OTTAWA — With the departure of solid waste and noxious weed director Rick Sawin, Franklin County administrator Lisa Johnson recommended splitting the two departments and moving the weed department into the public works department. Johnson discussed her proposal with county commissioners this morning. The two departments were combined after solid waste director Bob Thompson retired, and noxious weed director Sawin was also put in charge of the solid waste department. This year’s budget eliminated the position of lead weed applicator but Johnson said she’d like to re-create the position. By state law, counties must have noxious weed directors, and the lead weed applicator would have that position after the department is moved into the public works department, she said.
Monday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m.
