The city of Albert Lea is a charter city that has adapted the council-manager form of government. In this form of government, the council is responsible for the legislation/policy of the city and the manager carries out the administration of the city.

Over the years, the city of Albert Lea has met the needs of the community with many employees in various positions. It is the job of the city manager to fill these positions, as they appropriate. Every manager has used their expertise to fill each position with the best possible applicant. It is also the job of the city manager to build each position to most efficiently and effectively serve the people of Albert Lea. Each city manager has crafted their staff with different positions to serve the citizens. In the recent years, we’ve had to be even more creative to find the most cost effective ways to staff every position. Our present city manager has and is responsible for the building the staff he feels meets our needs as a city. He has implemented the concept of cross training and succession planning into all positions. The assistant manager position allows for the cross training expectation to be implemented. This individual can use their expertise in many departments and give us flexibility as a city.

In order for our community to move forward we need to support our progress. Support doesn’t necessarily mean we always agree but we move forward in support. The council is supportive of the hiring of the assistant manager position. We understand the concerns of the people but support our city manager’s analysis of the needs for our community. Thank you for your support.

 

Vern Rasmussen Jr.

Mayor

Albert Lea