Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse and Onondaga County officials say they are planning an unprecedented move to share resources. The city parks department plans to hire an arborist who would work for both governments and whose salary would be equally paid by the city and county. It’s the first 50-50 split position for the city and county, said Lindsay McCluskey, a...
Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse and Onondaga County officials say they are planning an unprecedented move to share resources. The city parks department plans to hire an arborist who would work for both governments and whose salary would be equally paid by the city and county.
It’s the first 50-50 split position for the city and county, said Lindsay McCluskey, a spokeswoman for Mayor Stephanie Miner.
The idea to share a single staffer for tree care, maintenance and education came about when county officials began doing more green infrastructure projects, said Syracuse Parks Commissioner Pat Driscoll. The city has always had an arborist, and the county has sought help from him occasionally.
“As sustainability and green technology started catching on, we found there were a multitude of city and county projects that required an arborist,” Driscoll said. “It made sense to work out a shared position.”
Syracuse Common Council Monday will vote on a proposal to create the new split position, capped at $75,000, including salary and benefits. The Onondaga County Legislature also would need to approve it.
The city’s former arborist, Brian Liberti, left several months ago to become the arborist in Rochester, his hometown, Driscoll said. Officials have someone in mind for the job, but Driscoll said he wouldn’t disclose the name until the position is created.
Meghan Rubado can be reached at mrubado@syracuse.com or 470-3260.