Leslie council approves hiring part‑time street worker; budget questions remain

The Leslie City Council voted to hire a part‑time street worker to mow the community center and park, maintain signs and clear culverts, the council discussed at its meeting.

Council members said the position is intended as part time to avoid benefit obligations and recommended starting at roughly 20 hours per week; council members discussed wages ranging from the state minimum up to $15 per hour during debate. The council acknowledged the city has no line item for the position in this year’s budget and may need to amend the budget or cover initial pay through overages or contingency funds approved earlier this year.

A motion to move forward with hiring a part‑time street worker was made and seconded; council discussion included whether the town should provide a wage above minimum and whether the role should be expanded later. Council members agreed the hire should initially be part time and advertised publicly. The motion was seconded by Richard and taken to a vote; the transcript records the motion, a second, and a majority vote to proceed.

Council members stressed they do not currently have a specific candidate and that the position will be advertised. They also reserved the right to revisit hours, wage and whether a budget amendment is required if actual hiring costs exceed current appropriations.

The council did not set a final hourly rate at the meeting and directed staff to post the job and return with cost estimates and a recommended wage and hours for final approval.