Council votes to reinstate water superintendent and approve $124,181 budget amendment

LaDonna Snellbaker, the town’s director of administration, told the council the town needs a reinstated water superintendent to provide leadership, regulatory oversight and a single point of accountability for operations.

"This evening, we are here to ask for the reinstatement of the water superintendent position and approval of the budget amendment," Snellbaker said during the presentation requesting $124,181 in prorated salary and benefits to fund the role through the fiscal year.

Jason Tiddowick, who presented alongside Snellbaker as department head, said emerging regulatory demands and staffing losses make the role necessary. "PFAS is right here," he said, naming a contaminant and regulatory issue the town must track, and adding the superintendent would help lead compliance, training and capital planning.

Council members debated whether to hire a temporary consultant or reinstate the permanent position. Supporters said licensed operators and aging infrastructure leave little operational margin. One council member called the request "a no-brainer" for public health and safety, and another said cutting the role during budget season had predictable consequences.

Council moved and seconded a motion to unfreeze one FTE and approve budget amendment 26-006 in the amount of $124,181. The council adopted the motion by roll call: all present voted yes. The motion includes authority for the director of human resources to proceed with posting and hiring according to the posted qualifications.

The reinstated position is expected to support regulatory reporting, operator scheduling, grant identification and capital planning; staff said the role can be filled in time for November start dates if recruitment is successful.