Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

City considers in-house engineer

Sundance has appointed Trihydro as its city engineer since 2012, when the position was created, but the city is now wondering if it would benefit from an in-house employee instead.

Public Works Director Mac Erickson and Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz informed the council last week that one member of the public works department will soon be leaving. This led to a conversation about replacing the employee and perhaps changing their job description in the process, said Lenz.

The new employee would be asked to multi-task, said Erickson, acting both as a member of the city maintenance crew and a hands-on engineer. The person chosen for the role would therefore need to perform all the duties of the city engineer, such as putting together estimates for grant applications and providing oversight for city projects, while also contributing to the overall functions of the public works department.

“It could be a plethora of things that they do,” said Kathy, “But like Mac said, he still needs that hands-on person.”

The suggestion has nothing to do with Trihydro, Lenz stressed. The current city engineers have brought an awful lot of resources to the table and the city would want to maintain a relationship with the firm.

Trihydro was not appointed as the city engineer during the annual January appointments. Instead, Karla Greaser of Trihydro has agreed to work on a month-to-month basis for $2000 per month while the city explores its options.

Said Lenz, the city intends to throw the possibility out there and see if there is someone willing and able to take on the joint role. Greaser commented that Trihydro ultimately wants what is best for the city and is willing to assist in whatever way needed with the hiring process.