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Wright County considers cutting two secondary‑roads foreman roles; board discusses pay options and training plans
Summary
Wright County’s engineer proposed eliminating two foreman roles in the secondary roads department, offering employees either a pay 'redline' or a reduction with future raises; the board asked for follow-up with HR and staff before any personnel changes.
Wright County’s secondary roads supervisor presented a plan to eliminate two foreman positions — the motor grader foreman and the truck foreman — and redistribute duties among remaining staff to boost efficiency and reduce redundancy.
"We would like to reduce by two foremans being the motor grader foreman and the truck foreman," the presenter said, explaining that technology (daily call sheets, Excel tracking and GPS-linked routing) and closer oversight could allow supervisors to split the foremen duties without daily intermediation. He said the change could yield savings, and outlined two pay approaches for affected employees: keep pay at the current level but withhold future raises (a so‑called "redline"), or lower pay now and restore raises over time once parity is achieved.
Board members asked how much the change would save and how long it would take to restore pay. The presenter answered that, depending on future raises, it could take roughly three to four years to restore pay differentials and cited an estimated savings figure (discussion referenced a calculation in the presentation). Several supervisors pressed on training and succession: who would perform specialized motor‑grader training and how coverage of increased route mileage would be maintained.
The supervisor said training responsibilities would be shared among experienced operators and named staff would perform hands‑on training when new employees arrive. He also outlined fuel logistics and mobile‑technology workflows the department is piloting to direct operators to spot rock and repair locations.
Board members directed the roads supervisor to discuss next steps with HR counsel and to consult with affected employees about pay options before returning with a recommended implementation plan. The board did not vote on a personnel change at this meeting.
The county engineer also reported operational updates: 13 repairs in progress and that the Taylor Avenue bridge deck pour was moved to achieve better temperature and wind conditions for curing; testing of the pour was reported as successful.
