City defends hiring actions

Media attorney: Policy should have been discussed in public

Jefferson City officials see no violation of the Sunshine law in a somewhat controversial closed session meeting that resulted in the City Council’s approval of an employee’s promotion to a position that has not yet been created.

But the mayor and a counsel for the Missouri Press Association say the issue was not handled correctly.

On Wednesday, the city announced Bill Betts, current information technology services director, had been promoted to assistant city administrator, a position that technically does not exist yet, which would combine the responsibilities of finance director and IT director. The ordinance to create the position will be introduced at the Feb. 4 council meeting.

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Comments

drpepper1885 4 months, 3 weeks ago

The city council doing something shady? No..... Say it isn't true.

Really now, would we or do we expect any less of them .... NO

Needs to be a house cleaning done to get rid of crooked poeple on the Council and police dept.

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Gotigers 4 months, 3 weeks ago

First Mr. Nickolas sent the email telling employees how to vote and now this. I think he has completely lost the trust and faith of the public. City Administrator is not a good fit for him.

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gettingthere 4 months, 3 weeks ago

The mayor is concerned??? Shouldn't he have included or at least consulted about the hire/promotion??? I agree with Gotigers...1st we have the drunk or drugged city admin, now we have a brazen "do what I want" city admin.

If my memory serves Rasmussen was given 2 or 3 strikes before resignation. This is strike 2 for Nickolas, I wonder if his days are numbered????

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JCLifer 4 months, 3 weeks ago

The city hall is a laughing stock. Bumbling good old boys ignoring the laws and doing whatever they want. Back scratching is the name of the game.
The chamber with all its parties and socials run by good old gals.
Free gas for the parks director who is paid 6-figure salary. Between the Chamber and the City hall, this place looks like the most unprofessional and least serious town ever. Vote em all out but their cousins will be right back in office. Citizens pay high taxes but get nothing in return.

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wow 4 months, 3 weeks ago

You tell me when ever you have seen someone being hired for a Position that has not even bee created. What happened to the other qualified people who wanted to apply for the position, don't they get a shot at interviewing for the job? It's easier to take if the leader's just say..."hey citizens, that ain't rain fallen, the members of the City Council are Peeing on ya".

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rodinman 4 months, 3 weeks ago

Councilman Henry, remember when you questioned why the council has lost the trust of the citizens? It is nonsense like this, any you votged for it.

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