Lebanon City council approves posting for two temporary water and sewer positions at $17 an hour

The Lebanon City Council voted to post two temporary water and sewer positions at $17 per hour, with council members agreeing the posting could be amended later to increase pay or create a temp‑to‑hire path.

The item was introduced as new business and framed as an urgent staffing need for the city’s water and sewer operations. Council members and staff said the department needs immediate help for tasks including pumping, confined‑space work and equipment operation, and emphasized required qualifications such as a high‑school diploma and the ability to lift 75 pounds.

Council members debated whether to use the existing seasonal/part‑time ordinance, which sets the current $17/hour rate, or to amend the ordinance so the city could offer higher pay (suggestions ranged to $25 or higher). Several members recommended posting immediately at the current $17 rate to begin collecting applications while pursuing an amendment; others cautioned that changing the ordinance could affect recently hired part‑time employees under the same ordinance.

Discussion also covered background checks, drug testing and training timelines. Staff said background checks typically take one to two days and drug tests two to three days; council members noted hiring could be moved quickly if a suitable applicant is found and suggested posting one position now and a second later if necessary.

A motion to post two temporary positions at $17/hour with negotiable qualifications and the option to amend pay later passed on a roll call vote. The council instructed staff to post the opening and to work on any ordinance amendment needed to broaden pay or conversion options.

The council moved on to other business after the vote; no further action on the ordinance amendment was adopted at this meeting.