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The city council last week accepted the resignation of Shawn Williams, public works director. His final day on the job was September 9.  He was hired by North Branch in 1995. 

The separation agreement was provided to the Press by the city administrator and states the terms are in “the best interests of each party.” It requires that neither party will make statements concerning any aspect of the employment.  

There’s a short window of time yet when terms can still be rescinded, but basically Williams agrees to resign, and in return he is slated to receive four months of salary and will cash-out his accumulated paid time off. The agreement stipulates this is not an acknowledgment by the city or Williams of any liability.

City Administrator Matthew Hill told the Press Brady Sterbentz, public works foreman,  is acting as public works director. The city is conducting a search for a permanent successor for Williams, with the help of North Branch’s  engineering consulting firm WSB.

The clock is ticking on the timeframe set up in state law to develop a 2026 levy and budget. In the City of North Branch council members are looking at going to the wire on a preliminary set of numbers.  The budget set in September can be trimmed but may not be increased between fall and the end of the year,  when the financial picture affecting property taxes  has to be made final.

Last week council mentioned the city franchise fee which is collected in energy bills through Xcel, etc. The fee is being looked at for an increase.  The franchise fee revenues are dedicated to streetwork and are a few dollars per billing cycle,  assessed at varying rates according to commercial or residential customers. (Check your personal bill.)

The city has also directed staff to investigate enacting a Local Option Sales Tax with the goal to boost revenues.

Interestingly the North Branch City Council is prioritizing preferred budgetary needs anonymously this year.   City Administrator Matthew Hill reminded council last week they should have received a request he had distributed to “rank”  items as to what they could support being included in budgeting.  Hill said the leaders will have to discuss the rankings soon, Hill told the council.

In the mid-year financial update (based on July numbers) council heard the budget covering the year we are in is in good shape and no major concerns were presented.  The city’s liquor stores’ manager Carla Golden reported expenses have been reined-in with smarter buying practices taking advantage of promotions and sales, and better tailoring of inventory to patrons’ tastes, adding the THC beverages are outpacing regular alcoholic purchases.  There was an issue with the privately-owned store (west side of the freeway)incorrectly including a sum for property tax liabilities in the lease, which the city government should not have been charged as it’s tax exempt. This has been credited and corrected, council was advised.

In an open microphone, resident Rick Parent asked about getting speed limits and signage on 367th.  Roadwork recently improved the surface and added striping and speeding is a problem, especially with no signs re-posted.  He also had a petition from neighbors supporting the issue.

Resident Lynn Wilson commented on what she feels is a lack of transparency in the way the public works director was let go.  The action accepting the separation and release agreement was a single line on the consent agenda.  She stated Shawn Williams was one of the best public servants North Branch has ever had.

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