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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The IDEAS Group has been striving to inform the community of the progress and accomplishments in the Valley City-Barnes County area.
IDEAS Group Chair Alison Kasowski said, “As an average citizen, I think it’s important to understand the roles of these positions and the chain of command in our city government.”
Kasowski said, “A seemingly constant revelation has been the impact of three City of Valley City positions: the City Administrator, City Finance Director and Chief of Police. In order to better understand the incredible responsibilities of these positions, The IDEAS Group interviewed them to hear their perspective about the part they play to ensure the City functions efficiently, serves the public effectively, and engages with others to create a vibrant community in which we live and work. After our interviews, we were amazed, quite frankly, of all that they do. Here are their stories, or perhaps better said, “the tip of the iceberg”.
MANAGEMENT: Managing a $12 Million (M) Public Works budget and an $8 plus Million City budget, responsible for nearly 100 people including our Fire Department, overseeing all capital improvement projects in cooperation with other professionals, and in short, managing the City is the responsibility of David Schelkoph, City Administrator. There are layers of responsibility, projects, challenges and rewards within this snapshot. “My decisions affect the citizens,” said Schelkoph. “We must always keep in mind, what is in their best interests”.
FUNDS: Shelkoph’s background includes an Electrical Engineering (EEE) degree from NDSU with a focus on power. The last 12 years of his career was serving as CEO of West Plains Electric in Dickinson. This extensive background is critical to the City. Of the $12 M budget, $10.5 M is operating and maintenance (O&M) for Public Works. The capital improvement budget is approximately $1.4 M a year. Of the $10.5 M O&M budget, $7.5 M is the Electrical Department O&M. When working with those kinds of dollars, efficiency is key. Contracts with electrical suppliers are very complex and very long term. Each year the City transfers funds from the Electrical Fund into the General Fund. This year the amount is $960,000 which translates into a savings of well over 68 mills. The City’s 2016 mill levy is 80.81 mills; without this revenue, property taxes would nearly double.
In addition to the $12 M Public Works budget, the general City government budget for 2017 is $3 M for O&M and capital improvements. City infrastructure improvement projects (streets etc.) are typically about $4 M a year.
INFRASTRUCTURE: A City government benefits the citizens when it is good stewards with the funds it is in charge of while completing its due diligence, setting accountability expectations and keeping projects on track. For example, requiring projects to be bid no later than the end of February each year, unless there’s outside influences such as financing, has saved money. It’s a real challenge to match project implementation with the red tape attached to federal and state funding. However, this process recently saved $400,000-$500,000 on a paving project (Paving 113). Meetings are held every week with contractors and engineers during construction to ensure quality projects are completed in a timely manner.
There’s a role for government so that communities can live in safety and comfort. Citing the devastation in Haiti, when infrastructure breaks down, suffering is immediate. As City Administrator, David’s responsibility is to manage infrastructure, engage in planning and development, and provide the best possible information to the City Commission so informed decisions can be made. Government has a place. We need to provide public services and infrastructure. We must invest wisely and drilling down on accountability is equally important.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Schelkoph wears his passion for the community on his sleeve. “We can all learn from our mistakes as we move forward, including myself,” he said. “The real reward is when I can help those who really need the help.” “My philosophy and Christian responsibility is to treat others as I would want to be treated and that will never change.”
THE DOORS ARE OPEN: There’s optimism at City Hall. The City Commission creates the vision and it is the City Administrator’s responsibility to fulfill the vision. “We need to get out of our own way and build on our success,” he said. Commissioners are supporting one another and are working hard to provide information to the public. Citizens are encouraged to stop in and visit with David or city officials. It is important that City Hall and the community exist in an environment of openness and trust.
Dave Schelkoph has been in his position as City Administrator for over 5 years.
FINANCE: Fiscal management, financial analysis, creating and implementing budgets, financial reports, projections and keeping track of the money that goes through the City is a big job that Avis Richter, City Finance Director, has been serving in for the last 20 years.
