Wasilla adds city staff positions

EDITORS NOTE: This article contains corrected information amended on 6/10/08:

WASILLA — The Wasilla City Council approved adding both a human resources and a public works position to the 2009 fiscal year budget during a special meeting last night, adding a total of $145,000 in salary and benefits for the extra staff positions.

Wasilla City Mayor Dianne M. Keller urged members to approve the human resources position as current the city’s HR generalist has indicated her intention to retire no later than April 2009.

“It would be a disservice if we had nobody in there and all that institutional knowledge were to go away,” Keller said.

Council Member Steve Menard said that while a position is needed, the $92,000-plus expenditure for a high-level position is not the best decision with salary changes due to unionization of city employees going on the city books for 2009.

“I just don’t think it’s the right time, personally,” Menard said. “It’s a huge expense.”

Other council members concurred, voting down the generalist position 4-2. While the council deemed the senior-level human resources position unnecessary, creating the assistant position passed, 4-2.

A public works supervisor position also got the green light.

Council member Dianne Woodruff said moving the clerks’ office would eliminate the need for an additional hire and the nearly $71,000 amendment failed.

The council left $10,000 in the budget for graphics and aerial photos of the city by a 4-2 vote. Dissenting Councilman Marty Metiva said the city could find the money somewhere else, and Menard added the city could save money by axing the budget provision.

Deputy Mayor Kristofer Larson said if the city plans to expand at any point, the overhead photos are vital for development. Public Works Director Archie Giddings agreed, saying other departments besides economic development could find the aerial shots useful.

The council also approved $15,000 to have the city attorney present during an estimated 24 regular planning commission meetings. Woodruff said the planning commission has seen delays with projects because of the need to consult with an attorney.

The council slashed $50,000 from the 2009 budget for the Wasilla Visitors and Tourist Bureau.

At the same time, the council gave the stamp of approval for a guaranteed $25,000 to the Wasilla Visitors and Tourist Bureau for the 2010 fiscal year, with the possibility of another $25,000 disbursed to the organization if the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau matches the city’s funds.

Also seeing the chopping block was $25,000 earmarked for community funding from the city’s budget. In previous years, the funds were given to community events and organizations, such as the Wasilla Area Seniors Inc., Mat-Su Miners and the Curtis Menard Fun Run, and used for promotional items for the city, including lapel pens and Christmas cards.

Professional legal services for the city were also cut by $30,000.

The final six budget amendments were not discussed during the special session due to time constraints.

Contact Frontiersman reporter Derek Casanovas at 352-2284.