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Council tables confirmation of finance director candidate amid budget and process concerns
Summary
Council tabled consideration of confirming Michael Lee as director of finance (starting salary proposed $142,812) after councilors and a public commenter raised concerns about recruitment documentation, short-term budget shortfall, and whether the administrator could assume duties; motion to table will return next week for further discussion.
The council tabled action on the proposed appointment of Michael Lee as Ottumwa's director of finance after extended discussion over compensation, process transparency and the city's current budget shortfall.
Administrator Rath summarized the hiring recommendation and said the proposed starting salary — set at step 7 on grade 14 — would be $142,812 and that the figure fits within the FY27 budget. "The proposed salary of $142,812 reflects responsibilities of managing approximately $60,000,000 in public resources and aligns with the market for similar sized municipalities," Rath said. Several council members questioned whether now is the right time to hire at that level and whether the city administrator could temporarily assume responsibilities to save costs.
Public commenter Katie Howard urged the council to reopen or extend recruitment and said packet materials lacked a resume and detailed job history for the finalist: "My concerns are process related...there was no resume attached. There was nothing specific about his job history. There was no proof of credentials," she said. Council member discussion included requests for a special work session and agreement to return the matter to the agenda as soon as possible. On roll call the motion to table carried; council asked staff to prioritize the item for next week's meeting and explore a special work session for deeper discussion.
