The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON-A special City Council meeting took place on Wednesday, June 30, to discuss future staffing at Dayton City Hall. The meeting was scheduled in the aftermath of the termination of the City Administrator, the Planning and Community Development Director, and the Public Works Director, by Dayton Mayor Zac Weatherford, on June 16.

Mayor Weatherford said the City Council would not take public comments or answer questions at this meeting or discuss anything that was not on the agenda. A public comment period will be available at the regular City Council meeting on July 14.

City council members and members of the public have not been given information or an explanation from the mayor about the recent terminations. Dain Nysoe and Delphine Bailey objected to this decision's secrecy because it is a limiting factor on the council's ability to be effective. Nysoe said he understands the law but would like transparency, either in a public meeting, an executive session, or a special meeting.

Nysoe is also concerned about costs, including payouts to former staff and hiring a financial consultant to oversee time-sensitive projects. The consultant would also manage the hiring process as the city decides whether to hire a new Planning and Community Development Director, or a Finance Officer instead of a City Administrator.

The city is already burdened with a current expense shortfall because of the increased costs for county-provided services to the city. Nysoe said the newly instituted 12-percent utility tax doesn't cover all of that shortfall, around $250,000.

"We are going backward financially, and I hoped that at this point in time, we would be progressing forward to cover this shortfall that is facing the city," he said.

Bailey agreed, saying she felt the city was going backward regarding finances.

Weatherford said the city council and the city staff have been diligent with resources and have made good decisions about contractual agreements.

"Their termination didn't cripple the city finances. When we hire somebody to come in and take a look at our finances, hopefully, they can confirm that for us," he said.

In the meantime, the mayor has reached out to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners seeking a temporary Interlocal Agreement for planning services through the County Planning and Building Department. This would be to close out building permits that have already been submitted, he said. The mayor referenced a past contract that cost around $4,000 per month; however, discussions with the county are still early.

Councilmember Delphine Bailey asked if the decision for a new interlocal agreement and hiring a consultant could be made without the City Council's approval. According to the city's attorney, all contracts must be approved by the council. Weatherford said that he hopes to have a temporary agreement drafted for the commissioners to review at their July 6 meeting.

"If they do that, then it will come before City Council at our regular meeting on the 14th," he said.

"I am open to any recommendations," Weatherford told the city council. "I hope that a year from now we look back and we think it was good then, but it is better now."

Now, it is up to the city's Human Resources Committee and the Finance Committee to begin tackling the need for staff.

City Attorney Quin Plant, who was at last week's meeting, said the City Council has contracting authority on behalf of the City. Any Interlocal Agreement or employment contract needs the approval of the council.

Correction: An article in The Times, July 1, 2021, incorrectly referred to Clint Atteberry as the Code Compliance Officer for the City of Dayton. He left that position three years ago and is currently the Building Official for Columbia County.