Buhler says Watertown has “desperate need” for additional city forester; but request is denied in 2022 budget  (Audio)

October 18, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The first reading of Watertown’s 2022 city budget was approved at Monday night’s city council meeting, but not everyone is getting what they wanted.

Councilman Bruce Buhler has been lobbying for an additional forestry employee for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. He talked about it again at Monday night’s meeting…

City Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien says even though a forester is not in the 2022 budget, there are additional dollars allocated for that department, and an additional employee, if needed, can be added later on…

City Manager Amanda Mack told the council adding an additional city forester would cost about $74,000 a year.

The council will hold a second and final reading on the 2022 budget at their November 1st meeting.