SANDPOINT — In an effort to address a backlog of city projects, the Sandpoint City Council unanimously approved hiring additional full-time, year-round employees for the Parks and Recreation Department. 

The previous staffing model was heavily dependent on seasonal employees, Planning and Community Development Director Jason Welker said. However, seasonal employees are difficult to hire or retain.  

Parks buildings and grounds supervisor Colton Fulwiler said the division has largely kept most of its year-round employees, but turnover among seasonal employees is high. 

"We're looking hard, and we're getting new guys every year," said Fulwiler of trying to fill seasonal positions, adding that no seasonal applicants applied last summer. 

The lack of seasonal employees has greatly contributed to deferred maintenance projects in downtown Sandpoint, Welker said. 

"When we can only hire four of our seven seasonals, guess who's out there doing the weed whacking and the mowing? It's the guys who have the carpentry skills and who have the masonry skills," Welker said. 

But with the ability to hire more year-round employees, Welker said those projects will be completed. 

Now, the staffing model that used to allow five year-round employees, and seven seasonal employees will allow seven year-round employees and three seasonal employees. 

The change is nearly budget-neutral, with the Parks division payroll seeing a 1% increase, said Welker. 

Currently, there are five full-time parks and recreation staff members and one supervisor who work year-round. A group of employees that manage a vast amount of the city, including 90 acres of green space, miles of pathways, marinas, 250 public docks, trails throughout town and several facilities, said Welker. 

"This is a team of six that does an enormous amount of work to keep this city running, to keep our pathways clear, to keep our parks clean, our grass mowed, the sports facilities, said Welker. "The Festival at Sandpoint depends on their crew getting that ready." 

Mayor Jeremy Grimm was in favor of the proposal but noted the deduction of four seasonal employee positions could prove difficult in the summer season. 

"I know we've grown. Our park system grows so it's the duality of growth and cost and maintenance," Grimm said.