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Council passes resolution allowing occasional paid municipal duties by a council member with disclosure
Summary
Council approved Resolution 26-15 authorizing limited paid auxiliary duties (plowing, grading, inspections, maintenance) for a council member at $32 per hour when needed, with staff noting existing ordinance language and transparency mechanisms.
Rice Lake — The council voted to pass Resolution 26-15, an annual authorization that allows a council member to perform occasional paid municipal tasks — including plowing and grading roads, inspection of utilities, and maintenance of city buildings — at a rate of $32 per hour when staffing needs arise.
Staff explained such authorizations exist so the city can use a council member’s services in limited, defined circumstances (for example, when public-works staff have completed a shift after a major snow event). The staff report said these resolutions are done annually and the hourly rate is consistent with other auxiliary roles (fire department liaison, meat inspector, road supervisor).
During public comment, resident Tara Elshshire questioned where the "on/off" line is between paid duties and ordinary presence at public works, asking for clarity on how the arrangement will be administered. Councilors responded that start/stop is set by the city when services are requested, that the ordinance language (Ordinance 37) and pay scales are posted on the city website, and that auditing and executed-claims records provide additional oversight.
The resolution was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will maintain records of any paid auxiliary work performed under the resolution and follow the posted ordinance and audit processes for transparency.
