(KLZA) The Falls City, City Council Monday night voted 5-2 to give permission to advertise for the hiring of two linemen for the Utility Department as recommended by the Board of Public Works.
Utility Superintendent Alan Romine noted that there are a number of employees who are either currently eligible to retire, or will be in the near future.
Questions about how this would affect the electric department budget and the hiring freeze currently in place led to Councilman Kirby Roubidoux making a motion to table until a budget was submitted and the hiring freeze was further discussed. That motion died for lack of a second.
The motion to approve passed with Roubidoux and Council member Mike Dougherty casting nay votes. Council member Judy Murphy was absent.
Romine estimated the cost including benefits to hire a lineman would be $73,000- $80,000 depending on the insurance package.
City Administrator Gary Jorn said he feels it may be time to lift the hiring freeze.
EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer provided the first quarter report on economic development. Cromer began by talking about the bad news that AMES True Temper was going to be closing the companies Falls City facility.
On a brighter note, Cromer says the Wilderness Falls housing facility is now full and there is hope to expand the project.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Holton property search concludes with arrest
RELATED STORIES
City and County to discuss combined dispatch center
Waterfall project approved by Falls City Council
Falls City Council denies truck parking request
Falls City Council organizes for 2020
Falls City making progress on nuisance properties
Neighbors bring complaints to City Council
Falls City Council updated on park projects
Falls City utility rate increases gain first round approval