BERNARDSTON — Gary Wetherby is set to retire from his position as the Bernardston highway superintendent after 13 years, and will be replaced by Warwick resident Brian Miner, the Selectboard announced Dec. 4.
In the most recent Bernardston town newsletter, the Selectboard wrote that Wetherby “was instrumental to the successful completion of many projects in town. His can-do spirit, his knowledge and expertise were a solid asset to the town. We thank him for his efforts over the years and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Wetherby will retire from the role as highway superintendent, coupled with the role of transfer station supervisor, on Dec. 27. Miner will fill both roles. Miner said he is preparing for a smooth transition as Wetherby has stayed on temporarily to provide guidance over the next few weeks.
“Gary did a wonderful job getting stuff ready before I started,” Miner said. “I’ve stepped into a department that’s been well managed over the years. I just need to keep the ball rolling.”
The Selectboard spoke with Miner during its meeting on Dec. 4. Selectboard Chair Robert Raymond said the board reviewed four applications for the position. Ultimately, it felt that Miner was well qualified for the role.
Miner has previously worked for the Warwick Highway Department, and was most recently employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst road crew, according to Raymond. Miner said he worked with Wetherby to familiarize himself with the responsibilities of the superintendent’s job.
Requests for further comment from Wetherby were not returned by press time.
Two other members of the Highway Department also announced their resignations. According to Raymond, the Highway Department typically has three full-time employees, two workers and the superintendent.
The Selectboard entertained a discussion with Miner about the difficulty of finding employees during the latest Selectboard meeting. Raymond noted it’s difficult to find employees in part because there is a low unemployment rate for the field at this time of year. Miner and the Selectboard agreed that increasing hourly rates might help draw applicants. Raymond said the town is now hiring at a starting rate of $20 to $22 an hour, while the rate was originally $17 to $19 an hour.
Since then, the department has hired two new members who will start in the next couple of weeks. Miner said they are “two very qualified guys with lots of experience,” and he is looking forward to a smooth winter.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.