Strong financial management and budgeting for the general City government and Public Works or Enterprise Funds as they are called, (water, sanitary sewer, garbage and electrical) are critical. Working closely with David Schelkoph, City Administrator, the budgeting process encompasses Public works and the general City government as one governmental unit. This comprehensive process allows the City to be better prepared and responsive versus reactive to the City’s needs.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Everything she and her Department does is open to the public and serving the public has been very gratifying. “I’m always learning.” Richter says. “There’s value in constructive criticism and always room for improvement.” “Our citizens are great even when we go through tough times.” “I never take things personally and listen carefully when people come in to discuss issues because they are very real,” she adds. “They may not hear the answer they want to hear, but I understand where they’re coming from and feel compassion for them.”
MOMENTUM: Richter has seen many changes and accomplishments over the years. She said, “Our economy has been strong for a very long time and we have great momentum.” “Our challenge is to not lose the momentum because of the recent economic changes.” “We’ve been working on improving Quality of Place and can now offer bike paths, walking paths and the Wellness Center.” “We need to slow it down but keep the momentum going and live within our means.”
Avis and her husband, Dwayne, moved to Valley City from Devils Lake in 1981 to manage Kenny’s Family Restaurant. She is originally from Carrington and a graduate of VCSU with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Finance and Accounting. “We liked the community and friendly people.” “Life happened along the way and Valley City became our home and we raised our family here,” Richter said.
Reflecting on the greatest rewards of her career, Richter said, “I’m still here after 20 years.” “To earn the respect and the confidence of the people is so very important to me.” “Doing a job very well is really important and when looking back at all of the things we’ve accomplished, it’s very satisfying, it’s gratifying.”
STEPPING IN & STEPPING UP: Phil Hatcher stepped into the job of Chief of Police in January of this year. For the greater part of the last 10 years, the Police Department has been through some tough times and turmoil has been the norm. Chief Hatcher has served in the Valley City Police Department for 10 years and experienced it firsthand. “We were always in a conflict,” he said. As Chief he sees his role as leading the men and women of law enforcement, providing stability and security and supporting officers so they perform at the highest possible level.
RECRUITING & TRAINING: Hatcher stresses the need to be positive, accountable, respectful and treat everyone fairly. Training is very important especially during the first full year. Officers with academy training receive further training in the field which is typically a 17-week program. Beyond formal programs, he stresses the need to keep improving every day.
“I grew up here and always admired police officers and wanted to be one,” Chief Hatcher said. Breaking down stereotypes, overcoming differences and respect is important. Backing the Badge was a great opportunity to do that. He indicated law enforcement really appreciated the event and he hopes it can be continued.
Valley City is served by 12 officers and the Department currently has two openings. Respecting citizens and earning their respect are important. Serving in law enforcement has changed dramatically over the last several years in North Dakota with the loss of a police officer a short 50 miles away and more lives lost nationally. Officers are trained to overcome difficulties but recruiting has changed. He sees fewer candidates today.
CHALLENGES: Chief Hatcher and other law enforcement personnel attended a recent event at Valley City High School and had an opportunity to discuss drug, alcohol and other addictions with Tony Hoffman (former professional BMX champion and recovering addict) and other community members. “We’re not Mayberry.” “We have crime and issues here.” Chief Hatcher said. He further stated that making the right decisions and taking personal responsibility are critical to being successful. “Something inside you needs to say no,” Chief Hatcher said. The School Resource Officer is a big step that will have a very positive impact.
“Valley City is a shareholder in law enforcement,” Chief Hatcher added. “Every citizen has our respect and must be treated fairly and respectfully.” “Humility goes a long way.”
IDEAS Group member, Stacey Lilja said “Dave, Avis and Chief Hatcher are passionate about Valley City and positive about the direction the community is going.” She added, “The fact that Dave and Chief Hatcher grew up here, left for a period of time and came back, while Avis has been in the area for over 30 years speaks to their commitment and loyalty to Valley City.”