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Mayor Backus highlights Auburn's COVID staffing choices and new pump track on podcast
Summary
Mayor Nancy Backus told listeners the city avoided layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic by negotiating concessions and later reimbursing staff; she also praised the new pump track as a community amenity at the podcast's close.
On the "That's So Auburn" podcast, Mayor Nancy Backus summarized the city's staffing and budget approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and described a new pump track that opened with a ribbon cutting attended by families.
Backus said city leadership prepared for an uncertain budget in 2020 by asking both union and non-represented employees for concessions. “We asked for concessions from most of our employees…90% we accomplished that,” she said, adding that when the budget proved better than anticipated the city issued reimbursements to employees who had made concessions rather than laying off staff. "We did not lay anyone off," Backus said.
She also described municipal hiring since the pandemic, saying the city increased funding for police by 10 full-time-equivalent positions this year and is funded for 128 officer positions though more hiring remains necessary.
On community amenities, Backus described the city's new pump track and the ribbon cutting, noting the track's role as an inclusive recreational space where families and children—some learning to ride for the first time—used check-out bikes and older children looked out for younger riders. "It's a place where everybody can go enjoy," she said.
The podcast is an informational conversation and did not record any formal council decisions or motions. The mayor encouraged residents interested in public-safety or city employment to consult official city resources for application and program details.
