Lancaster accepts city clerk’s retirement notice

By Anna Jauhola
The City of Lancaster will soon be on the hunt for a new clerk/treasurer. During its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 10, the council approved Carol Johnson’s retirement notice and several items included in her proposed succession plan.
“I just want to thank you for being good council people. I truly do believe exactly what I said in my letter, that I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you guys – all the mayors and council members. You make my job easier because we work together,” Johnson said.
She began with the city in January 2001, so she is completing her 23rd year with the city.
The council went through the succession plan with Johnson, which included accepting her intent to retire by April 30, 2025, reviewing and accepting the clerk/treasurer job description, and approving the advertisement for the position.
The council agreed to not put the pay range in the ad, but instead indicate wages determined by the city’s current step system, qualifications and experience. The advertisement will run in local and regional papers for a six to eight week period starting August.
The council also appointed Mayor Mike Olson and Councilor Kathy Bernstrom to service, along with Johnson, as an interview committee for applicants. These three will review any applications and interview candidates for final review by the council. Johnson anticipated interviewing to begin in October or early November, so the council is able to make an offer at the end of November.
Once a replacement is hired, Johnson proposes a training period from January to April, with her entering a phased retirement plan. This would allow her to continue working reduced hours for the city, but draw on her PERA benefits. The council approved the phased retirement option, which allows Johnson to keep her hourly pay, continue to accrue vacation and sick time on the hours she works and health insurance paid 100% by the city through April 2025. Added to that is, if training takes longer than through April, Johnson is compensated at the same rate for time worked after April 30.
In other business, the council:
• Took a first look at preliminary budget numbers for 2025. They discussed increasing the levy to $120,000, a $5,000 or 4.75% increase over 2024. Johnson said they don’t have a final number for local government aid (LGA) yet. Other numbers discussed included increases in the mosquito spraying fee, sewer fee for sewer replacement that’s needed, and water tower fee for maintenance. Other budget items under consideration are to fund sidewalk and street repairs and overlays. The council has until the end of September to set a final budget.
• Heard a request from Brad Rice to run city water to his property on the northwest end of Lancaster. The current line is on the east side of the road going by the cemetery, and piping it in would be more than 700 feet. A rough estimate to run that line was $30,000, which would have to be the property owner’s responsibility. Plus a fire hydrant would have to be replaced, which can run up to $13,000.
• Approved a quote from Bernie’s Auto to repair the city pickup, which sustained damage when the city’s trailer jackknifed. The cost is $4,069.11, but the city’s insurance covers it and the deductible is $500.
• Approved a custom sign design from PoDCo for the Lancaster Liquor Store, to place on the south side of the building, and also building number signs for the Liquor Store and Community Center. The total amount was $557.93, which the council approved.
• Accepted a $1,000 donation from the Lancaster American Legion gambling fund to help pay for the cost of agrilime on the sports complex ball field.
• Approved making a request from the gambling fund for $2,000 to help with golf course lawn mower repairs.
• Tabled discussing a transfer of $20,000 from the Liquor Store to the Community Center Debt Payment Fund, until the council has better numbers through August.
The next regular meeting is set for Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.