City Council Approves Controversial Emergency Management Position

In a recent government meeting, council members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the approval of an emergency management coordinator position and associated budget amendment. The proposed budget amendment, amounting to $52,300, aims to address the city's emergency preparedness needs.

Council member Stern expressed his concerns about the timing of the budget amendment, arguing that it should not be handled outside the regular budget cycle, especially so close to the approval of the 2025 budget. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive view of all departmental needs to prioritize effectively, stating, \"I'm not against this position. I'm just against... doing it outside of the budget process.\"

Conversely, other council members, including Taber and Eggert, acknowledged the urgency of establishing the position, noting that the city has lagged in emergency management planning. Taber highlighted the necessity of having a dedicated individual for the role, suggesting that while a full-time position would be ideal, starting with a part-time role could be a practical approach.

The discussion also touched on the responsibilities of the fire chief in emergency situations, with some members expressing reservations about adding emergency management duties to their existing workload. The consensus among several council members was that the role should be a primary focus for someone dedicated to emergency management.

Ultimately, the motion to approve the job description and budget amendment passed with a vote of 5-2, despite the expressed concerns about the budget process. The meeting concluded with a transition to discussing funding for the Nordic Cottages project, indicating ongoing efforts to address various community needs.