City clerk’s position up in air

Colusa voters may be asked to consider changing the city clerk’s position from an elected one to an appointed one.

“Right now is an opportune time for discussion,” said City Manager Robert Hickey. “(City Clerk Pete Rodda) has done a fine job, but the nature of how (the position) is designed does not serve the public.”

Rodda announced in March that he would not to seek re-election in November. “My wife and I have some family goals that to fully realize requires me to get back into the full-time workforce,” Rodda said Thursday. The clerk’s salary and benefits were not compatible with those goals, he added.

Hickey said the city should take advantage of the transition to consider several options. Those include asking voters if they would like to have the position become an appointed one, changing it from part-time to full-time, and reviewing compensation for the clerk and city treasurer.

“Appointment would be more simple, but if we’re going to make a financial adjustment then we need to do it quickly before we start advertising for the position,” said Councilman Tom Reische. The council on Tuesday instructed city staff to place the matter on an upcoming agenda with an eye toward the November election.

“This same question went out to voters 15 years ago and they rejected it, but it’s always been a problem and needs to be a paid city staff job,” said Councilman John Rogers.

According to a city staff report, the clerk receives $1,500 per month and the treasurer is paid $500 per month, both for part-time work. Hickey said both jobs require more time than allotted.

“A lot of cities start out with the clerk as an elected official and then transition to an appointed one,” said City Attorney Steve Rudolph. “An elected clerk must be a city resident, which does reduce the pool of applicants.” He said having a larger pool of applicants increases the likelihood of finding a qualified candidate.

Whatever approach the city takes, timing is an issue. Voters must decide whether to change the clerk’s status, and that question could appear on the same November ballot listing candidates for the elective office. Rudolph said that could discourage locals from running for clerk, leaving the spot open if no one runs and voters reject the appointment proposal.

Contact Rob Parsons at 458-2121 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.