City Administrator

The idea of hiring a City Administrator has been discussed at council planning sessions for more than a decade but nothing came of it. The idea always failed to leave the council sessions because it was not feasible for the city to support a City Administrator alone

Mayor Engles noted that many of the progressive towns our size and larger utilized City Administrators. An investigative team was formed to determine if this would be a viable option for Auburn. The towns of Aurora, Central City, Beatrice, Fairbury, Nebraska City and Wayne were contacted. A matrix (obtainable at City Hall) was made which includes the answers for all towns that engaged in the questionnaire. All towns were positive about the increase in efficiencies and communications that they received to the benefit of the community as a result of having a City Administrator. The cities contacted believed that the position was especially efficient when the City Administrator was responsible for the local Board of Public Works also.

The City investigative team determined that what Auburn needs is:

Efficiencies- Board of Public Works, street and services department, office personnel and police department knowing what each other is doing for the better use of time, sharing responsibilities/equipment, is a benefit to the local tax payer and receiver of city services. One person, reporting directly to the mayor and president of the BPW board who understand how the inner workings of all departments can best be utilized for the betterment of all.

Communication-One person who can best keep all departments of the city organized and structured. That person would also be responsible for giving the proper and accurate information to the mayor and president of the BPW. One person who is responsible for the accurate and correct information given to civic groups, clubs, and the media to help defray the reliance on hearsay or uninformed gossip that disrupts the harmony of the community.

Accountability - The City Administrator will be held accountable for Board of Public Works and city expenditures and to provide for the most cost efficient manner of providing those services. The City Administrator will be responsible for the administration of tax dollars, grants, inter-local agreements, and other sources of revenue.

Short and Long Range Planning- Development of an organized plan, both short and long range, that involves the Board of Public Works and all city departments for the future growth and development of industry, housing, public amenities; and for the preservation and improvement of those already in existence. An organized plan will enable the city to best use the fiscal resources available.

The investigative team inclusive of members from the City Council and the BPW has agreed that a City Administrator would be advantageous for Auburn if that person is responsible for both the city and BPW. The investigative team also believes that the city and the BPW should share the cost of the administrator. It is the recommendation of the investigative team that the best choice for the position of city administrator for the city of Auburn is Mr. Dave Hunter.