David Drown - Example Profile
POSITION: CITY ADMINISTRATOR
LOCATION: FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA
POPULATION: 13,280
SALARY RANGE: $90,000 TO $125,000
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Fergus Falls is located in the beautiful West Central Minnesota
lakes country near the Red River Valley. Sitting approximately 180
miles northwest of Minneapolis, 25 miles east of the North Dakota
border, and 55 miles from the Fargo/Moorhead area, this City is
home to 13,280 residents who enjoy a high quality of life. Fergus
Falls has five exits off of Interstate 94 which makes this City
extremely accessible to its residents and travelers alike.
In 1854, Little Falls land speculator James B. Fergus hired Joseph
Whitford to travel northwest to take up a townsite along the Red
River. He encountered a band of Native Americans who told him
of a site where there was a big falls, or rapids. Whitford staked the
site and named it Fergus Falls after the man who sent him on this
expedition. The first permanent settler, Ernest Buse, arrived in
1865, and he and his family remained alone there for two years
before any others arrived. Fergus Falls developed into a bustling
village in 1870 when real estate agent George Burdick Wright and Minneapolis banker R.J.
Mendenhall bought land along the Otter Tail River. They built the first wooden frame saw mill
and the first dam and bridge across the Otter Tail River. Wright enticed people to settle in Fergus
Falls by offering free business lots to anyone that was willing to put up a building, and he earned
his investment back by selling lumber to the new
landowners. The railroad came through in 1879,
ensuring the success of Fergus Falls. The City would
become a regional trade center as businesses had a
guaranteed route into town, and locally produced
goods had a route out of town.
Fergus Falls is the
county seat of Otter Tail
County, the number one
County in North
America for having the
most lakes. It has also
been recognized as a
“Tree City USA” since
1978, which makes Fergus Falls not only the first, but the longest
standing “Tree City” in Minnesota. The City has received recognition
from the Governor’s office as a Fit City and has also just been named
a Bicycle Friendly Community at the bronze level by the League of
American Bicyclists. The City is also now participating in the Green
Steps Cities Program. Fergus Falls is a very family-oriented
community that offers an excellent school system, affordable
housing, a strong job market, and recreation that the whole family can
enjoy.
EDUCATION
Fergus Falls shows its commitment to providing exceptional
educational opportunities by offering a number of both
public and private education options.
Public education is provided by Independent School District
544. The mission of the Fergus Falls Public Schools is to
prepare productive citizens through academic excellence in
partnership with families and the community. In this
District, there are three elementary schools: McKinley
School, Adams School, and Cleveland School. Kennedy
Secondary School offers both a middle school and a high school. The community recently showed
its support of the District by approving a $2.73 million Facilities Improvement Project Referendum
which included upgrades to the football field, the pool and auditorium at Kennedy Secondary
School, resurfacing of the tennis courts, and expanding the track from six to eight lanes.
There are five private school facilities in Fergus Falls that
offer an alternative to public learning. Hillcrest Academy
is a Christian college-preparatory high school that serves
students in grades 7-12. The school offers both boarding
and day school opportunities for local, domestic, and
international students. Morning Son Christian School
serves students in grades K-6, Our Lady of Victory is a
Pre-K-6 grade Catholic school, Trinity Lutheran School
provides preschool education, and Twin Oaks Private
School serves students in grades 9-12.
There are two institutions of higher learning available in
Fergus Falls. Lutheran Brethren Seminary shares its campus with Hillcrest Academy and its
mission is to train and equip pastors, missionaries, and Christian lay workers for ministry in the
Church. Minnesota State Community and Technical College-Fergus Falls campus provides
academic programs in liberal arts and health services. It is a member of the Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities system.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Because Fergus Falls is located right off of Interstate
94, the City has been very successful in attracting new
businesses, strengthening the community. According
the U.S. Census Bureau, Fergus Falls is a newly-
dubbed Micropolitan Statistical Area which is an
economic hub that draws workers and shoppers from
many miles around. For businesses looking to move,
establish, or expand, these micropolitans can be
lucrative, relatively untapped markets.
Fergus Falls offers a diverse economy and is home to
several major, successful companies. Its retail trade
area includes approximately 100,000 people. The City is well positioned for further economic
development, and is a regional center for shopping, education, recreation, medical facilities, and
entertainment.
