ENM Council discusses hiring of city accountant

The Elko New Market City Council at its Thursday, June 9, meeting unanimously directed city staff to pursue the hiring of a city accountant. This will also require contracting with AEM Financial Solutions for services to provide financial analysis, reporting, oversight and other functions.

City Administrator Tom Terry explained Elko New Market retained the services of AEM Financial Solutions in January of this year. The firm was hired when the deputy clerk and the city “separated.” It was noted the hiring of a staff member will be able to help with duties such as customer service. In looking at the possible hire, city staff and AEM Financial Solutions considered: - Cost - Workload - Flexibility - Required technical expertise - Recruitment and retention

It was decided there were two options, the first being the hiring of two staff members, a finance director and accounting technician, and the second option was the hiring of the city accountant and the contract. Of the first option, Terry said the hiring of the two staff members would cost an estimated $145,000. This would provide the city with the resources to manage its finances. The second option would cost an estimated $115,000. Terry said the second option would be a more incremental approach and provide greater flexibility in meeting near and longer term staffing needs. Also, the city would have access to the depth of AEM Financial Solutions expertise on an ongoing basis. The estimates included the cost of AEM Financial Solutions being hired for $76,000 in 2016.

Council member Josh Berg liked the more economical approach of option two, although it might be beneficial for the city to consider the first option.

Council member Trish Timmons preferred the...

To see more on this story pick up the June 16, 2016 print edition of The New Prague Times.