Councillors raise concerns about DPW staffing and wages; committee suggests bringing issue to council president

Councillor Rothenberg raised a request at the Feb. 18 City Services Committee meeting to use the subcommittee’s oversight role to review staffing levels and wages at the Department of Public Works, saying low wages may be contributing to persistent vacancies and operational strain.

Rothenberg said she wanted an operational review that would examine how staffing is used, how vacancies affect operations and how Northampton compares to neighboring jurisdictions that are recruiting successfully. She said, “I’m concerned about the wages. I’m concerned that they're too low to attract people to fill the vacancies,” and asked for more detailed information and comparisons.

Committee members discussed the issue but did not take formal action. Councillor Moulton noted prior comments from Director LaScala that municipalities have difficulty competing with the private sector for wages and that pay scales are set through bargaining with unions. Councillor LaBarge and others described ongoing recruitment and retention challenges at DPW and suggested the problem is not unique to Northampton.

Committee members recommended that Rothenberg take the idea to Council President Jarrett to determine an appropriate forum for a fuller discussion, such as a City Council presentation. No motion, referral or formal assignment to staff was recorded at the meeting.

The discussion reflected operational concerns in services such as plowing and other seasonal work; councillors described retirements and resignations as contributing to the staffing shortage. The committee set no deadline or next steps beyond the suggestion to consult City Council leadership.