City of Northfield Finance Director Salary Range------------$102,040 to $129,376 City of Northfield Mission “The City of Northfield is dedicated to providing effective and responsive public services to develop and enhance a livable and vibrant community” Community Information Northfield is named after John Wesley North who, along with his brother-in-law George Loomis, settled in the Cannon River Valley in 1855. The two built a bridge, saw mill and flour mill – charting Northfield’s future for years to come. In the late 1800’s, Jesse Ames purchased and enlarged this flour mill, which is operated today by Post Holdings, a consumer goods company, who recently purchased the facility from MOM Brands (Formerly Malt-o-Meal Company.) Now, Northfield is a steadily growing, full-service City with over 20,000 people. Forty-five miles from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, it offers residents a desirable combination of small town living with easy access to the amenities of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Northfield’s charm, commitment to the arts, and proximity to the Twin Cities contributes to the area’s new developments and business growth. Education Northfield enjoys a rich educational heritage dating to the establishment of its first school in 1856. Today, Northfield has a first-class public school system that offers progressive educational programs designed to maximize student success – including a wide range of honors and advanced placement educational opportunities and a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. In addition, private schools and public charter schools offer educational options for residents. The Northfield Public Schools education takes place in six school buildings – three elementary schools serving approximately 1,600 students, a middle school and a high school. A new elementary school was built in 2003 and a new middle school was completed in 2004. The high school was extensively remodeled and a new football field/stadium built in 2004. The combination of progressive programs, quality teachers, improved facilities and a high level of community support has proven to be a success. Northfield Public Schools have a graduation rate 15 percentage points above the Minnesota average, with approximately 85% of graduating seniors moving on to post-secondary education. Northfield is home to two prominent liberal arts colleges – St. Olaf College (approximately 3000 students) and Carleton College (approximately 2000 students). Both are a valued part of the community, add to the cultural and artistic vitality of the City, and contribute to a strong and diverse local economy. The City Northfield is a home rule charter City. The City Council is comprised of seven elected officials who legislate policy and govern, with the Mayor serving as the presiding officer. Of the six Council positions, there are four ward representatives and two at-large positions – all with staggered, four-year terms. The City enjoys a committed and involved citizenry, many of whom actively participate in local government affairs and offer perspective and insight to staff and elected officials. Community members participate on a host of commissions and task forces that add a grassroots element to local policy-making and implementation of plans and policies. The City owns Northfield Hospital and Clinics which is administered by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City is not directly involved in hospital operations, but does approve major bonding projects. Northfield Hospital and Clinics provide an extensive array of services and function as a regional medical destination. The focal point of the community is its historic downtown district, located along the scenic Cannon River. On summer evenings, many people gather at Bridge Square, in the heart of the City, for concerts and other community events. The community is recognized for its active arts programs and events throughout the year. Each September, the community hosts the ‘Defeat of Jesse James Days’, where the famous James Gang’s unsuccessful attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield is re-enacted for large crowds of residents and visitors. A scenic walk along the river or biking on one of the many trails offers people an opportunity to enjoy nature within an energetic community. Over 30 City parks provide amenities for year- round recreation and enjoyment. All in all, Northfield offers recreational and cultural opportunities that are unmatched for comparably sized communities. Economic Vitality Northfield boasts a strong and diverse economy with a wide variety of employers. Unemployment in the community is consistently below the state average and many employers are expanding to meet growing demand for goods and services. The median household income is $58,594. Post Holdings, Inc. is the largest employer in the City, followed by St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. An assortment of other manufacturers, as well as educational and health care institutions fill out the list of top employers in the community. The economy is also enhanced by a vibrant collection of downtown businesses that offer an extensive assortment of products and services for residents and visitors to the community. Northfield is a destination for people seeking a charming and functional downtown district. Transportation and Housing Northfield’s excellent transportation system seamlessly links Northfield to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, particularly through Interstate 35, which is located 7 miles west of the City. Two major State Highways – 3 and 19 – also run through the City, connecting all of its population centers. City-wide transit services are provided by a local nonprofit transit provider. These services consist of routes and dial-a-ride options for citizens and all buses are handicap accessible. Northfield’s homes and neighborhoods are a well-maintained blend of the historic and contemporary, with new developments still maintaining a connection to the City’s architectural heritage. Diverse and affordable options are also available to fulfill homeowner or renter preferences. The Organization The Council appoints the Finance Director, who oversees the Finance Department, Liquor Store, and Motor Vehicle divisions of the City. The Finance Director reports to the City Administrator. TABLE OF ORGANIZATION Citizens City Council Economic Development Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Charter Commission Administrator Administrative Services Community Planning Public Safety Community Services Public Works and Development Administration Finance Police Library Engineering Planning City Clerk Information Techloogy Streets Housing Human Resources Wastewater Building Inspections Communications Water Stormwater Recreation The City employs 80 full-time employees, 39 part-time employees and approximately 63 seasonal employees. Police protection is provided by 22 licensed peace officers. Fire protection is provided through a joint powers agreement with the City of Dundas and area townships. A joint powers board provides governance over the fire service. The City has 15 boards and commissions, including a Charter Commission, Economic Development Authority, Environmental Quality Commission, Heritage Preservation, Hospital Board, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Human Rights Commission, Library Board, Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, Rental Housing Board of Appeals, Arts & Culture Commission, Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use. Northfield’s youth are very involved on community boards and commissions. Budget The 2017 general fund budget is $11.9 million. Expenditures by Major 2015 Adopted 2016 Adopted 2017 Adopted Category General Government 2,181,168 2,193,341 2,161,947 Public Safety 3,969,489 4,287,952 4,293,679 Public Works 2,264,876 2,288,474 2,491,821 Culture and Recreation 2,311,993 2,288,474 2,402,008 Other Financing Uses 380,546 373,946 4,76,154 Total Expenditures 11,108,072 11,579,376 11,825,609 Other budget funds include Debt Service and Capital Project funds along with business-type activities such as Water, Wastewater, Garbage, Storm Water and Liquor Store. Sound fiscal management has helped the City maintain healthy fund balances that will help prevent future financial issues and allow for investment in projects as determined by the City Council. The City has recently shown evidence of its commitment to long term capital investment by completing the following City projects: Second Street reconstruction Meadows Interceptor Swale Enterprise Park Street reconstruction City Hall Renovation Linden and Plum reconstruction Valley View 4th Addition (New single family) Sixth Street reconstruction Hills of Spring Creek 6th (New single family) New Police facility Hills of Spring Creek 7th (New single family) Skateboard park Bridgewater Commons (Dollar Tree, Maurice’s) Pool concession stand improvement Municipal Well 6 drilling Wastewater Plant Facility Study Riverwalk gazebo replacement Cannon River wall repair Woodley Street Reconstruction Finance Director Duties Manages and directs all aspects of the financial operations of the City. Responsible for the custody and disbursement of City funds inclusive of payables, receivables, and encumbrances. Provides current financial information in a timely user-friendly format. Monitors state and federal legislation that may impact the city regarding financial management. Coordinates the issuance of bonds including preparing