The Carlton County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a one year trial reorganization of the transportation department.
County Engineer JinYeene Neumann told the commissioners during their regular meeting Monday, June 22, that the reorganization came about due to the county's hiring freeze.
She said she worked with the entire department and the necessary union bodies to shift work around. One person left the department and another is retiring soon. The current hiring freeze prevents her from hiring new employees to fill those positions.
“We are making the best effort to save the county money and prevent layoffs,” Neumann said.
In order to complete the work, a few employees hours shifted from a 37-hour work week to a 40-hour week.
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“There is no way to get all of the work done without adding hours,” said Dennis Genereau, Carlton County Coordinator.
Neumann said the employees will also receive a raise. The department's total annual wages before the reorganization was about $718,608. With the restructuring and the raise, its total will be about $606,686, with an estimated savings of $111,922.
The plan will go into effect immediately.
