Falconville final
The City Council approved the creation of a new City Administrator position in a unanimous decision Thursday, giving the post to Falconville resident and acting administrator Joan Bell. The new Administrator, who will report to the City Council, will be responsible for preparing an annual budget in addition to managing day to day affairs of the city.
The City Council was in good spirits as they voted 5-0 in favor of the resolution, although some discontent was evident among city employees.
“Wisest move we’ve made in years� said vice mayor Luis Gomez amid smiles and nods from fellow council members.
As administrator, Bell will be head of city government, managing all city departments and employees. Bell will also be responsible for making recommendations to the Council and for preparing an annual budget.
The now official Administrator, Joan Bell, is a former farm manager who moved to Falconville five years ago. Originally brought in as a consultant, Bell soon took on the position of Acting City Administrator. The Council made her position official Thursday, voting in favor of a transition to a more centralized city government.
“For some time we’ve had too many cooks running the show� said Gomez.
The previously nonexistent Administrative position took up $90,000 in the proposed budget, which was also reviewed by the City Council Thursday.
According to Bell, $54,000 is her portion of the funding including benefits. The rest will go towards staff help and set-up supplies.
“We’ve consolidated a lot of services into this position. We added $90,000 to that part of the budget, but cut several times that from other parts.� said Mayor Henry Smith.
Among the cuts was a 13% decrease in funding for the Parks and Recreation department, as well as cuts to the Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments.
“I think (the Administration funding) is justified when you see what other areas we save in by consolidating duties into one office.� said Bell.