Baxter Take Next Steps To Launch CDL Training Program

City of Baxter voted to hire Driving Trainer James Smith to launch its own entry-level commercial driver training.

Council member Dustin Stanton said the training program includes books and online materials along with Smith providing hands-on training. Stanton said the alternative is costly in more ways than one.

“You have to send these guys to a $5,000 to $5,500 school for eight weeks eight hours a day and we’re without our employee. So we can pay Mr. Smith and these guys can be down here doing their online tests. On the clock.”

Stanton said Smith will help the trainees with their walk-around, driving, and night driving and all that’s needed with the new CDL regulations.

“It’s definitely not what it used to be,” Stanton said.

Mayor John Martin said that the city should consider a contractual agreement so that employees who receive the CDL training have to provide a minimum period of service after training or pay the city back.

Public works director John Ramsey said he agreed. Several people began speaking at once. Martin spoke over the hubbub.

“I’d rather have a contract signed by whoever’s in this court that they’re obligated for one year, two years, three, whatever,” Martin said. “That you as public works director make that decision. I feel like it’s fair.”

Ramsey said he had already told his guys that there would be a contract signed.

Pending creation of a CDL Training contract and purchase of JJ Keller training books, the city will be ready to start their entry-level CDL training.