Highway department reports full staffing, mechanic hire pending finance approval

Highway Commissioner Matt reported the Ashland County Highway Department is fully staffed for full‑time positions and that summer help is in place. Matt told the committee applications for a mechanic position closed with three candidates and that finance gave permission to advertise; he said the position requires final approval from executive committee before interviews can proceed. “We have 3 applications. We closed the applications at the end of last week, 1 of which looks real good,” he said. Operational updates included ongoing crack sealing on state highways (including Highway 13 and 77), a mastic project in the Glidden–Butternut area, and culvert inspections and replacements ahead of county paving. The department said it has completed or will complete culvert replacements on several roads prior to planned paving on County GG and other projects. Committee members asked about timing for new hires and whether county crew members would participate in hiring interviews; Matt said he expects to proceed with interviews after required approvals and that shop personnel such as Bob would be involved in the hiring process. No formal motions were made; committee members noted the staffing news and discussed scheduling and project needs to match staff capacity.