In a press release issued late last week the Village of Burns Lake announced that Jeff Ragsdale has now been hired to fill the advertised position of a full time development services coordinator.
There were five applicants in total for the position.
Council made way for the hiring of a full time sustainability/development services coordinator during recent budget talks and proposed a tax increase to raise the $80,000 needed to cover the position’s wage, however Sheryl Worthing, village director of finance and soon to be new village chief administrative officer said that Ragsdale will not be paid an $80,000 wage.
"The $80,000 figure is the budgeted figure for the position, this figure includes wages, benefits and other costs associated with this position," she said.
Ragsdale, who has been working on a part time contract basis for the village for over a year under the sustainability coordinator title will now be employed in a full time capacity.
He was also previously employed at the Burns Lake Community Forest as a geographic information system (GIS) analyst and his work there included GIS forestry mapping, digital submissions for approvals and reporting as well as information technology support.
He will be responsible for the continuing development of a community heating initiative as well managing development projects, completing planning and service improvements.
The press release states that Ragsdale has provided excellent project management and mapping assistance during his contract work for the village and he is heavily involved in phase one of a bio mass heating project at the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena.
"We are pleased that we were able to hire a local resident for this position," said mayor Bernice Magee.
Ragsdale's duties will also encompass some of those that were part the director of engineering and public works position held by previous employee, Paul Carver.
"At this time the director of engineering position will not be filled and village staff members will continue to work together to complete all of the duties that the position covered," mayor Magee said.
Lakes District News asked Worthing if Ragsdale's previous experience, as well as village staff experience will cover the loss of a director of engineering at the village.
Worthing replied, "Jeff’s previous experience will certainly be an asset and will be utilized to the maximum."
Lakes District News also asked Worthing, if not hiring a new engineering director will provide some relief to the 2011 budget as the wage, reported to be $75,678 in 2009, will no longer be applicable to the 2011 budget.
She responded by saying, "There have been many changes in the past months. It will take time to determine how to replace these positions. When the budget is finalized in May we will have more accurate figures."
The recreation director position is also vacant due to the recent resignation of Dan Deschamps. His resignation is effective March 21, 2011, however the position has been advertised and submissions closed on Jan. 14.
Village officials say interviews are being conducted for the position. Council and staff hope to have the position filled and in place by the end of February 2011.