Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, citing a rise in crime, wants to add another full-time assistant to her staff.

But the county salary board wants to gather more information from financial officials and meet with Holman before considering the request.The board includes Holman, all three commissioners and Controller Christy Joy. Commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier was absent Wednesday.The discussion surfaced at a public commissioners' meeting Wednesday, when an agenda item calling for the elimination of a part-time assistant district attorney position be eliminated due to the resignation as of Friday of that job holder, William Burke.Burke has his own practice, and works part-time for the county, handling cases that come through the Tremont district court.After the public meeting, Holman said she has the option of keeping Burke's part-time position filled.But she wants to eliminate the position, and add the savings to the money that pays for another part-time ADA, one who handles cases from the Shenandoah district judge, to create a fifth full-time position.That would bring the balance to five full-time and four part-time ADAs once Burke leaves.Currently, there are four full-timers, earning salaries ranging from $45,000 and $50,000 each. There are also five part-timers, including Burke, whose salaries start at $25,500 each.Burke earns $26,342.But without the guarantee of the salary board creating that full-time job, she's reluctant to let go of the part-time position."Crime doesn't stop, and I need that position filled," she said.Holman said she needs more full-time ADAs.The Shenandoah and Pottsville district courts have the two highest numbers of cases, she said."Even the Tremont office seems to be exploding," she said.Commissioner Gary J. Hess asked to table the motion until a meeting could be held with Holman."I don't want to see it eliminated until we've had a discussion. I know you wanted to discuss some other moves, Christine," he said.Holman voted against tabling the motion.Holman said she detailed the case in an email to salary board members.After the public meeting, Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. said the board will "look into all the options, including a full-time ADA."But he wants the meeting first."That's standard operating procedure for all offices," he said.The matter is expected to come up next Wednesday, July 1, when Staudenmeier will have returned.If the full-time position is approved, it can be made retroactive to June 29.