Board approves solid‑waste and road superintendent positions; funding comes from enterprise funds, not general fund

Mariposa County supervisors on Oct. 7 approved consent agenda items that add two full‑time permanent maintenance worker allocations to the Public Works solid‑waste division and reinstate one full‑time public‑works road superintendent allocation.

Public Works Director Shannon Hansen told the board staffing in the solid‑waste operation has fallen from roughly 13–15 employees at full capacity to about eight and that the county has been out of compliance with state requirements for facility closure and e‑waste handling. Hansen said the county previously shortened landfill hours to gain time for required closure procedures but needs added staff to meet state rules.

Hansen and the CAO clarified that the two solid‑waste positions and the road superintendent position are not charged to the county general fund; the costs will be covered by the solid‑waste enterprise fund and other non‑general‑fund sources. The board emphasized that the road superintendent role is critical for inspections and for pursuing road grant funding.

Supervisor Poe asked whether the positions represented an expansion of government; staff replied the roles were previously approved and are intended to restore essential operations. The consent agenda passed 5‑0.

Board members and staff said the hires are intended to bring the county back into regulatory compliance and to improve grant‑seeking capacity for roads.