By Allen Dinkel
This past week has been one of changes for City staff. Finance Director Lindsay Miller made the decision to leave her roll with the City and accept a similar position with another agency in this region. Lindsay had served in this roll for nearly 6 years and was a major link in our lead administrative staff. Naturally financial practices are of extreme importance to any business or city, but as Junction City continues to work to move from what once was a great financial hole to one of more stability the importance is magnified. We talk about the amount of General Obligation Debt that has been retired and look forward to the next 3 years when debt payments are greatly reduced, but the major improvement has been the cash balances of the City funds has increased. This financial stability is of the utmost importance. With Lindsay’s leadership the City has improved in many financial practices and her efforts will benefit the next person that will be named in the near future to assume this roll.
City Treasurer Juliana Tobon will leave her position as City Treasurer next week. Juliana first worked as an Administrative Assistant when her husband John was transferred to Fort Riley. She is now moving on as they will be moving to Korea as he continues to serve our Country. Juliana is a native of the Country of Columbia and came to us with a strong business and financial background. A new City Treasurer has been hired and will begin on May 20.
On the incoming side, Kirt Nichols was named the new Police Chief and Cory Odell was named as the Assistant Chief. Chief
Nichols has a storied history of over 33 years serving the Department with the last four as Captain of Operations. Assistant Chief Odell has served Junction City for 15 years and has risen up through the ranks. The Assistant Chief position was resurrected after a number of years to provide more leadership in the Department. Since there are now two Captain positions available there will be some restructuring in the Department under Chief Nichols guidance.
Yes, there have been some concerns in the Police Department that have been addressed over the last few weeks. After hearing concerns regarding potential concerns with the City’s Anti-harassment Policy was being followed we worked with the Attorney the City engages with for employee matters to provide guidance in the matter. An investigative process was undertaken, and issues were addressed. At no time was there any indication of any criminal activities. Simply there was a need to provide a proper workplace environment.
Yes, we get criticized for not telling the everyone about every detail. No doubt the Department’s mission is to serve the community in a professional manner and yes tax dollars are used to pay for the operation. However, like anyone else, public employees, from City to County or School District are people who have certain rights, and these matters are confidential and must be treated in that manner.
This past week, a local media member wrote about concerns he had heard from an anonymous source and basically said it was literally Someone who knew Someone who knew Someone. This entire process was to address concerns and we did so in the most professional way possible and the end result is that no one has been placed at risk and needed actions were taken. This simply would not be allowed. The Police Department and myself stand behind our actions and assure you the matter was handled in a proper manner. I will not battle anyone who is willing to use an anonymous source.
Yes, the years City employees, as well as other public or private employees no longer work for their business or agency. Public employees are scrutinized by the public and even though actions must be taken at times, these employees have rights and sometimes those who were initially part of the process were
found to not be an issue or a concern. They deserve that right and that privacy. Likewise, those who had workplace concerns must be protected as well. I will always stand behind that regardless what someone believes. In the case of the City, we value the employees and their rights to a good work environment and will take the actions needed to do so. In this case, this has occurred.
I am extremely confident that under the leadership of Chief Nichols and Assistant Chief Odell, this department will move forward and continue to fulfill their mission to Serve and Protect.