As a cost-savings measure, the DeWitt Town Board hired Mike Kolceski last week as full-time town engineer, effective immediately. He is being paid $1,500 per week, an annual salary of $78,000.

Previously the town had been contracting Kolceski’s services between $125 and $150 an hour through O’Brien & Gere. Kolceski had worked as an engineer for more than 40 years at this firm. His principal client had been the town of DeWitt.

Supervisor Ed Michalenko said the town expects to save between $35,000 and $55,000 a year on engineering costs. The town will continue to use O’Brien & Gere for a variety of other services.

“With OBG moving to the city and me living in the town, it just seemed like a good time to make a change,” Kolceski said. “It will save the town money and I will work less hours. A win/win.”

By retaining Kolceski’s services, the town will continue to benefit from his familiarity with town projects and he will be in a good position to train his successor, said Michalenko.

DeWitt is one in a handful of local municipalities to appoint its own engineer, including the towns of Manlius (a part-time position) and Van Buren.