City Council approves hire of Rhonda Tate as part-time administrative assistant

The City Council voted to hire Rhonda Tate as a part-time administrative assistant, contingent on a successful background check. The motion to hire was made by a council member and was seconded; the clerk called the question and recorded that the motion carried.

The Treasurer told the council the position would come out of "general administration wages and salaries" and acknowledged the role had not been specifically budgeted. "From a treasurer standpoint ultimately there's going to be overage in wages and salaries for administration based on the overtime that has been present itself," the Treasurer said, noting that a part-time assistant paid at a lower rate would likely produce less overage than continuing to pay overtime to existing staff. A committee member moved, "Make a motion to hire Rhonda Tate as our part time assistant in the office."

Council members debated hours and scheduling flexibility. Members discussed whether the hire would work about 12 or 15 hours per week and whether regular tasks could be redistributed to reduce existing overtime. The Treasurer said some training time will be required and that eliminating all overtime immediately could not be guaranteed. The hire was described as contingent on a successful background check and the candidate was reported to be available to start as soon as that check cleared.

The clerk recorded the vote and announced the motion carried. No separate motion on Kelly's wage was made during the meeting.