Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Clerk Bob Poirier reads information from the township's fiscal year to date at Thursday's Lake Linden Village Council meeting. The council selected Michele Judnich as treasurer.

LAKE LINDEN — Lake Linden approved hiring a new treasurer Thursday to replace its outgoing one of 10 years.

The council chose Michele Judnich for the part-time position. She will replace Jill DuMonthier, who is leaving in December to work at her son’s optometrist practice.

Sixteen people applied for the position. Clerk Bob Poirier and DuMonthier decided on five to interview, reducing those to a final group of three.

“Michelle has an education in accounting and a work history that involves office administration and customer service, which is essentially what we’re working for,” Poirier said. “The other two were excellent as well, but we both think she’d be best for the job.”

The council approved a $13-an-hour salary, with a 90-day probationary period. At that time, Poirier said, the council can discuss a final salary.

Poirier said Judnich will come in at the end of the month to work with DuMonthier. Councilman James Aittama thanked Poirier for the rigorous process of advertising, interviewing and recommending.

“Nobody anywhere can say this wasn’t fair and impartial,” he said.