The Austin Public Works Department received city council authorization Monday night to hire a new engineering technician following a retirement in the department.

The motion, which passed 5-2, will allow the department to fill a position that city engineer Jon Erichson said is needed to maintain the department’s workload.

However, Third Ward councilwoman Marian Clennon said with current budget problems, now is not the time to authorize a hire.

“We’re not really sure what will happen,” she said.

Clennon said in previous meetings the council and public works department have discussed that a hire likely wouldn’t be made before Gov. Tim Pawlenty announces final unallotment numbers, expected by the end of the month.

Erichson said Monday that the department would likely take until at least the end of the summer to fill the spot.

According to the job description provided by public works, an engineering technician works on construction planning, design and inspection, among other tasks.

All other motions and resolutions passed unanimously in a fairly quick meeting. These included approval of street closings for the Spamtown USA Freedom Fest July 3-5 and approving a revised scope of services for airport expansion.

The city council will next meet on June 15 at 5:30 p.m.