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Wastewater superintendent resigns; council approves interim pay and seeks replacement
Summary
Following the resignation of Wastewater Superintendent James McDonald, the Town of Topeka authorized $200 per month retroactive compensation for interim sample collection, directed Sandhill to continue testing, and authorized advertising for the wastewater superintendent position with pay set by experience. The council also approved purchases for police body-camera processing and vehicle lighting.
The Topeka Town Council on June 24 acknowledged the resignation of Wastewater Superintendent James McDonald (submitted June 17, 2024) and approved interim steps to maintain wastewater operations while recruiting a replacement.
Town Manager and Fire Chief Stewart Bender reported that SRF paperwork related to a taxable Waterworks bond anticipation note had been submitted as the town closes out the SRF bond. He said the town needs an Operator in Charge during the vacancy and requested compensation for collecting samples, including retroactive pay. The council approved a $200-per-month payment for the interim sample-collection duties (motion by Marlynn Mast; second by Ray Folk; vote recorded as All Ayes) and asked that Sandhill continue routine testing.
Council also approved a motion to advertise for the wastewater superintendent position, with salary to be determined based on candidate experience. No specific salary range was recorded in the minutes.
Separately, Town Marshal Ryan Cummings asked the council to approve a body-camera processing tower (quote $1,635 plus an estimated $195 labor for up to 8–10 hours) and lighting for two Tahoe vehicles (quote $1,698 for two sets). The council approved both purchases on motions by Ray Folk and seconded by Marlynn Mast (votes recorded as All Ayes).
Clerk-Treasurer Lea Parks noted that some items (for example, hiring and any salary commitments) will require review of the town budget; she said she would consult Local Government Services on funding questions where needed. The council did not set a hiring timeline in the minutes.
