Failure to state compensation packages delays hiring of city department heads

There was a hiccup in the hiring process for new department heads during the Common Council meeting Tuesday.

Ordinance requires compensation packages be read into the record, which didn't happen, according to a letter from the mayor to the council members. The council voted, 12-4, to appoint Craig Kammholz as finance director and Bill Porter as public works director, but there was no mention of salary or benefits.

Kammholz would get a starting salary of $105,900, as well as three weeks of vacation. Porter's compensation package calls for $104,830 salary, three weeks of vacation and $300 monthly car allowance in lieu of a city vehicle. Both would also receive a week of "executive leave," unpaid time off that provides some time off to employees coming from jobs that offered more vacation time.

A special council meeting has been called at 7:50 p.m. between committee meetings Feb. 22 at City Hall.

A start date for both new hires will be determined after the compensation packages get approved, Human Resources Director Beth Aldana said.