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<br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth commented she wanted the Council to be wise in its decision making while also <br />taking a long-term look at finances. She stated the Council also had to consider the times that the City was <br />facing due to COVID-19. She understood residents were facing pay cuts and no pay increases. For this reason, <br />she wanted the City to have little or no increase to the levy. She indicated with so many residents hurting at <br />this time she would not be able to support COLA increases for City staff members. She explained she could <br />not support the hire of a Diversity and Inclusion Director in 2021, but could support the City hiring a <br />consultant for these services. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fynewever explained the City was at a point in time where it needs HR services, along with <br />an investment in Diversity and Inclusion given the growing diversity in the community. She supported the <br />City hiring a full-time Diversity Director, or at least a half time position. She feared the City would regret not <br />putting something on the books for this position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen supported the City spending additional dollars for a Diversity Director. He indicated he <br />would be interested in exploring a shared position with a neighboring community. He understood that COVID <br />has impacted this position. Massopust reported he has not been able to find a community willing to share this <br />position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen stated he was not certain he could support a fulltime FTE for Diversity and Inclusion <br />in 2021. He indicated he could support the City hiring a consultant. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fynewever commented on the use of a consultant and explained if the City could support one- <br />half of the year for this position, the community would greatly benefit. She believed a role like this was similar <br />to that of a sworn peace officer. She discussed how a Diversity and Inclusion Director could positively interact <br />with the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen supported the City hiring in the second half of the year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth stated this was an excellent plan and was a hiring priority for her if the budget <br />allows. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson suggested the City move forward with the 2.56% levy increase and that cuts be considered at <br />future budget worksession meetings. She supported the hire being considered for the second half of 2021. She <br />indicated she supported a COLA increase because she wanted the City to be able to retain its staff members. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen explained he could support a Diversity position being hired half way through the <br />year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fynewever commented she supported hiring for this position half way through the year as <br />well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth encouraged staff to rework the budget and stated she would be willing to <br />reconsider this at a future meeting. She indicated she wanted the Council to be very aware of how a tax <br />increase would be viewed by the public given the fact a lot of people were struggling at this time. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson understood this was a concern. She explained when the Council was looking at a 2% increase <br />to the levy, she stated she could explain to the public that the City was being mindful of its expenses. <br /> <br />