Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26
Special MeetingSidney, MT · April 1, 2026
Minutes
City of Sidney, MT
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26
April 01, 2026 5:30 PM
115 2nd Street SE |Sidney, MT 59270
Committee meetings are open to the public attending in person. If the public does not wish to
participate in person, they are also invited to participate via a Zoom meeting or via phone:
Meeting ID: 713 080 5898 Passcode: 4332809 Call: 1-346-248-7799
1. Call to Order
The Budget and Finance Committee Meeting was called to order at 5:30pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was stated by all present.
3. Committee Members Present
Christensen (via Zoom), DiFonzo, Buxbaum, and Skinner
Others Present:
Mayor Norby, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Schmierer
4. Correction or Approval of Minutes
None.
5. Visitors
Meagan Dotson (The Roundup)
6. Monthly Reports
7. New Business
a. Process for hiring the Interim City Administrator
Alderwoman Buxbaum made a motion to move forward with the candidate interview, citing the
candidate, Jessica Chamberlin, was qualified for the Interim City Administrator position as outline
in the job description and posting. The interview to take place immediately after the conclusion of
this meeting.
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26April 01, 2026 Page 1 of 3
Motion made by Buxbaum, Seconded by Christensen.
Voting Yea: Christensen, DiFonzo, Buxbaum
b. Terms of Interim City Administrator Position
The Budget and Finance Committee had a discussion on the terms for the Interim City
Administrator position, including appointment start date, term of interim appointment,
compensation, position status and authority, duties and job description, and job performance
expectations.
Alderwoman Christensen made a motion to appoint the Interim City Administrator April 15th,
2026.
Motion made by Christensen, Seconded by Buxbaum.
Voting Yea: Christensen, DiFonzo, Buxbaum
Compensation discussion was had regarding the current fiscal impact, 26-27 fiscal budget impact,
comparative wages within the city staff, along with hourly rate and stipend. An hourly wage that
aligned with all department heads along with a stipend wage was favored for the duration of the
interim. The Committee also discussed that the hourly wage increase and stipend model will also
be applied to the Interim City Clerk/Treasurer.
Motion was made to approve the wage of $48.00/hour and an annual stipend amount of
$14,560.00 to be applied monthly for the Interim City Administrator and to approve the wage of
$40.00/hour and an annual stipend amount of $16,640.00 to be applied monthly for the Interim
City Clerk/Treasurer.
Motion made by Buxbaum, Seconded by Christensen.
Voting Yea: Christensen, DiFonzo, Buxbaum
Vote amended to add the wage rates be applied beginning April 15, 2026.
Motion made by Buxbaum, Seconded by Christensen.
Voting Yea: Christensen, DiFonzo, Buxbaum
The Committee had a discussion on the performance expectations, tracking and review. The
Interim City Administrator will establish goals with the Mayor, track accomplishments, and provide
regular reports quarterly. The quarterly report will be provided to the Budget and Finance
Committee for review.
Motion was made to approve quarterly progress reports during the interim period.
Motion made by Buxbaum, Seconded by Christensen.
Voting Yea: Christensen, DiFonzo, Buxbaum
8. Unfinished Business
9. Comments and Questions from the Committee
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26April 01, 2026 Page 2 of 3
10. Adjournment
at 5:53pm.
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26April 01, 2026 Page 3 of 3
Agenda
City of Sidney, MT
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26
April 01, 2026 5:30 PM
115 2nd Street SE |Sidney, MT 59270
Committee meetings are open to the public attending in person. If the public does not wish to
participate in person, they are also invited to participate via a Zoom meeting or via phone:
Meeting ID: 713 080 5898 Passcode: 4332809 Call: 1-346-248-7799
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Committee Members Present
4. Correction or Approval of Minutes
5. Visitors
6. Monthly Reports
7. New Business
a. Process for hiring the Interim City Administrator
b. Terms of Interim City Administrator Position
8. Unfinished Business
9. Comments and Questions from the Committee
10. Adjournment
Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 4-1-26April 01, 2026 Page 1 of 1
Get email alerts for Sidney
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.