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Granite Falls council accepts city manager Brent Kirk’s resignation, appoints deputy Jeff Balentine
Summary
On June 4, 2025, the Granite Falls City Council accepted City Manager Brent Kirk’s resignation effective July 16 and appointed Deputy City Manager Jeff Balentine to the top job the same day; the council also approved personnel agreements, a Teamsters MOU, a budget amendment adding a wastewater operator position, and real estate deals with American Legion Post 125.
The Granite Falls City Council on June 4 accepted the resignation of City Manager Brent Kirk, effective July 16, 2025, and appointed Deputy City Manager Jeff Balentine as city manager effective the same date. Councilmembers moved and carried motions to approve employment agreements for Balentine and a contingent agreement for Kirk to serve as deputy, as recorded in the meeting minutes.
Why it matters: The council’s action ensures a planned leadership transition in Granite Falls city administration and updates staffing and contractual arrangements tied to that transition. The meeting also cleared several administrative items that adjust staffing and property use.
Council actions and motions: The council’s acceptance of Kirk’s resignation and the appointment of Balentine were moved by Councilmember David Griggs and seconded by Councilmember Bruce Straughn; the motions were recorded as carried. The council also approved an employment agreement for Jeff Balentine to serve as City Manager, and separately approved an employment agreement for Brent Kirk to serve as Deputy City Manager contingent upon the City Manager’s appointment of him to that position (motion language and recorded outcomes are in the meeting minutes).
Other approvals at the meeting: The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Granite Falls and Teamsters Local Union No. 763 (dated May 30, 2025) with amendments and authorized the City Manager to execute the final agreement after union ratification and required administrative steps. The council adopted Ordinance No. 1061-2025, amending the 2025 budget to create one new nonexempt position: Wastewater Treatment Operator III. The council also approved an office lease and a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Contract with American Legion Post 125 for property at 206 S. Granite Ave.; Councilmember David Griggs recorded an abstention on both the lease and the purchase and sale votes.
Financial and procedural details recorded in the minutes: Consent items included approval of claims checks #415296–415326 totaling $244,078.33 and payroll claims and EFTs totaling $145,307.07. The office lease is for Office #1 at 206 S. Granite Ave. at a rent of $250 per month for the period Aug. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2026. The Teamsters MOU is dated May 30, 2025. Ordinance No. 1061-2025 amends Ordinance No. 1057-2024 to add the Wastewater Treatment Operator III position as shown in Exhibit A.
Context and next steps: City Manager Brent Kirk’s departure and the appointment of Jeff Balentine were handled as part of new business with recorded motions and approvals. The minutes indicate standard administrative follow-up: union ratification for the MOU, final execution of agreements by the City Manager, and implementation of the budget amendment through Exhibit A. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Motions in the minutes are recorded as carried for the city manager succession, Teamsters MOU approval, adoption of Ordinance No. 1061-2025, and approval of the purchase and lease with American Legion Post 125; Councilmember David Griggs is recorded as abstaining on the lease and the purchase and sale contract. The minutes do not provide roll-call yes/no tallies for all items.
