The Wales Town Board is considering combining the offices of tax collector and town clerk.

Councilwoman Jude Hatrich on Tuesday was was assigned the task of researching other similar size towns to find out what the cost savings would be by combining the two offices and eliminating the job of tax collector.

Orchard Park and Evans are among the towns where residents have voted to combine the two jobs.

Her research will include additional costs factored in, such as salary increases for the new postion for overseeing the additional department and possible additional duties for current clerks.

In late December, Shirley Schiltz resigned as tax collector. The board appointed Melinda Eaton to fill the position through 2010.

If the board decides to merge the two positions, it can be accomplished either by a public vote or by board action subject to a permissive referendum — the vote would be binding unless a petition is submitted by residents calling for a public vote.

In other business this week:

Town Attorney Ron Bennett told the board a proposed intermunicipal agreement among Elma, Marilla and Wales on sharing sports services at the Creek Road Park needs to be tightened.

Councilman Gerald Klinck said the town should revise its law regarding wind energy conversion systems. The law, adopted by Wales in 1993, calls for the systems to be a minimum of 2,650 feet from any dwelling, regardless of the zoning district in which the dwelling exists.