Kingsland Hires New Sewer, Water Operators; Gives Raises

KINGSLAND - The Kingsland City Council approved two new hires and gave raises to two others during its regular monthly meeting last Thursday night at Kingsland City Hall.Both new hires were related to the city’s water and wastewater operations. All three city council members at the meeting - Sandra Laws, Lee Penister and Karen Wiscaver - approved Mayor Sharon Crosby’s recommendation to hire Joe Freyer to serve as the city’s wastewater operator for a salary of $30,000. Freyer, who is the full-time utilities director for the City of Rison, has been assisting the City of Kingsland with its wastewater treatment plant over the past year. Freyer carries licenses as both a water and wastewater operator. Crosby said he brings the expertise and experience needed to oversee the city’s wastewater treatment plant.In addition, the council also approved hiring Noah Gavin as the city’s water operator once the current water operator, Kaleb Parker, leaves the position next August. Like Freyer, Parker has been assisting the city on a part-time basis. He is the full-time water operator for the West Saline Water Users Association.Crosby explained that Gavin has been assisting Parker with the water operations over the pastr few months, and has expressed an interest in taking over after Parker leaves. The offer was to provide Gavin with the training to get his water operator’s license, and in return, Gavin would commit to serve as the city water operator for three years. Should he fail to complete the training or leave before the three years is up, Crosby said he would have to reimburse the city for any expenses related to his operator training.Gavin’s hire was also approved by a 3-0 council vote.Freyer and Gavin’s hires will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.In addition, Crosby also recommended giving raises to both office managers for the city.She recommended raising the monthly salary for Wendy James, the...