Re: Paid staff vs Contractors

Thanks for the all great responces. Even after a couple of years of business classes, nothing can replace experience.

Few but larger bangs is an interesting way to put it. I agree that contractors are the way to go for large projects, but what i'm looking at is the position the company in question is in regarding the use of our contractors and how much production we are getting per hour.

Right now there is far too much work to be done by the volunteer staff. Already much of the car and track maintenance is being done by contractors which we are paying through the nose for. The volunteer crew consists of many people with professional railroad experience and some with 20+ years with the current operation. We are capable of the work, we just don't have the time. So we buy time from contractors.

The debate now is about the cost between hiring full time staff and paying hourly wages, taxes, health, etc, and the price we are paying for contractors. I am wondering if a paid crew of people, that have already been with the railroad for several years, know the equipment, know the railroad, and have a vested interest in the company will be worth the price to hire them full time. I'm still wondering if paid staff can save us money by handling the day to day maintenance and leave the contractors to the major projects.