HEALTHCARE
Fergus Falls is home to an award winning
healthcare facility with a reputation of being one
of Minnesota’s most successful rural health care
organizations. Lake Region Healthcare’s main
campus in Fergus Falls houses:
A primary and specialty care clinic
Walk-In Clinic
108-bed hospital
12-bed level 3 trauma center
Cancer Care & Research Center
Orthopedic Joint Care Center
Surgical, lab, and radiology services
Acute rehabilitation and therapy services
Construction is nearing completion on a new $30 million clinic which will allow for new patient-
centered processes and state of the art technology to improve patient care.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
When it comes to opportunity for indoor and outdoor
activities, Fergus Falls is overflowing. The City offers
beautiful scenery throughout its 22 parks, river walks, and
hiking/biking trails. Water activity is in no short supply as
there are five lakes within the City limits and over 1000 lakes
in the surrounding area. Just six miles north of Fergus Falls,
you can also find
the Red Horse
Ranch Arena which
is a full-amenities
horse boarding,
horse training, and
event facility. The arena hosts events from rodeos and
riding seminars, to auctions and meetings.
The City of Fergus Falls also offers a number of great
visual and performing arts opportunities with its rotating
exhibits, gallery
crawls, and festivals. A Center for the Arts, a performing arts
theatre, provides year-round music, dance, theater, and visual
arts programs. The City is also home to the Otter Tail County
Historical Museum which is recognized as one of the best local
history museums in Minnesota.
If you are looking for shopping and dining, you can walk the
tree-lined streets of downtown where you can find unique retail
shops, coffee houses, and eateries. You can also find many
national retailers right in the City.
THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Fergus Falls is a full service City that employs approximately 115 full time employees
and 100 additional seasonal, temporary, and paid on call employees. The departments are fortunate
to be led by competent, experienced department heads who understand the needs of the City. The
Government Finance Officers Association has awarded a Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Fergus Falls for 21 consecutive years, and
Moody’s Investor Service has assigned Fergus Falls an Aa3 bond rating.
The Administration Department provides the administrative direction for the City. The City
Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City and reports to the Mayor and
City Council.
There are three full time firefighters along with 36 part time volunteers that serve the residents of
Fergus Falls, as well as the citizens of Orwell, Buse, Aurdal, and Fergus Falls townships. The
Fergus Falls Police Department is a full service agency made up of administration, patrol,
investigations, a school resource officer, records, and a drug task force agent. There are 23 officers
and six support staff.
The Library, Public Works, Community Development, and Engineering departments all provide
services that keep the community moving forward.
The City also operates two liquor stores as authorized by Minnesota state law and the Fergus Falls
City Council. Profits from liquor store operations go back into community projects which would
otherwise have to be paid for with increased property taxes.
MISSION AND VISION
Building on our heritage and planning for the future of our citizens, the mission of
the City of Fergus Falls is to provide the resources, opportunities, and environment
to assure the best possible quality of life.
Our vision is to be a model community in Greater Minnesota. We will:
Promote our All-American City as the preferable place to live, work, and visit
Provide a friendly, safe, and supportive atmosphere
Encourage individual involvement and community partnerships
Preserve and expand on our naturally beautiful environment
Provide quality services to the citizens of our community
Promote and encourage new and existing business and industry
Plan for continued growth and development
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
BUDGET
2015 2016
GENERAL FUND
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1,963,799 2,319,111
PUBLIC SAFETY 3,684,299 3,962,616
ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS 2,447,324 2,504,635
PARKS & RECREATION 1,834,256 1,900,422
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 342,764 420,938
TRANSFERS OUT 4,385 0
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
PORT AUTHORITY 711,613 417,500
PUBLIC LIBRARY 756,790 781,624
COMMUNITY ICE ARENA 1,269,962 1,614,886
OTHER 264,628 472,101
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS
TOTAL 3,429,912 2,942,687
CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS
CAPITAL PROJECTS OPERATIONS 7,497,092 8,216,783
OTHER 2,204,313 1,532,350
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
LIQUOR STORE 5,591,793 5,769,732
REFUSE DISPOSAL 2,638,934 2,718,176
SEWAGE TREATMENT 2,338,570 2,424,287
WATER DEPARTMENT 2,105,343 2,032,504
STORM WATER 475,316 564,720
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND
EQUIPMENT 1,787,480 1,861,718
TOTAL BUDGET 41,348,573 42,456,790
Mayor & City Council
City Attorney CITY
ADMINISTRATOR
Human
Resources
Community
Development
Finance Public
Library
Fire Public
Safety
Engineering Public Works
Port
Authority
Building/
Zoning
Liquor
Store
Information
Systems
GIS/CAD
Water, Sewer,
Solid Waste
Park & Rec
Facilities
Accounting
ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists the City Council in determining the scope and overall direction of the City of
Fergus Falls.
