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Bellingham parks director outlines seasonal staffing, seeks year‑round hire
Summary
DPW director Jesse Ryder told the parks commission the department has four part‑time parks staff and one mechanic, with seven seasonal candidates ready. He said FY27 park salaries are recommended at $90,000 and the department still seeks a year‑round 40‑hour position.
Jesse Ryder, DPW director, told the Bellingham Parks Commission the department currently counts four part‑time parks employees and a part‑time mechanic, plus one stormwater‑funded seasonal worker. “We currently have four individuals staffed by parks alone,” Ryder said, adding that the mechanic prepares equipment “for the start of the season” and supports repairs during the year.
Ryder said the department has seven additional seasonal candidates ready to begin when school schedules allow. “We’ve got, uh, a decent number of confirmed candidates,” he said, describing a mix of returning workers and new hires. He also named existing staff: Dominic Nele, Eric Gearhart, Robert (Bob) Cronin and Roger (a part‑time mechanic), and clarified that Joe Bernazi is an additional parks‑connected DPW employee who supports daily operations.
On budget, Ryder said the FY27 recommended parks salaries line is $90,000 (account 630630), down from a previously referenced $131,000. “Recommended going forward … is 90,000,” he said, and noted the department still hopes to fill a year‑round 40‑hour position to provide consistent coverage beyond the seasonal hires.
Commission members and Ryder discussed recruitment challenges for a permanent parks position and options to bridge gaps at the beginning of the season, including short‑term contracted services or temporarily reassigning DPW staff. Ryder said the town has benefitted from full‑time DPW employees with institutional knowledge stepping in when available.
The commission did not take a formal vote on hiring or salary increases at the meeting; Ryder said staffing plans and operational lessons from the coming season will inform fee and budget recommendations for next year.
