City moves into new fiscal year

Four offices reappointed

Candidate for fire chief on agenda

[May 15, 2008]  The city of Lincoln has launched into its new fiscal year. In her "state of the city" address, Mayor Beth Davis-Kavelman identified payroll as the city's largest expense.

She said that the new budget is $340,734 slimmer than the previous year, at $10,520,427.

The city is fortunate to have several major offices being run part time by some dedicated, community-minded individuals. The treasurer position is set at part time and pays $5,000 to $6,000 a year. The mayor position is set for part time and pays $12,000 a year, although it is more than full-time work. The safety officer takes home work.

The mayor recognized that all departments remain short-staffed and she credited each department with their efforts to maintain services.

Measures were taken last fall that could help the city see some relief from the shortages. A number of higher paid, senior staff from the police and fire departments accepted early retirement incentives.

The salary differences are being used this year to outfit and train the new officers and firefighters. It was explained during the budget process that there is also a need for additional training for seasoned officers and firefighters because of the retirements.

Office appointments for May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009
(With mayor's comments)

City attorney, Bill Bates

Bill has proven to be a valuable asset to this community as far as municipal law and an integral part of this administration for the past six years. He's also been valuable with the planning commission and our union negotiations, which are taking place at this time.

Building codes and safety officer, Lester Last

Les continues to be a positive aspect in our community.

To Mr. Last she said: I know you are on the front line when things don't go the way that neighbors or citizens always think they should. You do take a lot of that home with you, I understand. I very much appreciate the diligence there.

Streets and alleys superintendent, Tracy Jackson

Again, Tracy's our go-to guy. If there's something to be done, he's down there doing it, he's out there, and he's picking up limbs on the streets, keeping the roads in good condition as well.

"You need more staff as well; you've got them working all the time."

Police chief, Stuart Erlenbush

Chief Erlenbush has just gone through one year. The year prior the city had some controversy in that department and Chief Erlenbush came on the scene and agreed to be police chief. "He did not plan to being here; it just worked out. He's done an excellent job in that capacity."

He has agreed to stay on another year.

Fire chief

The committee expected to present a candidate to replace retired Chief James Davis for the start of the fiscal year. However, the mayor said that the top candidate who was to be presented called to say that his family decided they would like to stay where they are.

It was announced that the next candidate would be presented on Monday, May 19.

The council approved each appointment unanimously, except for one "no" vote for Jackson. Alderman Benny Huskins commented, "Mayor, I think Mr. Jackson probably does a pretty good job, but my phone rings all the time for streets that haven't been plowed, or such things as that."

Mayor pro-tem

The council approved Alderman Marty Neitzel, 8-1, to serve as mayor pro-tem, following a motion by Joni Tibbs and second by Verl Prather. Alderman Buzz Busby voted no. Neitzel was not present.

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