Corinne officials flag staffing shortfall; hiring could require tax increase

Mayor Shane Bacon told the council that an anticipated retirement in the public works group will create a need to hire a replacement and possibly a trainee overlap period, which would add a third public works salary and benefits and likely require a tax increase to cover the addition.

Bacon said the city has discussed hiring a trainee six months to a year in advance so the replacement can be trained, describing the overlapping position as necessary to avoid operational risk. "If you put 100% of it on one city employee with a brand new trainee, that's a disaster waiting to happen," he said.

Council members examined the budget printouts and discussed timing. Kendra Norman and others said the budget process begins in March and proposals are due by June for adoption before July 1. Council agreed to review individual budget lines and return with questions and suggestions at the next meeting.

Why it matters: adding a full-time public works position will increase ongoing personnel costs and require an identified revenue source. Council signaled that a tax increase is probable if a new hire and added benefits are required.

No formal tax change was adopted at the meeting; the item remains in the discussion and planning stage with staff tasked to prepare budget options ahead of the statutory deadline.