County board adds a second maintenance helper for solid‑waste sites, funded from enterprise fund

The St. Louis County Board voted to add a one‑time building maintenance helper position to Environmental Services to support the county's 21 drop‑off and transfer stations and related facilities.

Administrator Kevin Gray told the board the new hybrid position will help ensure consistent upkeep across facilities and act as a filler when geographic staffing challenges arise. "This person isn't assigned to a specific site...given the geography, we've had one person in this position historically," Gray said, noting the new role will improve coverage at remote sites.

Commissioner Grim acknowledged the need but asked for detail on funding. Administration replied the position will be funded from the Environmental Services enterprise (solid‑waste) fund — a self‑sustaining fund supported by tipping fees, drop‑off charges and other enterprise revenue — and will not draw on the county levy.

Board members emphasized recruiting regional applicants because some assignments will require significant travel. Supporters said the department operates more sites than many neighboring counties and that adding this position is an efficiency step while other staffing gaps are addressed.

The motion to add the position carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The position is intended to stabilize operations at multiple remote solid‑waste sites that serve residents across the county; staffing shortfalls have left some sites open or inconsistently managed, which residents and township supervisors raised during the meeting.

What's next: Human resources and Environmental Services will proceed with posting and recruiting for the role; the board encouraged local applicants and reiterated the intent to fill the position with regional candidates when possible.