Last March, the Rushford City Council approved the seeking of a deputy clerk/accounting to provide some relief to city staff. The previous deputy clerk retired in 2020 and administrative staff was shifted, but the city never filled the positions fully. Rather than fill a lower-level role, it was decided to implement a deputy clerk/accounting role with a higher level of responsibility and ability.
“It’s intended to be able to learn and grow into the city clerk/treasurer position if the person wants to. It’s planning for the future,” noted City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher at the time.
Six candidates submitted applications, but two did not meet minimum qualifications. The remaining four were invited for interviews and one withdrew from consideration, leaving three. After interviews and evaluation, Rushford Village resident Tiffany Jacobson was offered the position. Her previous experience includes accounting with Farmers Win Coop, CNC machinist with Fastenal, and supervisor at Trane Company.
“These jobs have required learning computerized systems, refining organizational skills, managing time wisely, implementing safety and human resources management, and providing customer service skills,” read the recommendation letter from city staff. “It is apparent she looks at this position as an opportunity and is looking forward to joining the team.”
Jacobson will start February 15. She will undergo a standard three-month probationary period and it was suggested it may be appropriate to give a stepped pay increase at that time. The council will revisit the topic in three months.
“Having worked with you before, I think you will be an excellent addition and we’re really happy you’re here,” said Councilor Sally Ryman to Jacobson, who was in attendance.
Rushford Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen was also present at the meeting to discuss changes within the department as well as finances. Besides the chief, other staff includes Assistant Chiefs Nick Smith and Paul Corcoran, Training/Safety Officers Tim Diepenbrock and Jeremiah Smith, and Maintenance/Safety Officers Craig Hanson and Logan Brand. Meetings and events, including the Retired Fireman & Firemen’s Dinner, Rushford Days activities, mill rate meeting, fall open house fundraiser, and the annual convention were scheduled, subject to COVID conditions. The pandemic did stop several events, including training, seminars, and workshops, both in-house and regionally, but the department is back at them. The department is looking forward to a training day with the Rushford Ambulance Service.
Rasmussen brought two financial recommendations forward for council consideration. They included the hourly rate of reimbursement for firemen and fire officer compensation. The department hasn’t changed its hourly rate since 2014. The new recommendation was $10/hour, $13/hour for chiefs, and $6 per hour for responding/standby time. This represents a $1 increase in all for an annual increase of $1,700, based on 2021 hours. It was noted that fire hours can vary greatly depending on the nature and severity of calls. Reimbursement is paid out of the Fire General Fund which receives revenue from calls.
Rasmussen was asked whether or not the increases would bring the department in line with others in the state. “Yeah, we’re not high by any means,” he responded. “I look around at what they’ve got and what we’ve got and we’re looking really good. Some are really high, but there’s reasons. With this going up, we’re in the ballpark.
It was also noted by Ryman that many departments are having a difficult time keeping volunteer members. “We’re doing well there,” said Rasmussen, who noted the department has 29 members.
The second recommendation was to increase officer compensation. Also last changed in 2014, it hadn’t kept pace with the additional meetings, training, and time for preparation and planning that are required of the officers. After a discussion between Clerk Zacher and the three chiefs, the department recommended shifting the responsibilities of the secretary position to the chiefs and increasing compensation. The new rates are $1,700 for the chief, $1,000 each to the assistant chiefs, $800 to the training officers, split between the two of them, and $700 to the maintenance officers, also split between the two.
“I think it’s fair to everyone and isn’t too little or too much,” said Rasmussen, who estimated he spends 20-25 hours a week in the role. “We’ve put a lot more responsibility on them than we have in the past.” The overall increase for the all compensations is $750. It was noted this has already been made up by shifting the secretary hours and the recent savings on the truck purchase. It was suggested to review the reimbursements and compensations every three years.
The department purchased several equipment items in 2021 thanks to grants and donations. They include improved helmet headlights, upgraded wiring for broadband, gear washing station; two training dummies, airbags and hoses for extrication, chain saws, EForce untethered extrication tools, a used rescue boat, and a computer tabler with a docking station for GIS and interagency connections. “We’re sitting really good unless something major happens,” said Rasmussen. “I don’t think future needs are an issue right now.”
Lastly, the council considered how to move forward with the downtown flower baskets, which are a highlight for many in the city from May through September. Grower Roger Colbenson, who’s grown and hung/removed the baskets for many years, has noted an increase of $9 per basket for 2022. The city has 82 locations for baskets this year, with construction happening on Highway 30 this spring. At this time, the city does not have a commitment from the Club to do daily watering maintenance on the baskets.
“Lions are discussing it,” said Councilor and Lions member Jim O’Donnell. The club had assistance in 2021 from five students doing community service. “That’s another option this year, but we have to have the commitment. We’d like to do it, but our membership isn’t getting any younger.”
With the increased proposed basket cost and being unsure about maintenance, several on the council suggested checking with other entities for baskets or replacing the baskets with other options, equally attractive, that don’t require as much watering. “As our fiduciary duty, I think we should get a least one other quote,” suggested Ryman. “I appreciate what he’s done, but with that big of a price increase, I think we need to.”
Other suggestions were to split the baskets between different providers and to change the number of baskets. The council will revisit the topic in upcoming meetings.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. It is open to the public.
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