MONROE — The city of Monroe has narrowed its search for a new city administrator down to five candidates who will begin final interviews on April 3.

Monroe City Clerk Brittney Rindy said there were approximately 35 applications for the position that was left vacant after the resignation of Phil Rath in October of 2019. Rath has recently taken a position as administrator in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Rindy said she could not name the five finalists.

“The interview process will go on as long as the city is looking for the right candidate,” Rindy said.

Without having a city administrator in place over the last six months, Rindy said there have been some challenges.

“Different department heads, the mayor and members of the council have all taken on different duties to help keep things running smoothly,” Rindy said. “We are looking forward to having a new city administrator in place when the time comes.”

COVID-19 leave policy

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the city of Monroe will be temporarily relaxing its leave of absence policy.

Monroe Mayor Louis Armstrong approved the measure on March 17. Details of the matter still need to be worked out at a future meeting of the city’s salary and personnel committee, however, Rindy said that meeting has yet to be scheduled.

In a press release from the city, effective immediately the city will not require a healthcare provider note to validate employee illnesses or their ability to return to work. Employees are required to notify their supervisor of an absence due to health concerns for themselves or a family member.

“It is very important for employees who do not feel well or who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home from work,” according to Armstrong.

Noting the closing of schools and daycares in relation to the pandemic, the city will allow paid absence for childcare if no other options are available to the employee, according to Armstrong. The absences need to be requested and approved through the employee’s supervisor to qualify for paid childcare leave.

“Time will be paid for the above-mentioned absences at the employee’s regular rate of pay and will not reduce any PTO (paid time off) banks,” according to Armstrong.

According to Armstrong the city holds its employees in the highest esteem.

“Together we will overcome this public health crisis as a community,” according to Armstrong.