Ambulance Director Rocky Burnett asked the city council to consider two recommendations to help with EMT scheduling for overnight/evening and weekends at the city council’s September 24 meeting. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent.
Burnett explained filling the schedule for overnight and weekends has been an ongoing issue and has been discussed at length in committees. He recommended approval of a job description and the hire of a part-time person to help cover evening and overnight shifts. This would be a half-time position.
He also recommended increasing the on-call pay rate from the current $2.39 per hour to $7 per hour. An EMT is paid an on-call per hour rate for anytime one is on call. Burnett expects the cost of his two recommendations should not exceed the proposed $75,000 increase to the department’s 2025 budget. Both recommendations were approved as presented.
2025 Budget
A resolution was adopted certifying the proposed tax levy payable in 2025. The maximum total levy to be collected in 2025 is $2,766,023, or $177,698 more than 2024. This represents a 6.87% increase. This budget includes a 4% salary grid adjustment. When the final budget/levy is approved in December, there may be a decrease from this preliminary number, but not an increase.
Other Business in Brief
- A public hearing was held on delinquent utilities assessments; there was no comment from the public. A resolution was adopted to authorize the collection of delinquent or overdue utility accounts (water, sewer, and garbage services) with property taxes. This action is taken each year to review all accounts and bring them current.
- A one-year contract for Avaya IP office phone system maintenance with Phone Station, Inc. was approved. Labor and materials will be furnished at a cost of $695.
- Approval was granted for the use of City Park/Twiford/4th St. for a Fallapaloooza event on October 5. Organizations involved in the family event include Chatfield Alliance, Chatfield FFA, and Chatfield Growers Market.
- A resolution adopting special assessments payable in 2025 for nuisance abatement and tree removals for three properties in Olmsted County was approved.
- A resolution was adopted that will delegate authority for the registration of cannabis retailers to Olmsted County effective immediately.
- City Administrator Michele Peterson congratulated four employees for their past and continued service to the city: public works director Brian Burkholder for 18 years, wastewater treatment facility assistant operator Mitch Irish for nine years, water superintendent Ryan Priebe for 10 years, and wastewater treatment plant operator Steven Schlichter for five years.
- Mayor John McBroom said he was running for reelection. Peterson noted two people are running for mayor and three are running for councilor positions.
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