City officials told the South Lebanon City Council on Jan. 2 that staffing in the water department has been restored after a recent vacancy.

City Administrator Jerry and other staff reported that an operator identified in the meeting as Donnie returned to work Monday, and the city has hired Mike Jones as a lead water operator; Jones is scheduled to begin the following Monday. Officials said having multiple certified water operators is important to maintain service continuity.

Why it matters: the city said the staffing changes address a gap that appeared when a prior operator left and the additional lead operator is intended to provide backup coverage and continuity for water and sewer operations.

City Administrator Jerry and meeting participants said the hires should provide more consistent staffing in the water department. The meeting record shows officials acknowledged the operational risk that occurs when a single operator leaves and described the hiring of a lead operator as restoring needed backup. Public works Director Harry Hobert was noted as the official who will provide a fuller public-works update at a future meeting.

No formal council action (ordinance or contract award) was recorded in the transcript for the hires during the Jan. 2 meeting; staff indicated hires are in place or imminent and that routine personnel hiring processes are underway.