Layoffs and Furloughs in the near future…

Tulelake, CA— Does anyone really care that the Tulelake City Council approved a request to obtain the services of CPA, Charles Pillion for a maximum of 12 hours at $130.00 an hour to complete the audit statements; except for the outstanding loans. Or where the City had to come up with a $39,000 fee to pay SCORE LIABILITY by first paying $5,000 down with an additional $20,000 leaving a balance of $14,000 to be paid in two payments of $7000 in September and October.

Or now where the City Attorney has presented Job descriptions for a City Hall Administrator and Financial Director with these positions being described as AT WILL positions by the council. Where it was discussed the city no longer has a Financial Director and that the services could be done by removing some of the clerical duties of Kim Kaiser and others by creating a part time Accountant position to do the financial reports and summaries.

It was suggested to go back to an outside accounting firm as the city has done in the past. Some council members were not in favor of the larger financial director type position that was just dissolved. The City Attorney suggested the council seek proposals for the Financial Director position by looking at the possibility of an independent contractor.

Mayor Randy Darrow reminded all present, “that by council, the description means the ENTIRE COUNCIL and not just one or two council members." During the discussion a question came to mind. Who would do the agenda’s? There were many suggestions of how it could be done, but no firm answers to whom that person would be to do the agenda’s in the future.

City staffing during these times has become an issue. A motion was made to continue with Kim Kaiser as administrative assistant until the September 6th meeting. The council went into closed session with the City Attorney to discuss possible litigation about bad dept policy.

After the closed session what mainly took place was information that they will seek direction from Great Northern Lending. There was no comment from staff or council how to proceed and the City Attorney needed to have consultation with council about the policy that she is proposing.

The council discussed Layoff and Furlough Policy- the council stated that there would have to be some positions cut once the audit and budget are complete. City employees are one of the largest budget items and these costs will have to be addressed with the best interest of the city and the fairness to the employees.

James Garland of TNT
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: tulelakenewtimes@cot.net