Jamestown City Council ‘Oks’ Resolution To Reopen Parks, Hire Summer Staff

JAMESTOWN – Lawmakers in Jamestown have approved a resolution to adjust this year’s budget in order to hire staff to reopen city parks safely.

The City Council met during a special voting session on Thursday night.

The move allows the Mayor’s Office to hire part time workers and the previously eliminated recreation coordinator position.

Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the city will use state aid to help fill any budgetary gaps caused by an additional $90,000 in previously unbudgeted expenses.

The positions, Sundquist says, are vital to reopening parks properly, like having enough staff for cleaning.

The council previously eliminated the positions because of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technically parks have been open throughout the pandemic, however, playgrounds and bathroom facilities have been closed since last March.