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WEIRTON -- The search for a new director for Weirton's water system is under way.
The Weirton Area Water Board convened in a special session Wednesday, approving a draft job description and agreeing to begin advertising to fill the position. The move comes following the announcement last week by Utilities Director A.D. "Butch" Mastrantoni of his plans to retire Oct. 16.
While full details from the description were not immediately available, Mastrantoni and Brian Kuntz, the board's accountant, had established a proposed salary range of $85,000 to $95,000.
Some on the board, though, questioned whether such a range was suitable.
"Is that going to be enough to draw somebody in?" asked board member Bob Kolanko.
Mastrantoni noted Steubenville's water director has a salary of approximately $92,000 to oversee a 6 million-gallon-per-day facility, with Weirton in the process of transitioning to an 8 MGD operation. He also explained the salary range is different from his current rate, as the current plan appears to be for the Water Board and Sanitary Board to have separate directors, as opposed to one individual overseeing both operations.
"It keeps you competitive with Steubenville," Kuntz said, noting there also was the potential for the Water Board to save $20,000.
Such a move also would mean no need for the two boards to have assistant directors, it was reported.
"Butch was splitting his time up, so he needed assistants," board legal counsel Dan Guida said, though he reiterated he is not certain which direction the Weirton Sanitary Board may go for its oversight.
It was noted a preference would be for the individual to have a Class IV operator's license, with a mixture of both technical and managerial experience.
Board member Joe Paolo requested a requirement for the manager to present financial information in relation to the operations of the water system on a monthly basis also be included in the list of responsibilities.
Advertisements for the position would be placed through local newspapers, the Water Board's website, as well as West Virginia Rural Water and the American Water Works Association.
Advertisements could begin by Sept. 14, with applications potentially accepted through the end of September.
Current plans are to have a completed job description and the advertisement ready by the board's regular meeting at noon Sept. 10. At that time, additional discussion will be held on any potential need for an interim director, as well as the designation of a search committee to review applications.
"It's tight, but it's fair," Paolo said. "I think it's a great starting point."