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Pryor Creek officials weigh replacing aging skid steer, authorize job descriptions to address recruitment and pay
Summary
Street superintendent reported a 2008 skid steer with hydraulic failures that limits key attachments; council authorized staff to draft distinct A/B street operator job descriptions so pay scales can be set to improve recruitment and retention.
Pryor Creek’s street superintendent told council members the department’s oldest skid steer, a 2008 model, is losing hydraulic pressure and can no longer reliably run high‑flow attachments such as the jackhammer and milling head. “It’s got to the point where…the jackhammer doesn’t work on it,” said Street Superintendent Buddy Glenn, describing short runtimes and leaking hydraulics.
Glenn estimated a replacement skid steer could cost in the range of $80,000, with some attachments priced around $17,000; he said the city typically purchases through a vendor that honors state bid pricing. Council members and staff discussed repair costs versus replacement, the limited availability of parts for older machines and the option to trade in or auction the existing unit.
Beyond equipment, councilors and Glenn focused on a longer staffing problem: difficulty hiring and retaining qualified street operators at current starting wages. Glenn said applicants often tell him they cannot afford to take a $17 hourly starting wage. Councilors agreed that clearer job descriptions were needed to differentiate street “A” and “B” operator duties so that pay ranges could be set to match skill levels.
The council voted unanimously to authorize Glenn to work with the mayor to draft job descriptions and a pay scale for street operator positions. Bruce Smith moved the measure and Kenneth Brashier seconded; the motion passed with all council members voting yes.
Why it matters: The condition of heavy equipment affects the city’s ability to handle potholes, storm damage and planned construction; clearer job classifications and pay scales are intended to improve recruitment and reduce reliance on short‑term fixes.
What’s next: Staff will draft job descriptions and return with proposed pay ranges for the budget process so changes can be implemented in the new fiscal year if approved.
