The Star City Public Works Department is picking up the slack left by the West Virginia Division of Highways when it comes to the town’s roadways.
A municipal street listing document provided by Star City Treasurer Lea Hassler indicated the town’s public works department is responsible for 8.24 miles of road in the city, amounting to a total of 34 two-way streets.
Star City has 12 public works employees on payroll.
Two of those employees work at a rate of $10 per hour. Both receive vacation/sick time and medical insurance. One receives retirement benefits.
Two employees work at a rate of $12 per hour. Both receive vacation/sick time, one receives medical insurance and one receives retirement benefits.
An additional eight employees work at eight different per hour rates: $26.12, $11.40, $18.62, $11.27, $13, $19.16, $11.23 and $12.27.
All additional eight employees receive vacation/sick time, medical insurance and retirement benefits.
Star City Mayor Herman Reid commented on the versatility of the town’s public works department.
“[They do] anything we ask them to do,” Reid said.
This includes providing sewer clean-up, snow removal, garbage collection, municipal equipment and vehicle maintenance and help for citizens in need.
Public works employees also work on special projects for the town and provide parks and recreation maintenance.
The total 2020-21 budgeted revenue for Star City amounted to $3,169,849; the revised budget totaled $3,060,408.
Of the revised budget total, $112,000 was allotted for municipal service fees and $500 was allotted for parks and recreation.
Reid said public works employees work in all weather conditions – whether they be adverse or pleasant – to serve their community.
“They’re the lifeline of Star City. They’re the ones on the front lines. Star City Public Works is different than anywhere else in West Virginia because they really care,” Reid said.
Tweet @DominionPostWV
