Council discusses posting, starting pay and budget timing for administrator and police chief roles

Council discussed the status of open positions and salary figures for key municipal roles, including the city administrator and police chief. Members noted that some job postings list starting pay around $43,000, while the current incumbent's compensation figure ($69,888) was raised as an example of higher pay tied to tenure and qualifications.

Council members asked when the city's audit and budget materials would be ready because grant applications and salary budgeting depend on up-to-date financials. Staff said the auditor had surgery and that the 2024 audit should be available by the end of June to support upcoming grant work. Members also discussed which job boards to use for posting (TML, DML and other platforms) and agreed to circulate applications and review candidates in closed session when appropriate.

The council directed staff to prepare salary and budget information for review during the budget process and to post the police chief position in the appropriate portals and evaluate applications with council input.