Though Mahoning Township’s board of supervisors decided to table a decision on hiring a plow truck and driver, they did make some moves to bolster their own supply of winter-weather employees.

The supervisors contacted several local agencies recently to contract a driver and truck for around 150 hours of plowing service over the course of the winter, but only one business provided an estimate.

The board decided to table the discussion, with some suggestions including lowering the amount of hours in the quote and doling out more hours to part-time CDL drivers employed by the borough.

The board members opted to increase the hourly wage for CDL truck drivers who plow part time for the borough to $18 per hour, a sizable jump from the recent increase to $15.50 per hour that passed earlier this year. Vice Chairman John Wieczorek and Supervisor Robert Slaw agreed that CDL drivers have enough good-paying job opportunities that they would not bother with the borough for a rate as low as $15.50 per hour.

In addition, the board also decided to advertise for part-time CDL plow truck drivers at the new rate. Board members did specify that there is no minimum number of hours per pay period, and that workers will be called upon when needed.

In other business

The board adopted new minimum monthly obligations for 2018. Resolution 2017-17, covering the pension contribution requirement for nonuniformed employees, was passed with a minimum municipal obligation of $19,635. Resolution 2017-18, covering the pension contribution for police, was passed for $80,738.

The board approved a motion listing items for the township’s upcoming COG sale. Some of the items up for sales will include a 1994 white GMC dump truck, which is on display at the township building, a used guide rail, used truck tires and rims, and more.

As per a request by the road committee, the board approved overtime pay for two employees to engage in training on a dump truck. The road Committee also approved the purchase of new stop signs, as Supervisor Bruce Steigerwalt said that refacing the old signs was more expensive.