City Council - Special Meeting

May I respond to Mr. Morgan's comments? He pointed out to us that we were responsible for our budget, which was passed three months ago. But I would point out to him that budget was passed at the direction of our finance director, three quarters of a million deficit. That's a negative number. And so that's why we are appearing very concerned.

I would like to comment again, Your Honor. Yeah. I am acquainted with the Lee family here in Ottumwa and have been for years, Charles Lee and his photography business. I have not been personally involved with Mike Lee. I'm aware of him, but I haven't had personal relationships with Mike Lee. although nothing that I would say would defame him in terms of his ability to be a CPA and possibly take over the finances of the city of Ottumwa. However, having said that, I can tell you that the city has to stay within a budget. And I believe that Mrs. Cujo and the administrator have set up what they be

Your Honor, I have one further comment that seems to be overlooked most of the time. When we say there's a wage, let's say $142,000, which is the number that we're talking about tonight, we say that's the number. We fail to point out that that also gets additional benefits. So by the time you get done adding additional benefits to that salary, it's going to be $160,000, not $142,000. So everyone that gets a wage from the city gets a benefit package that elevates their income, and the city has to pay it. We have no choice. So every time we pick a salary, we also have to pick a benefit package t

Hold on. Does the council have any choice? to change the wage that was negotiated with Mr. Lee or what the administrator negotiated with Mr. Lee has to be in place. We don't have any choice. Answer that question.

Well, that's an interesting concept. That means the council didn't have a chance to hear that. Only you knew that he would go to work for no less than that.

Okay, well, if I was asked that question a week ago, then I would have had to say, it's a non-starter. We don't have the money.

Barb, when is he eligible for another step and how much additional funds would that amount to?

Our steps. Just give me a round number. Approximately.

Okay. Well, based on that salary, that would be around $5,000. Rough estimate. Two and a half percent. 140 or 50,000 would be around $5,000 additional.

Who made the decision to offer him step seven to start with?

I'm not arguing with other people. I'm arguing whether we have enough money to do that kind of process. We are three-quarters of a million dollars deficit as of the last filing, and we spend money like we got it.