Council approves hiring two part-time administrative assistants to bolster front office coverage

Council approved a motion to hire two part-time administrative assistants, Heather and Rachel, following Scott's recommendation that the city add two part-time staffers with complementary skill sets to provide cross coverage and reduce front-office closures.

Scott told the council the city interviewed two strong candidates and recommended hiring both so office work (invoicing, accounts payable and KMU reporting) can be cross-trained and covered when staff are absent. He said the original hiring range was 25 to 30 hours per week at about $20'$23 per hour and that the city has budgeted for one of the positions; he added KMU had offered to pay for roughly 10'to 15 hours per week of work tied to KMU reporting, which improves the budget picture for hiring both candidates.

Both candidates briefly introduced themselves at the meeting. Heather said the schedule fits her family obligations; Rachel noted coordinating experience and nonprofit work. A council member moved to hire both candidates, another seconded, members voted "Aye," and the motion passed. Scott invited Heather and Rachel to begin training the next morning at 9 a.m.

Council members discussed balancing in-house staffing versus contracted services (ABDO was mentioned as an existing contractor for finance/audit work and described as expensive by one member) and said they preferred increasing in-house capacity where it makes fiscal sense. Council and staff also discussed workspace and potential overlap days for training.