Exercises managerial authority and supervision over all municipal employees either
directly or through subordinate supervisors.
Oversees and actively manages the activities of the departments and special projects
ensuring they are in concert with policies and goals of the City Council and that they
further the City’s long range goals and objectives.
Administers and enforces the City Charter and is responsible for the operations of the City.
Meets with and advises the City Council on matters related to City operations and policies.
Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans;
gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations, and
coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Provides professional advice to the City Council, Mayor, and department heads; makes
presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures of the Council and Mayor to staff
and the general public.
Develops, maintains, interprets, and enforces administrative policies and procedures.
Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost
control activities, monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound
fiscal control, assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel materials,
facilities, and time.
Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness,
neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances; performs or assists
subordinates in performing duties, and adjusts errors and complaints.
Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision making
purposes.
Plans, coordinates, and directs the operation of City departments and programs; evaluates
organizational issues and problems, and facilitates strategies to address issues and
problems.
Appoints and removes all employees; directs and supervises the administration of all
departments, offices, and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by Charter or
law.
Sees that all laws, ordinances, and charters are adhered to in all operations within the City.
Prepares and submits, with assistance
from others, a preliminary annual City
budget; administers the adopted budget,
and advises the City Council and Mayor
of financial conditions and current and
future City needs.
Serves as a member of the City’s
investment committee and implements
the policies of the committee.
Attends all meetings of the Council and
various other local, regional, and state
meetings and conventions.
Performs other duties and assumes
additional responsibilities as directed
by the City Council to ensure efficient
and effective City operation.
PRIORITIES AND GOALS
Assist the Council with developing a
progressive five year strategic plan that will
guide decision making and investment.
Implement a river front development process
aimed at commercial and recreational activities.
Establish a long term plan for residential and
business growth by working with community,
regional, and state partners.
Assist with the development of affordable
housing options.
Assist the Council and community leaders with
planning for the upcoming closure of the Ottertail Power electric generation facility.
Work closely and enthusiastically with the Economic Development Authority on the
implementation of strategies that will lead to economic growth in the community and the
establishment of Fergus Falls as a regional destination.
Assist the Council in developing a long term plan for the former Regional Treatment
Center Campus.
Enhance relationships with County and School District officials.
Enhance information content provided to Council so that all the necessary information is
received in advance of decision making.
Refine the City Council committee structure to increase functionality and flexibility.
Assist City departments in achieving maximum potential.
Maximize the use of technology to increase City communication and responsiveness.
Facilitate the proposed Library expansion project.
Identify and pursue alternative funding sources for infrastructure enhancements.
DESIRED ADMINISTRATOR ATTRIBUTES
Entrepreneurial spirit
Can-do attitude
Self-motivated
Well-developed communication skills
Passion for the Fergus Falls community
Demonstrated commitment to community involvement
Skilled delegator who knows how, and what, to delegate
Organizational management skills
Possess a sense of humor
Be diplomatic, but willing to challenge as warranted
Connect well with citizens from all walks of life
Be a uniter
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Administrator: City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Salary Range: $90,000 to $125,000
Fergus Falls is located in the beautiful West Central
Minnesota lakes country near the Red River Valley. The
City, with a population of 13,280, boasts limitless
recreational opportunity, high quality education, a strong
economy, and a friendly, close-knit community.
Desired qualifications for the position of City
Administrator include: graduation from an accredited
four-year college or university, and a master’s degree in
Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field. The
preferred candidate would have a minimum of five years of experience as a municipal
administrator, or a department head, with strong financial background. Any equivalent
combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.
The position profile is available at http://www.daviddrown.com/#!cv/c1c80.
To apply, go to http://dda.catsone.com/careers/, and complete the process by January 7, 2016.
Finalists will be selected by the City Council on February 1, 2016. Finalist interviews are
tentatively scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2016.
Please direct questions to Gary Weiers at gary@daviddrown.com or 612-920-3320 extension 109.
Faribault Office
1327 Merrywood Court
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: (612)920-3320 x109
Fax: (612)605-2375
gary@daviddrown.com