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John “Jack” Helin
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TAB 5
The Grand Island Independent (www.independent.com)
February 7, 1999
Central City to Hire First Public Works Director
Author: Sara Grell
CENTRAL CITY — A new public works director will soon be hired in Central City and some
aren't too happy about it. "That's part of the city administrator's job description," said Clayton
Erickson, who is serving his first term on the Central City City Council. Erickson cast the lone
vote against a public works director position, during a council meeting Jan. 11. He said several
of his constituents aren't happy about it either.
The new public works director's salary will be at least $35,000, said Central City City
Administrator Jack Helin. Duties will include planning, budgeting, and implementing policies
for all public works departments including gas, electricity, streets, parks, water, sewer, and
wastewater treatment. Helin said he has overlooked these duties for over two years. "It will give
me a chance to work a 40-hour week," Helin said. "I can't put emphasis on long range projects
when I'm busy doing this stuff too."
The town has never had a public works director. Helin said there are several reasons why one is
needed now. Helin said a public works director is needed to oversee upcoming issues regarding
electric deregulation. "If the potential exists for the city to assume responsibility for providing
electric services to any nearby communities, the work to determine the feasibility of this will be
considerable, as well as the expansion of actual work to support such an initiative," Helin said.
Helin said the position will save the city money because construction projects previously
contracted out will be done in house. Helin added that the city will also save money because they
won't have to hire engineering consultants. Last year, the city spent approximately $25,000 on a
consultant for just one project. "If we get a good qualified person to do our own consulting, it
will pay for the salary real quick," Helin said.
Some residents argue the position will not save taxpayers money. Although the position was
added in both the 1998 and 1999 budgets, one resident said other costs such as a new vehicle,
vehicle maintenance, and insurance for the new person will also need to be paid for. "They say it
will save us money but how will it save us money?" said resident Delbert Miller. "It's an added
burden to us taxpayers."
Central City Mayor Calvin Lepp said the city hired a public works director nearly four years ago
but the person was not able to move to Nebraska. The position has been left vacant since then.
"No one had a problem with it then," Lepp said. "I think people need to learn what the facts are."
Miller said the city has gone this long without filling the position and has easily coped without
one. "If they've gone five or six years then why do they need to do it now?" he said. "I think
things should go on like they are now." Erickson said he would like to see that salary used on
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