The Linn County Commission has promoted the north shop foreman to the newly created position of road operations director. (Journal file photo)
By Charlene Sims, info@linncountyjournal.com
MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commissioners approved hiring Jesse Walton for the new position of Road Operations Director at their meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, for an hourly wage of $27.02.
Walton has been the road foreman for the county’s north shop since November 2023. As road operations manager, he will take over direct supervision of the road crews in both the north and south shops from Public Works Director Shaun West.
West supervises the economic development director, planning and zoning director, noxious weed department, solid waste landfill, public works department, and he works with the county’s engineering firm on road and bridge repairs and replacements, including purchasing easements.
At present, West is handling economic development issues since no replacement has been hired for former director Jessica Hightower. He also will be approving building permits, handling code violations and working on planning and zoning issues because Planning and Zoning Director, Darin Wilson turned in his resignation effective Friday, Nov. 1.
Commissioners have fielded many complaints about the roads in the southern part of the county, particularly since flooding occurred last spring. While those road issues likely have been a result of employee turnover and training new workers, commissioners have indicated that hiring the road operations director will help address problems.
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