Council authorizes paying 'truck driver in training' at laborer wage until CDL obtained; ledger correction planned

The Steuben County Council authorized the Highway Department to pay a newly hired worker at the laborer beginning salary of $23,317 while the employee trains to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). The arrangement was described as a 'Laborer in training' status that will remain until CDL certification is achieved.

Jennifer Sharkey explained the Highway Superintendent hired an individual into a laborer line and intended to reclassify to truck driver once the employee obtained a CDL; because the payroll had been paid from the laborer line without appropriation, the Auditor will make an internal ledger correction rather than approving a transfer. Linda Hansen moved to authorize the department to pay at the laborer beginning salary until the employee qualifies for the full truck driver wage; Ken Shelton seconded and the motion carried 7–0.

Council also approved two smaller transfers in the MVH fund for $2,000 and $4,000 to cover office records/supplies and seasonal equipment operator pay.