MONROE - Plans for getting a city administrator were postponed indefinitely during Monday's Monroe City Council meeting.
In a special meeting, the council was prepared to discuss the position, which has been vacant since May 2008.
But the issue became a moot point following a statement from Fire Chief Daryl Rausch, whom the city department heads chose to represent them.
"Although we see the benefits of an administrator, we don't feel the city should move forward (to hire one), because of the costs involved," Rausch told council members.
Department heads arrived at their conclusion after a lengthy discussion at a routine morning meeting, Monday, Rausch said.
Council members have estimated the cost of an administrator could run about $120,000, based on the wages and fringe benefits paid to the previous administrator, Mark Vahlsing.
Beside the cost of an administrator, department heads were comfortable working under the system as it is now, Rausch said
"This council has been hands-on, involved in the daily operation, and the department heads don't have a problem with that," he said. "We feel it's not the best time to proceed."
City Clerk Carol Stamm read a similar statement from city assessor Barb Berget. Berget informed the council that the "city is moving along well." She recommended the council "wait until the economy is on an upswing" to hire an administrator.
Alderman Mark Coplien, chairman of Salary and Personnel Committee, told the other council members that he has been trying to move along the refilling of the administrator position.
"It pretty well stops here," he said. "It was great hearing the department heads say that. It was a concern; you hear just bits and pieces."
Coplien praised Mayor Ron Marsh for his being available at city hall "full-time."
"We stand behind him ... We have to go with the flow," Coplien said.
In a special meeting, the council was prepared to discuss the position, which has been vacant since May 2008.
But the issue became a moot point following a statement from Fire Chief Daryl Rausch, whom the city department heads chose to represent them.
"Although we see the benefits of an administrator, we don't feel the city should move forward (to hire one), because of the costs involved," Rausch told council members.
Department heads arrived at their conclusion after a lengthy discussion at a routine morning meeting, Monday, Rausch said.
Council members have estimated the cost of an administrator could run about $120,000, based on the wages and fringe benefits paid to the previous administrator, Mark Vahlsing.
Beside the cost of an administrator, department heads were comfortable working under the system as it is now, Rausch said
"This council has been hands-on, involved in the daily operation, and the department heads don't have a problem with that," he said. "We feel it's not the best time to proceed."
City Clerk Carol Stamm read a similar statement from city assessor Barb Berget. Berget informed the council that the "city is moving along well." She recommended the council "wait until the economy is on an upswing" to hire an administrator.
Alderman Mark Coplien, chairman of Salary and Personnel Committee, told the other council members that he has been trying to move along the refilling of the administrator position.
"It pretty well stops here," he said. "It was great hearing the department heads say that. It was a concern; you hear just bits and pieces."
Coplien praised Mayor Ron Marsh for his being available at city hall "full-time."
"We stand behind him ... We have to go with the flow," Coplien said.