The December 8 Rushford Council saw a full house with every Rushford department head, incoming council member, and others in attendance. Department heads were called to attend by Mayor Terri Benson with the purpose was to get all on board with the process of information and department needs following the passing of longtime City Clerk Kathy Zacher on November 30. Zacher diligently served the city for more than 55 years and leaves a palpable gap in the workings of the city. In attendance were: Public Works Director Roger Knutson, Rushford Police Chief Adam Eide, Fire Department Chief Nick Smith, Ambulance Service Director Joey Busse, Library Director Beth Nelson, and Deputy Clerk Tiffany Jacobson. Also in attendance were Judy Pronk, Nancy Synder, Christine Anderson and Heather Larson.
The council is asking each department head to prioritize their workload and current needs. In addition, all were asked to compile a listing of contacts including consultants and vendors, for a centralized data source. The aim is to provide a consistent message on how city staff has changed, provide an efficient transfer of duties, and uncomplicated, unduplicated communication. A statement will also be sent to all consultants and contracted firms working with the city
“As you’ve heard all the tributes to Kathy in the past week, she did a phenomenal job, but we all relied on her maybe a little too much,” said Councilor Sally Ryman. She referenced Zacher’s knowledge of city workings and dedication to her work. “There are things other people are going to have to pick up and do, especially until we get a new city administrator,” she continued. “This is an interim piece of communication that we’re missing.”
“Everything has changed. A lot of us are working behind the scenes to try to help with everything the best we can. We also want to make sure everyone sees what we’re trying to do. Everyone’s working towards the same goal,” said Mayor-elect Leigh Volkman. “This is a start of what we think is a good way to show leadership from the council.”
“We’re gonna have a new mayor and new council in a couple weeks. We don’t want to spend the time trying to get ahead of this and have no notes in a couple of weeks when we start all over again,” continued Volkman.
“We’re all trying to work together. Everyone in the public understands what we’re working on, but we also need to think that not everyone is going to be patient forever,” he added. “A lot of people expect a government office to continue on with business. When they have something come up, you might not think it’s important, but they get frustrated that someone’s not taking care of it, either.”
As far as departmental budgets, the Personnel Committee will sit down with department heads beginning in January. To determine budget details in the midst of determining other priorities is difficult. Instead, the council and city staff will work through the critical priorities now and work on solutions as they can be addressed. Additional assistance may be brought in such as financial consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown Associates, city engineer Derek Olinger from Bolton & Menk, business services through auditor Smith Schafer & Associates, and experts through the League of Minnesota Cities. It’s estimated that it may be late March before the city is working on tasks not deemed a priority.
Benson, who currently sits on the Personnel Committee, also urged departments to encourage training and development of a contingency plan and/or plans for succession, acknowledging their expertise in their fields, vast experience, and capable skills. Volkman noted it being difficult to look over the top of departments and try to force decisions.
The city is considering adjusting the open hours of city hall. This would likely see city hall closed to the public and accepting only voicemail calls for one day per week, instead using the time to focus on specific duties and time with contracted consultants to problem solve. It was estimated that this new schedule could run through the end of January. It is important to note that emergencies during this time will be attended to.
Department heads will continue monthly reports, but it was cautioned that additional, non-priority information during this time may ultimately fall to department heads discretion.
“I’m cautious to say there’s more things being sent to [the office],” warned Volkman. “We all did it. We said, ‘Hey, Kathy, do this.’ We can’t do that anymore.”
The city did unanimously approve a recommendation from Bubany for the hiring of financier Jerome Ilg to assist with specific tasks at the state and federal levels. The cost is $150 per hour with Ilg’s proposal estimating 20-25 hours of work. Benson and City Attorney Mike Flaherty of Flaherty/Hood will draft a contract agreement.
A resolution in recognition of Kathy Zacher’s many years of dedication to the city was on the agenda as well and read by Volkman when Benson could not.
“I just want to thank you all,” said Snyder. “You’re in a pickle and I can see how much work it’s going to take. I would think most people in the city of Rushford would agree.”
In other news, the council unanimously approved approve a quit claim deed of the historic depot and land to the city of Rushford from the Rushford Area Historical Society. The motion included the city insuring the site to ensure coverage while grants are sought to continue the sizable renovations. The coverage of insurance, particularly the continuation of insurance beyond liability, will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Lastly, the council approved the final budget and levy for 2026. The preliminary amount was set on September 22 at $1,195,232, which represents a 1.27% increase over 2025.
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