Editorial: Council now steps forward on study

The Willmar City Council took a positive step Monday in selecting an outside firm to study the city’s organizational structure.

The council approved the hiring of Brimeyer-Fursman of Maplewood on a voice vote at a cost of $22,500 plus travel expenses. The consulting firm will and should have an opportunity to talk to city leaders, staff and citizens without hindrance or fear of retaliation.

The organization study, which was approved and recommended by the Labor Relations Committee, will review the city’s organization and interview appropriate city officials and staff.

After completing its analysis, the firm will make recommendations to the city.

This study is a good step for the city, not just a passing fad as Councilmember Rick Fagerlie said.

A number of local government units have done organizational studies, including Willmar Municipal Utilities, Kandiyohi County, Swift County and Willmar Public Schools. They are all looking for the right steps to improve

Willmar is starting to step up like these forward-looking government entities have done. The city should review how it is organized, what it is doing and how it is accomplishing tasks within its own structure.

An organization study is good for the city as it strives to develop new strategies, facilitate consolidation and/or partnering where its works and deliver services efficiently and cost effectively.

We commend the City Council for taking a positive step forward for Willmar.