This story will be updated
MADAWASKA, Maine – The town is scrambling to replace half of its public works employees after three workers, including the public works director, quit last month.
Two other workers had left previously and their jobs have not been filled. The five vacancies resulted in town officials on Tuesday approving a $5 an hour raise throughout the department to retain the remaining five full-time workers while attracting new employees to fill the vacant positions. The board also approved providing workers with an additional $3 an hour for overtime.
Public Works Director Kevin Dube and two full-time employees resigned in late November. Town Manager Gary Picard declined to comment on the reasons they left. It could not immediately be determined under what circumstances the previous two workers left.
Corey Morin, a seasonal public works employee, spoke about workers’ concerns during the meeting Tuesday night.
“I don’t think it’s just money,” he said. “I think it’s money backed with action and appreciation. If somebody comes up and says ‘I see you. I appreciate you. Thank you for coming in.’ That’s all it is. I don’t need donuts or pizza. I don’t need a pat on that back. Just ‘thanks for coming in.’ We all get lost in our work, but it’s just nice to hear.”
Your donation, in any amount, can help sustain the BDN’s civic news mission. Learn more about why we are asking for reader support.
Morin said afterward that the board’s decision was a step in the right direction.
“Obviously nothing’s perfect,” he said, “but it was nice to see people working together instead of being divided.”
There are now openings for a shop foreman, two openings for a mechanic and equipment operator, one opening for equipment operator and an opening for the public works director.
Although the town has already set the budget and mill rate, it is legally able to spend an additional 15 percent if the amount appropriated is not enough to repair or maintain the roads, according to state law. Picard said, given the current situation, failing to spend additional money on the department could result in more resignations and also make it harder to recruit new workers.
The raises are effective immediately and will affect the latter half of the 2023-24 budget.