Public Works approves staffing fills and buys new excavator; staff say reclassification saves money

County highway staff reported personnel turnover and sought committee approvals to refill positions and purchase equipment during the Aug. 20 Public Works meeting. Personnel: staff said one administrative assistant transferred to another county department, two motor equipment operators (MEOs) resigned, one employee is on workers' compensation, and the auto mechanic left for a facilities job. The committee voted to authorize filling an administrative assistant position and several motor equipment operator vacancies. Reclassification: staff proposed abolishing one vacant MEO2 position (2025-13a, base salary cited) and creating a motor equipment operator 1 position at a lower salary, which staff said would generate approximately $3,000 in savings. The presenter described prior reorganizations dating to the COVID-era elimination of certain state-run slots and the county's effort to rebalance motor-one and motor-two positions. Seasonal and mechanic positions: the committee approved creation and filling of six seasonal labor positions and authorization to fill a vacant budgeted auto mechanic position. Equipment: the committee approved purchase of a 2025 Volvo EW R150 wheel excavator from Ultra Construction Equipment off a sourcewell contract for approximately $180,000. Staff discussed the decision not to buy previously-demoed electric models and noted trade-in proceeds on a JCB of about $89,000 to $90,000. Why it matters: staffing levels and equipment choices affect road maintenance capacity and budget; the reclassification was presented as a small recurring savings and part of a multi-year workforce adjustment. Action and outcome: motions to authorize the fills and the equipment purchase were made, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.