The Loomis Town Council convened on November 14, 2023, to address several key issues affecting the town's governance and operations. The meeting began with a report on the unsuccessful recruitment for the finance director position. The council learned that the salary compensation offered was below the market value for the region. To rectify this, a recommendation was made to adjust the salary range to a more competitive level, specifically to range 57, in hopes of attracting qualified candidates.

Additionally, the council discussed the need for enhanced managerial oversight within the finance department. Due to existing commitments, the current oversight was deemed insufficient. To address this, the council proposed bringing on Laurie with Associates Finance Accounting Services to provide the necessary support and guidance.

The agenda also included updates on the town's strategic planning process. Initially scheduled for January, the planning session may need to be postponed to February due to the unavailability of the consultant, who is facing personal health issues. The staff is exploring options to potentially accelerate this process to December.

Another significant topic was the formation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for solid waste management, involving collaboration with the cities of Auburn and Colfax. This initiative aims to create economies of scale for regulatory compliance and service delivery, as both Loomis and Auburn's contracts with Recology are set to expire. The council has met four times to discuss this collaboration, and legal counsel has been involved throughout the discussions. The council anticipates presenting a proposal for the formation of the JPA to each city council after their next meeting.

In summary, the Loomis Town Council's meeting highlighted critical staffing adjustments, strategic planning timelines, and collaborative efforts for solid waste management, all aimed at improving town operations and services.