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Short Takes

Getting more efficient at city hall

THUMBS UP:

Change is never easy. The status quo is always so comfortable, but it also can be less productive. Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson is steering some sensible reorganization in the finance department. During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Hanson explained she is recommending the city to not hire a new executive assistant in the city administrative department. The current executive assistant retires in January. Hanson’s recommendation is based in advances on technology and changes in “the way we work.” Hanson also told the Council that many discussions were held with the finance staff since April. She said job proposals were reviewed with staff. The reorganization was approved 5-1 by the Council.

Good luck to Lincoln County retirees

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

Any organization would prefer not to see more than 80 years of experience walk out the door at the same time. But Lincoln County Recorder Loretta Lundberg and treasurer Susan Paluch have put in their time and deserve their retirement. Lundberg has 51 years of service with the county. She described some of the historical events she witnessed in county government over the years in an Independent article. The retirements presents a good opportunity for the county to also make some sensible reorganization changes of its own.

Time to think about fire prevention

THUMBS DOWN:

There appears to be a lot of structure fires lately in southwest Minnesota. While fire marshal investigations are still ongoing in Marshall fires involving a Main Street structure and a bus facility, we now know what caused a house fire earlier this week. The presence of combustible materials on a stove top was blamed. The cause of that fire presents a good opportunity to remind everybody of fire prevention measures such as testing smoke alarms, inspecting heating sources, checking the dryer, storing flammable products properly, be careful with candles and keeping stove and ovens clear of flammable materials.

Tracy expanding renewable energy

THUMBS UP:

The city of Tracy is making smart investments in solar. Three different solar panels sites are being commissioned within the Tracy city limits and two others are to follow. “Solar is one of the best options for branching out into renewable energy,” Tracy City Administrator Kris Ambuehl said. Good news for Tracy.

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