Clinton City Administrator Jessica Kinser says any proposal for the use of the new gas tax funds the city expects to receive will NOT go the council until some legal issues are settled. ‘Read more’ for the rest of the story. Details included on the job description and current uses of the RUTF includedDuring a Committee Of The Whole session the council did support the initial proposal to use some of the funds to add three workers to the street department.
The issue of adding staff has drawn criticism from many officials including Governor Branstad saying the increase should be spent directly on repairs not salaries
Kinser sent a clarification email to council members on the issue. In that email she included several pages of work orders that should be addressed but are still outstanding. The list includes many reports of potholes and other street issues.
The city expects to receive about $470,000 in additional funds.
The City Administrator stated she ‘understands the sentiment of not wanting to add employees from the public, but thinks the conversation should be had about service levels and what is a reasonable time to complete the work orders that come in. Please keep in mind that the work order system is a snap shot of city employees being reactive to things and is not inclusive of the proactive things that are done throughout the year.
The street department staff has been cut during budget reductions.
In the email, Kinser also included a job description for a worker in the department and it covered more than as she put it. “In no way is the position of Equipment Operator purely dedicated to mowing as has been stated.”
A spreadsheet from the budget process outlining what the Road Use Tax dollars are used for currently was also distributed.
Kinser hoped the material would help clarify what has become a clouded issue. The City Administrator said The budget amendment resolution will not appear on the agenda until legal questions have been resolved.
