CLEWISTON- Expanding of employment opportunities coupled with a struggle to find workers became a common theme during the regular meeting of the Clewiston City Commission.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “Clewiston has an unemployment rate of 8.2%. The US average is 3.7%. Clewiston has seen the job market increase by 1.4% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 39.3%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.”

When discussing resolution 2021-41 regarding a land purchase contract for Hato Patrero Farms, Inc. to expand their current enterprise, Commissioner Hillary Hyslope asked how many jobs would be created by the proposed expansion. City Manager Randy Martin responded by saying that the expansion projected a 20% increase in jobs, and the current workforce was made up of 60-70 employees.

Commissioner Mali Gardner said  while the projected increase in employment opportunities was positive, but that employers had expressed finding workers has become a struggle. She said that a business owner had reported a struggle to hire employees after a number of people went through the application and hiring process, only to decide that “their current situation with unemployment is better than going to work.”

The discussion turned to question whether the wages were sufficient, but Garner was not sure if that was the case. They agreed that finding workers had become a nationwide problem, but with benefits ending, maybe it would work itself out in time.

Martin said that they are working on training opportunities along with the Hendry County Economic Development Council, and that there were upcoming projects to address hiring and employment issues. The resolution was passed by unanimous consent.

Next, the commissioners discussed OSGC Services, LLC. Who submittted a letter of intent, resolution 2021-42. Martin explained the company had intentions to build a 100,000 sq ft warehouse, starting with building and operation an intitial 20,000 sq ft warehouse. They project a need for 40-60 employees initially, and well over 120 employees when in full operation. The company will be manufacturing and assembling steel frames for residential and industrial uses. They plan to start hiring employees for training immediately upon acceptance and approval by the City Commission.

The company has already reached out to local schools, they have set up to hire local, and to hire youth from local schools. The commissioners agreed that this may help keep kids in the area as they grow up and join the workforce. The resolution was passed by unanimous consent.

Regular Commission meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, starting at 5:00 p.m. in the city hall commission chambers, 115 West Ventura Avenue. If you have an issue you wish to discuss at a city commission meeting, submit a written request to be included on the next commission meeting's agenda. Direct your request to City Clerk Kathy Combass at Kathy.Combass@clewiston-fl.gov or telephone (863) 983-1484.

 The current members of the City of Clewiston City Commission are Kristine Petersen, Mayor; Greg Thompson, Vice Mayor; Mali Gardner, Commissioner; Hillary Hyslope, Commissioner; and James Pittman, Commissioner.