Ishpeming cuts City Hall position

In an effort to cut costs, the City of Ishpeming is losing a position in City Hall.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Ishpeming City Council voted to eliminate one city clerk, effective February 14.

City Manager Mark Slown said the city has done all it can to increase revenues.  After cutting employees in other departments, the final option came down to City Hall employees.

“It’s a very difficult thing to address because people are putting their life and their person into making the city better,” Slown said.  “Reducing that type of effort is very hard.”

“This is probably the most difficult decision to make, but it has been on the burner for at least two, and maybe three years,” Councilwoman  Elaine Racine said.

Slown will take over some city clerk duties, including running elections.

There will still be one full time clerk on staff.  The City Council held a special meeting Friday afternoon to decide whether or not to add a part-time city clerk.