School Maintenance Workers, City Parks Department May Merge

PITTSFIELD, Mass.-In an effort to save money, the city is contemplating the possibility of merging the three school grounds workers into the existing five-member Parks Department grounds crew. Supporters say the move could save the city $30,000 a year and would allow schools and parks to share maintenance equipment. The city’s School Department is stretched thin, so if services cannot be provided more cheaply, the city may have to increase taxes or cut services.

However, the union that represents school grounds and maintenance workers oppose the change because it would mean a big pay cut for the school employees.

Consolidation of services has been proposed before, but no action has been taken.