Though Sharon City Council cut positions and job titles to save money in the 2002 budget, they decided Thursday to hire another wage tax clerk and reinstate captain detective rank in the police department.

Stephanie Nitch, receiver of taxes, said she and another clerk are handling an increased workload now that tax time has rolled around.

"We're overloaded," she said.

There were three clerks in the office but a position was vacated in August, she said.

"It's really been hard," Ms. Nitch said. "It's going to take a while to train somebody."

There is roughly $30,000 in uncollected, overdue wage taxes and $50,000 in wage taxes from other municipalities that could be collected but there is no one to do the work, Ms. Nitch said.

Someone had been hired to begin work in January but council cut the position during budget hearings.

Finance Director Michael Gasparich said money for a clerk -- $14,000 salary and up to $6,000 for insurance -- is still in the budget. He said the money was left in for padding.

That was news to Council President Fred Hoffman, who said he was under the impression the money had been removed along with position.

Councilwoman Chris Outrakis said clerks in the tax fice work hard. "I would like for us to give (Ms. Nitch) some more help," she said.

Council agreed to restore the position. Gasparich said the woman who was supposed to be hired in January will be offered the job again.

Council also voted to reinstate the captain/detective rank in the police department. The rank was also eliminated during budget cuts.

Mayor David O. Ryan said the position will cost the city only an additional $2,179 a year and is necessary for the "chain of command."

Council asked the city solicitor to amend the department complement to include the new position and title.