Candidates split on trimming Minot city workforce: attrition favored by some, cautioned by others

A submitted question about personnel costs and whether the city should shrink its workforce through attrition prompted divided answers from Minot City Council candidates.

Nicole Brasfield opposed reducing the current workforce, asking how the city would respond if new industrial projects increased demand for city services. "I don't want to reduce it," she said, arguing that layoffs could harm families and future capacity.

Joan Hawbaker and Isaiah Keller both expressed support for using attrition rather than layoffs; Hawbaker said attrition avoids firing existing employees and Keller suggested efficiencies and technology can cut administrative costs. Isaiah estimated potential savings in the millions from trimming nonessential administrative positions.

John McMartin urged caution, noting city engineering and streets departments may lose irreplaceable skills through attrition. Steve Padragola recommended investing in employee training, leadership and succession planning so vacancies do not leave gaps in service. David Wiley advocated broader sacrifices—including salary reductions—if necessary, saying any cuts should be applied evenly across stakeholders.

Candidates emphasized preserving essential services such as emergency response and water/sewer operations while identifying administrative efficiencies as the likely areas for reduction. No formal policy decision was taken at the forum; candidates’ answers provide voters a clear contrast on workforce and budget strategy ahead of the June 9 primary.