Oliver County to convert temporary road operator to full-time as part of succession plan

Oliver County commissioners approved a plan to convert a current temporary road operator to full-time employment as part of succession planning ahead of the anticipated retirement of a senior operator.

Road superintendent (Speaker 7) told the commission that Marv plans to retire in the spring and proposed hiring one of the temporary employees full time and training them on the county blade and other duties. The temporary worker discussed by staff is Courtney Shute; the plan requires that the employee obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and certification to spray, after which the pay would increase roughly one dollar an hour (from $28 to $29), according to staff.

Commissioners supported the recommendation, noting the importance of training while the retiring employee is still available to mentor. Commissioner (Speaker 1) moved to proceed and the motion carried by voice vote. Staff confirmed the hire would include regular probation procedures and that benefits would apply once the employee is full-time.