Trousdale public works flags $21,115 truck repair and asks for modest budget increases amid staffing shortfall

Trousdale County’s public‑works director reported a major vehicle repair and pressed trustees for modest budget increases and staffing help.

Cliff told the board a transmission cooler rupture on a 2016 Western Star will likely require a new transmission, estimating the repair at $21,115.13. “The total for that transmission is $21,115.13,” he said, adding the department has that amount on hand for this repair but lacks funding for the rest of the year’s needs.

He proposed adopting test‑strips to check transmission fluid regularly to catch contamination early and reduce future failures. Cliff said routine purchases this year will likely be last year’s spending plus $3,000–$5,000 for tires and that he would prefer gradual pay adjustments for staff—but noted county pay increases are typically decided at budget time and applied broadly rather than by department.

Trustees discussed short‑term options for mowing and seasonal help; Cliff said state program hires provided useful temporary labor in the past. Commissioners warned about singling out one department for raises, which can prompt requests from other departments and argued raises must be handled equitably at budget time. Miss Thomas (county staff) acknowledged the county’s 2021 wage study is outdated and recommended a comprehensive review.

What this means: The immediate cost requirement is the truck repair; the board did not adopt an emergency funding motion in the transcript but acknowledged the department may return with formal requests. Staffers plan routine testing and will monitor vehicle reliability to avoid repeat failures.

Next steps: Cliff may return with a formal budget request; the department will implement routine fluid testing and monitor costs throughout the year.