Road crew workers are in short supply, a stark reality faced by many municipalities including Mahoning Township.

On Wednesday, township roadmaster Nevin Frey discussed the staff shortage with supervisors, and what it could mean in years to come.

Frey said that 16 years ago, the road department had five full-time workers. At present, it has three.

“I think it’s time to find a fourth guy to train,” said Frey, who added he’s only a few years away from retirement. “The workforce is going down, and the workload is going up.”

Supervisor Ronald Reeser, who also works on the road crew, said he’s concerned.

“We’re in dire straits this winter,” Reeser said. “(We thought) maybe if we hire at 24 hours per week, we’d get some takers,” Reeser said. “Not happening.”

Township Secretary-Treasurer Natalie Haggerty said she thinks that would change if they would advertise for full-time workers.

Frey said it’s difficult these days to find dedicated employees, such as the group that currently comprises the township’s road crew.

“It takes a special person to come and do this,” he said. “Knock on wood, we got a good crew right now. Everybody works together.

“You’ve got a good bunch of guys, but we need some help.”

Reeser said he would suggest the township look to advertise for full-time, but added the road crew is in need of part-time help.

Haggerty said the plan moving forward would be to advertise for full-time help next year.

“We do not have in the budget to hire full-time,” Haggerty said.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw said the road crew has his full support.

“You can only do what you can do,” Slaw said.

Frey said the road crew takes their job seriously.

“We take pride in what we do,” he said.

Afterward, supervisors tabled the matter.