Garrett hires new employee

[LeeStreet]

Garrett's Mayor & board of works hired an ICE student as a lab technician at their water treatment plant. Just what we need, another employee to be paid out of the treatment plant budget, when the rates for many citizens are almost unaffordable. Respect for the citizens of Garrett has gone down the crapper again. Tax & spend.

[Thorman]

Have you actually ever visited the wastewater treatment plant? Do you know how many tests and reports are required by EPA and IDEM? I think that you will be surprised. Take a visit and find out, then badmouth Garrett for their hiring.

[TLC528]

There is nothing wrong with questioning or being frustrated with the current financial situation. The city has hired new employees over the past couple years yet, we are not seeing employees leave meaning the budgets are increasing. My questions would be does the corresponding department budget have room for these new employees, has the department's needs grown to justify this position? (Remembering the City of Garrett is running under the same budget as 2010) Two basic business questions that need to be asked wither it's a company, a municipality, or a restaurant. If the answer is yes then the position is justified. My next question would be who is going to perform these tasks when the ICE program is done. Cities and towns are losing tax base with the new property tax limits, forcing leaner budgets and more frugal spending. This is what the majority of the voters wanted. The public should continue to be involved, and ask questions.

[Thorman]

I agree whole-heartedly with your comments. My only point was to find out the information necessary to have an educated opinion. If one does not actually check to find things out, then all you do is complain for no reason.

[Common-Tater]

There is nothing wrong with questioning or being frustrated with the current financial situation. The city has hired new employees over the past couple years yet, we are not seeing employees leave meaning the budgets are increasing. My questions would be does the corresponding department budget have room for these new employees, has the department's needs grown to justify this position? (Remembering the City of Garrett is running under the same budget as 2010) Two basic business questions that need to be asked wither it's a company, a municipality, or a restaurant. If the answer is yes then the position is justified. My next question would be who is going to perform these tasks when the ICE program is done. Cities and towns are losing tax base with the new property tax limits, forcing leaner budgets and more frugal spending. This is what the majority of the voters wanted. The public should continue to be involved, and ask questions.

What's cheaper? Hiring a new employee or paying fines because audits, tests, and reports arean't being completed?

[TLC528]

What's cheaper? Hiring a new employee or paying fines because audits, tests, and reports arean't being completed?

Obviously it is cheaper to complete the needed items. This answer the question "has the department's needs grown to justify this position". Were we ever in jeopardy of not completing them? Not that I have ever heard. Once the ICE program is complete and the summer help is finished who will complete these test? OR will it be absorbed by the full time employees as it is now. If I remember correctly to perform these tests and fill out the paper work you must go thru classes and be certified, has this happened? My statement was not exclusive to this one part time temporary position. It applies to the other departments that have hired full time employees over the past 12 months. Garrett will be cutting the current budgets, is there room for these employees and IS there a need. I'm only asking questions, not throwing stones or slamming any employee.