Mayor, safety director outline strategic-planning kickoff and praise new employee health plan

Mayor Christmas and Service Safety Director Dodson told the council the city will begin a strategic-planning process to guide priorities over the next 5–15 years. The plan will start with internal 'think tank' sessions with department heads and leadership, followed by a broader stakeholder session; the first meeting is scheduled for June 4 at Camp My Hero.

"We're gonna start in about a month meeting with department heads to start moving forward to find out the future of our city in the next 10, 15 years down the road," the mayor said. Dodson said the sessions are a low-cost way to determine what level of consultant-led planning would be appropriate and noted the city receives discounted services through its association membership.

Dodson also reported the city's new Logan County health insurance arrangement for employees is working well, with positive feedback from staff and direct coordination with local health partners and the carrier; he said the city's benefits advisor has been nominated for a national ROSI award in Washington, D.C.

Council members and staff said they will invite department heads and council representatives to the internal session and bring broader stakeholder input to the later meeting; additional details will be provided to council members closer to the meeting date.