest fundraiser at 9191 Mississippi St. to take place July 23-25, the Polonia Pilgrimage at 5755 Pennsylvania St. on Aug. 8, and India Fest at the Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center, 8605 Merrillville Road, Aug. 15.

Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.