Anonymous said...
City council begins process to target budget cuts
by Theresa Andrus
In light of anticipated cuts in funding from the state as the legislature copes with a multi-billion-dollar revenue shortfall, the Maple Lake City Council conducted a workshop on Jan. 15 to discuss potential cuts in its own budget.
And drawing the most discussion was a proposal to hire a city administrator in an effort to save on consultants' fees.
Mayor Mike O'Loughlin began the meeting by noting that the state cut $40,000 out of its December check to the city and the reduction in aid for this year will likely be much larger. He framed the discussion on hiring a city administrator as a cost-saving measure by noting that the city paid about $90,000 last year for the services of City Economic Developer John Meyer and City Attorney Rhonda Pagel. His suggestion was to hire a law school graduate at a cost of about $35,000 to $40,000 and provide them with on-the-job training to function as a city attorney/administrator.
Council member Lynn Kissock said controlling hours might be a better way to save on costs for a city attorney and praised Pagel's "good work" for the city and her experience. Council member John Northenscold pointed out that some of the work of both Pagel and Meyer was billed back to developers,which cut their cost to the city. City Clerk Linda Hruby said that Pagel was currently steering the city through the complicated legal process of recouping costs in Heritage Development property that is now owned by a bank after Heritage's default on a loan. Hruby said costs for Pagel's work in that legal matter will come back to the city through funds from the development's Letter of Credit and Subdivision Bond.
However, Hruby told the council that she recently learned Meyer was employed full-time by the city of Centerville.
"He still found time to bill us $42,000 and still have a full-time job," O'Loughlin said. "That's pretty good."
Maple Lake Messenger Link Here
Exit question:
If our abruptly retired City Finance Director had enough free time to bill other Cities this much money, why do we need a full time replacement?
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10 comments:
I'm glad they found out now. I guess the word is out.
That proves we don't need a full time City Finance Director. Wake up Centerville! It appears full time Finance Directors have too much time on their hands so they double dip!
We don't need to replace the finance director position. In fact, maybe we should get rid of a few others!
THANK YOU FOR EXPOSING THIS!
There is clearly no need for a "full time" finance director position!
What a joke! Hopefully someone get's held accountable for this!
Maple Lake sounds more ticked than our city officials!
We need to start downsizing up there (City Hall)like everyone else. A good place to start is hiring a part time finance director. Next I would eliminate the receptionist. I'm not sure what the one they have up there now does all day but give everyone her crappy attitude but I'm sure
Teresa could handle answering the phones and making copies. I think she is well compensated for it.
I see this blog only has a few followers too. Seems like same 8 - 10 people. What's the reason for two usless blogs
The reason for these "useless blogs" is to keep the residents informed.
Recent Traffic:
822 unique visitors in the past 30 days to the original blog. 167 unique visitors since 4/11/2009 to this one. All traffic is cited through Google Analytics and each computer location is counted only once each day.
Among the visitors are the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Bonestroo and the State of Minnesota.
Keep your eyes open for future press.
I was at the neighborhood meeting a year ago when over 80-100 people showed up. Also, I heard over 650 people signed the state audit petition. I believe that there are many MANY more (more than the 8 or 10. really now!) that read this blog as this town seems to get more out of control with all our money. I have talked to neighbors that do. I am glad that our town has a place like this to go to. Not many do. We should be glad. We are. Thank you!
"I see this blog only has a few followers too. Seems like same 8 - 10 people. What's the reason for two usless blogs"
First, try using spell check "usless".
Second, how could one presume to know how many followers any blog has without any tracking knowledge.
You appear to be spouting the tired City talking points in an attempt to discredit this blog.
Surprised you didn't call yourself Guess Who? My guess is that you are a City official or someone close to one.
GET A LIFE!
Thank you bloggers!!!
Anonymous on April 18, 2009 12:26 PM is a TROLL! (Possibly Kim) Don't encourage her/him!
We all appreciate the hard work and professionalism of this blog.
The Dumb and Dumber video is hysterical!!!
THANK YOU!
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