Staffing shortages plague Town of Stevensville

by John Dowd

Having difficulty with high turnover rates when it comes to staff, the Town of Stevensville plans to do something about it. According to employees at Stevensville Town Hall, they are going to be focusing more on salary increases, and finding ways to keep people around. One of the top problem positions they mentioned was that of police officer. Although the Stevensville Police Department is currently fully staffed with three full-time officers, Mayor Steve Gibson explained that is the first time in years and it may not stay that way for long.

According to Gibson, this comes down to the fact that officers can go anywhere, even within the county, and get paid more as an officer, often by even $5 or more per hour. Without a competitive salary, he explained that it is hard to keep people around. 

Another problem is in the town’s public works department, which has also seen a lot of employees come and go. The town is already short staffed, having to manage two cemeteries, five parks, water and sewer systems, a fire department, a police department, an airport, finances, justice court, a pool, a splash pad, streets and much more with only 15 employees, some of whom are only part time. 

Gibson mentioned that many of the staff need to wear multiple hats, taking on tasks that are “not in their job descriptions.” He commended his current staff, saying “The mayor only looks good if the people he works with look good.” He spoke about his office staff having to do all of the in-house cleaning, since there is no janitorial staff. “I just dont think people realize what all the people here do,” said Gibson. 

Gibson himself, soon after taking office, docked his own salary by $4,000 a year to help with payroll, and he plans to do so again this year. 

One solution to help increase payroll could come from the local Cannabis Tax. They plan to use this money for the police officer’s payroll. “Some of our salaries come out of our sewer fees,” said Gibson. In these he included the public works. 

The town is still trying to suss out where the rest of the money will come from. However, they are working to keep it from hitting the current taxpayers. “There will always be growth,” said Gibson,” but the growth has to be done in a manner that doesn’t put the burden on the current residents.” He said this referring mostly to the wave of people moving in from out of town, and the burden that will then put on the current infrastructure.  

Gibson spoke more on the need for competitive pay and inflation, saying one of the better things working for town employees is the government benefits. “It’s a real benefit-benefit, and this is something I don’t think people realize,” added Gibson. He mentioned the town has health insurance, sick leave pay, retirement and much more. The town hopes to increase pay and bring more awareness of the benefits in order to draw in more employees. 

Right now, the town is trying to hire two positions within public works, as well as a part-time police clerk and a part-time airport manager. 

Once the town gets a new payroll budget together, they will then need to pass any suggestions by the town council. The council meets twice a month, the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the town hall at 6 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to come to the meetings, though they are also recorded and posted on the town’s Facebook page. Those videos are available when searching Town of Stevensville- Municipal Government on the popular social media site.

Gibson, and the other town employees, explained that they constantly work to keep up transparency. “That’s made a big difference for the public perception, to always be open with what we do at town hall,” said Town Clerk Jenelle Berthoud. She admitted, however, the recent council meetings have seen low citizen attendance.  

For questions, concerns or more information about town council meetings, agenda items or meeting dates, times and policies, locals can call the town at (406) 777-5271.