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Highway staff may hire mechanics without a Class A CDL if county funds training; committee directs union talks
Summary
LaSalle County’s highway department asked the committee for direction to hire mechanics who lack a Class A CDL and to fund CDL training (about $5,000, eight weeks) with a proposed five‑year clawback if the employee leaves; the committee directed county staff to consult the union and return options.
LaSalle County’s highway department told the Salary & Labor Committee on June 24 that difficulty finding mechanics with a Class A CDL is delaying hires and asked permission to hire candidates who lack the license and provide paid training.
Presenter Megan said the department wants to recruit candidates who can obtain a Class A CDL with county‑funded instruction (an eight‑week course, roughly $5,000). The highway department proposed a five‑year commitment with a reimbursement clause if an employee leaves before the agreed‑upon service period. Committee members debated alternatives including a temporary lower wage while the new hire trains, a multi‑step pay increase after certification, or a clawback to discourage an immediate departure after training.
Members highlighted operational concerns for snow‑plowing season: current job descriptions require mechanics to hold CDLs to ensure sufficient staff can operate plows. Committee members also noted collective‑bargaining implications: changing job qualifications or pay structure for a bargaining‑unit position requires negotiation with the union.
The committee did not adopt a specific policy on hiring or clawbacks that day; instead it directed county staff (Jeremiah) to consult with the laborers’ union, explore options (training pay, reimbursement models, probationary enforcement), and return with negotiating positions. Committee members agreed to convene quickly if union discussions require another meeting before the next full board session.
Next steps: county staff will meet with the union and report back with a recommended approach so the highway department can proceed with filling vacancies without exposing the county to staffing or contractual risk.
