Bannock County to advertise mechanic III post; staff to explore donating surplus generator

Public works officials briefed the Board of Commissioners on staffing and surplus equipment needs on Dec. 30, and commissioners approved a motion to advertise for a mechanic III to address experienced‑staff shortages in the county shop.

Buddy Ramrell, public works assistant director, and Jason Murdock, shop supervisor, said a mechanic II resigned in August and the workshop has lost experienced technicians. They recommended advertising for a mechanic III (a higher pay grade) to recruit heavy‑equipment and electrical technicians. Ramrell said advertising at the higher grade would still fit within the current year’s budgeted dollars and could save about $1,200 annually if hired at the bottom of grade 12. Commissioners probed the potential for internal applicants, training needs and a ripple effect on other positions if staff are promoted.

Adam Kinney, chief technical officer, also asked the commission to consider donating a 25‑year‑old generator (purchased by Bannock County 9‑1‑1 for the Chubbuck Police Department and stored at Road & Bridge) to Oneida County or McCammon. Kinney said the unit has been idle for roughly four years and would be offered “as is,” with the recipient responsible for pickup and re‑connection. Commissioners asked staff to first consult McCammon and Oneida and to select among several stored units the best fit for any donation.

A motion to post the mechanic III position at the recommended level was made and approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.