Utilities Commission agrees to pay half of KLC personnel-policy fee

The Utilities Commission voted to pay the utilities department’s half of a quoted $1,582.32 fee from KLC to prepare an updated personnel policy.

Lori told the commission the Personnel Committee recommends hiring KLC and that the quoted fee "is $1,582 32 which would be split half and half City and utilities." She said she plans to apply in the fall for a possible $3,000 grant through KC that could reimburse part of the cost but that the grant was not guaranteed.

Lori also reported a clause saying if the city leaves KLC within 18 months it would owe an additional 40% fee; she said the regular price would have been $18,750 and that walking away could cost an additional $7,500. Mr Jones moved to pay the utilities' half of the KLC fee, Mr Ferris seconded, and the commission approved the payment by voice vote.

Council approval for the city’s half of the fee will occur at a later meeting, per Lori. The commission did not record a formal dollar transfer at the meeting; staff said payment timing may hinge on the outcome of the grant application and council action.