Council Makes Changes Regarding Public Works, Administrator Guidelines

Effingham City Council members Tuesday approved an amended plan for city departments and divisions.

The changes involved the Department of Public Works and the duties and responsibilities of the City Administrator.

Mayor Merv Gillenwater said the matters regarding the City Administrator primarily concerned the appointment of officials.  Gillenwater said when the administrator's position was established under the previous Council, the administrator was given the authority to make such appointments.  He said he and City Attorney Tracy Willenborg have researched the matter and their finding is that the Mayor must make such appointments with the advice and consent of the remainder of the Council, and not the Administrator, so that item was changed Tuesday night.

Another change added the Engineering Division with Jeremy Heuerman as City Engineer and Steve Miller still the Director of Public Works.  Heuerman had been appointed Engineer earlier but Tuesday night's action included the office in the City hierarchy. 

Council members also Tuesday approved a new three-year contract with City Administrator Jim Arndt, effective November 15. 

Gillenwater said Arndt would be paid $98,880 during the first year of the contract, and any subsequent increases would be the same as other city workers.  He said if no increases are granted other city employees, Arndt will receive no increase.