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Newport approves $10,000 CDL training after council questions rising costs
Summary
After extended discussion about a jump in per-person commercial driver's license training costs and a new 60-hour requirement, the council approved a $10,000 invoice for four street department employees and asked staff to explore training-a-trainer options.
Newport
The Newport City Council voted to approve a $10,000 invoice for commercial driver's license (CDL) training for four street department employees after debate about rising costs and newly imposed state training requirements.
Staff said the per-person training fee had risen from roughly $1,500 to $2,500, producing a $10,000 invoice for four employees. "It was $1,500 a piece, and it went 2,500," said Ben, a street department staff member, describing the price increase. Council members said they were surprised by the change and discussed options to reduce future costs, including training an in-house instructor to avoid recurring outside training fees.
Another speaker noted a change in state training rules that now requires a 60-hour training course before employees can take the CDL test, and that training time and the required driving hours have increased costs. "Now you have to complete a 60 hour training course to even be considered to take the test," the staff member said, outlining the new requirement and progression to the road test.
City administration said the $10,000 invoice exceeded the city administrator's approval limit and therefore required council action; after discussion the council approved the invoice by roll call.
Members directed staff to explore whether the city can certify an internal trainer or otherwise reduce future training expenses and to report back on options.
