Byrian Watts, Manager of the Water, Gas and Sewer Department addressed the City Council about his department’s needs during the Council’s work session Tuesday evening. He presented the Council with quotes for a new backhoe. He said their current backhoe is 20 years old. The other backhoe they had went down and was sold on GovDeals.

Watts told the Council his department has only had one new piece of equipment since 2018 and that was a $48000 mini excavator. He said their trucks are worn out and need to be replaced.

Watts said his employees need to be paid more because they are skilled workers that have to receive upgraded training periodically to continue their certifications. He said he tried to hire 2 additional employees who were certified with the skills needed for the job but they wanted more pay than he could offer.

He went on to say he was frustrated with the situation and the Members of the Council are the ones who can fix the situation.

The Council did say they would have the backhoe purchase on the Agenda of a Council meeting in the near future.

You can listen to Watt’s presentation on the link below: