County OKs Several DPW Rehires as Public Works Director Warns of Hiring Challenges

Allegany County legislators approved several requests to refill Department of Public Works positions, including a motor equipment operator and laborer vacancies, and authorized hiring steps tied to resignations and retirements.

Department of Public Works staff said recruiting remains difficult. The director said that although some hires had recently filled seats, the department expected additional vacancies next month due to retirements and resignations; staff reported one resignation the prior day and said pay differences with surrounding towns are a factor in turnover.

“...it's $4.05, $6 less than towns,” staff said, noting that pay and benefits differences — including co-pay arrangements for health insurance — were driving departures to municipal employers. Staff said the county had approved eight laborer positions in the prior year and was now requesting permission to fill a laborer posting that had remained vacant for more than a year so that a strong candidate could be hired.

The board approved the fill requests by voice vote. Commissioners asked about overall hiring trends; staff said the positions most difficult to fill are motor equipment operators and truck drivers. No salary adjustments were approved at the meeting; staff indicated the issue requires further discussion as part of broader human-resources and budgeting work.