Decorah council approves new assistant city clerk job description, will replace vacant utility-billing clerk

The Decorah City Council approved a revised assistant city clerk job description and pay matrix intended to absorb duties from the recently vacated utility-billing clerk position and to improve office workflow.

Staff described the action as a reallocation of duties rather than an immediate headcount increase: the utility-billing clerk vacancy will not be refilled as a like-for-like hire; instead the newly described assistant city clerk position will carry additional responsibilities formerly in utility billing. Staff said the change will result in a net hiring of a single position (a fourth office employee) to maintain services as monthly billing and new programs increase office workload.

"Right now there is that vacancy with the utility billing clerk's retirement. We would not hire that position. This is what would get hired," a staff member said. Staff said the new assistant position would help free time for the office-administration role and reduce seasonal part-time pressure in parks and recreation.

Council members pressed staff on whether automation reduces workload; staff answered that, despite automation, responsibilities and required public-facing tasks have increased, citing new planning-and-zoning workload, rental permits, downtown economic development grant follow-up, and other recurring tasks. Staff estimated the pay matrix shift would be modest (about a $4,000 difference at the low end of the range) and said the change is intended to improve efficiency and continuity.

The council adopted the resolution by roll call. Council members also said they wanted a broader strategic discussion about overall staff workload and priorities in a future meeting.