Residents and council question water/sewer staffing and lab coverage after flooding

Residents raised repeated concerns about water and sewer staffing, lab responsibilities and short-term coverage during the June 1 Lebanon City council committees meeting. Speakers asked who will perform daily lab work and water sampling after staffing changes, and warned that part-time or temporary hires could increase costs and risk to service continuity.

A resident who identified long-term reliance on the current lab operator said, "Lab work is what Kevin Hos has been doing for the last 20 years." The resident asked the committee to clarify whether contractors or new part-time employees will perform the licensed sampling and whether the licensed operator will be contracted to sign off on results.

Another public commenter said the proposed temporary hires and new public-works contractors raised safety worries. "Do you realize that's our drinking water that they're messing with? Like, we're going to have inexperienced sewer members now," the commenter said, urging the council to publish an updated budget and explain pay rates and terms.

Council members said they would follow up with staff and contractors to clarify who will carry out lab work and how contract coverage would operate while recruiting or training replacements. One committee member said the Elmer contract language suggests some coverage will be provided by the contractor, and members asked staff to confirm roles and costs.

Residents also asked whether a wet well replacement had been ordered after reports of basement flooding; the committee did not provide a definitive procurement status during the meeting and asked staff to follow up.