DPW staff in Port Edwards seeks third summer hire; estimates $5,000 budget increase

Ben Tigaroy, of the Department of Public Works, updated the Port Edwards committee on seasonal staffing needs, saying three applicants applied for summer help and that he interviewed two new candidates and found them suitable.

"I think they're both good candidates for summer help," Tigaroy said, and told the board one applicant is returning from last year while two are new. He estimated that hiring three seasonal workers instead of two would increase labor costs by about $5,000 for the Memorial Day–Labor Day period but said he is confident the budget can accommodate the change.

Board members discussed whether a formal motion was required because the hiring fits within the approved budget. One member urged a motion to "make it legal with the spending of money," and Tigaroy volunteered to place the item on the administrative report so the board could take formal action next month.

Tigaroy named one candidate as Ivan Summerhill and said he would present a full cost breakdown and timeline for summer maintenance projects at the April or May meeting. The committee did not take a final vote on hires during the session; staff were directed to bring a motion to the board for formal approval.

The committee praised public-works crews for recent storm response and said approving clear, documented hiring actions would help retain seasonal staff and ensure operational continuity.

The committee is expected to consider a formal motion authorizing the hires at the next meeting.