Murphysboro council approves short-term summer hire and seeks volunteer partners for water maintenance

The Murphysboro City Council authorized a short-term hire to assist the water maintenance department over the summer and discussed coordinating volunteer support from churches and community groups.

Council members outlined options: a part-time hire for roughly 15–20 hours per week over a limited number of weeks, supervised by Public Works staff, and community volunteers who could assist with painting and non-driving tasks. One council member proposed an example scenario of $15 per hour for 20 hours a week for six weeks as a cost illustration.

After discussion about age limits, supervision, payroll and budget planning, the council moved and voted to approve hiring summer help; members agreed staff would refine hours and duration and the payroll approach.

What happens next: Public Works staff will recruit or coordinate with community groups and present a final hire recommendation and schedule for administrative follow-up.