The Gillett City Council on Thursday released Tim Christensen from his role as public works director, as the financially strapped city looks for ways to save money.
The council met for about 15 minutes in closed session before voting 5-1 to let Christensen go, effective the following day. Christensen had been employed as director of public works for seven years and was earning $22.05 per hour, plus benefits.
“It was the only position we could eliminate,” Mayor Irene Drake said. “He’s been an excellent employee, but …”
Drake said the council decided to act now on the termination because several factors came to light that will stress the city’s meager resources.
“We have some big issues financially,” Drake said.
After reading a newspaper article in February, Drake learned the city has an unfunded pension obligation of $40,000.
Proposals in Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget also drew concern. One proposal eliminates the local government property insurance fund, which local leaders predict will drive rates higher. A proposal to transition property tax assessments from a municipal system to a county system also has the city worried, Drake said.
In recent years, the budget process has been difficult for the city, as it looked for ways trim costs to meet the state-imposed levy limit while addressing the needs of the city. Levy limits prevent the city from raising taxes; the tax rate adopted in December was $7.54 per $1,000 of assessed value, compared to $7.55 the previous year.
Alderperson Marilyn Mueller cast the only vote opposing Christensen’s release, saying he provided valuable expertise to the city and specifically to the Parks and Cemetery Committee, which she heads. Mueller was conflicted in her decision, however, because of fiscal realities.
“I totally agree with the council on the budget situation,” she said. “We need to pare down the spending, and I know employee benefits are a big part of it.”
“It was definitely one of the hardest things to do,” Drake said of the dismissal. “Tim’s been a good employee, but that was the only option we could come up with.”
The council on Monday decided to combine the leadership positions for public works and utility departments, expanding the duties of Ron Anderson, who previously had been head of the utility department only. His salary will increase by $5 an hour, to $29.16.
“I have the utmost confidence in Ron’s ability to handle this,” Mueller said.
With Christensen gone, the city reduced its full-time staff from 10 to nine. Three are employed in the utility and public works departments. Part-time employees assist with seasonal needs, like lawn care.
Attempts by the Times Herald to contact Christensen on Tuesday morning were unsuccessful.
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