Dell Rapids announces hire for vacant public‑works position after multi‑year vacancy

City staff announced the hiring of a new public‑works employee after a recruitment that spanned several years.

Clarence, who described himself as the staff member who—d been managing the vacancy, said the new hire—s name is Andrew Price and that "he verbally accepted pending because of approval." Clarence said the candidate is from town and that the position lacked applicants with a commercial driver—s license (CDL) and extensive experience; Clarence described Price as a "good young kid" and said he should fit in well.

Council members asked whether other applicants applied after the city raised the starting pay; Clarence said the successful candidate was local and that others lacked CDL or experience. Several council members commented that filling the vacancy after nearly three years was "exciting."

Staff did not record a formal council vote in the transcript about the hire; the discussion in the meeting was an announcement and clarification about the candidate and recruitment history. The transcript indicates the hire remains pending the city—s standard onboarding and final approvals.

Staff also noted operational details tied to staffing levels for upcoming large events at the Riverside facility and that city staff would be the first contact for audiovisual issues during events. The council did not take a separate formal action on event staffing in the recorded discussion.