In light of the recent resignations of the Albert Lea city manager and finance director, the Albert Lea City Council on Monday made three decisions regarding some of the duties handled by these positions.

The first vote appointed City Attorney Lee Bjorndal and Accounting Technician Sandy Bera as the signatories for the city. Signatories had previously been City Manager Jim Norman, Finance Director Rhonda Moen and former Mayor Mike Murtaugh.

Norman resigned as part of an agreement last month with the city following allegations that he misused the city credit card for personal use. Moen resigned after accepting job as the finance director in Owatonna, and Murtaugh resigned following the death of his wife, Geri, a longtime Tribune journalist.

Thus, new signatories needed to be authorized.

The second vote authorized City Attorney Lee Bjorndal to approve city purchases over $500.

City purchases above $500 usually must be approved and signed by the city manager up to something costing $50,000. Above $50,000, the purchase must come before the council.

Lastly, the council voted to appoint Springsted Inc. as the city’s financial advisor through the end of the year. The city otherwise does not have a finance director starting Friday.

Look to the Tribune for additional coverage from Monday’s council meeting, especially regarding resident feedback about various project assessments.