Fiscal Court authorizes posting four equipment-operator positions as plow-staffing shortages loom

Scott County Fiscal Court authorized the public-works department to post four equipment-operator positions to shore up winter snow-removal capacity after supervisors said several experienced plow drivers are leaving.

Public-works staff reported the county has 5,000 tons of salt in its barn and about 75% of its plow trucks equipped for use. Officials said the department has been converting new trucks and fitting brackets and that site-preparation work is largely complete. But the department told the court it recently lost one plow driver and anticipated losing two more next week and one to retirement in November, leaving multiple primary plow routes understaffed.

A magistrate moved to authorize posting four equipment-operator positions; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Officials emphasized that hiring requires training because a CDL alone does not qualify a driver to safely operate a 50,000-pound vehicle with a large plow blade on narrow county roads.

Court members discussed provisional hiring and workforce retention; staff said they would post and begin recruiting and training to restore approved staffing levels in the budget.