The Worthington City Council earlier this week approved a new three-year employment agreement with City Administrator Steve Robinson.
The current agreement expires at the end of 2024. The new agreement sets Robinson's salary and benefits for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Robinson, who has served as city administrator since March 2015, will have a gross salary of $171,000 for 2025, which represents a 5.43% cost-of-living adjustment. That number increases to $180,500 in 2026 — a 5.56% COLA — and $190,000 in 2027 — a 5.26% COLA.
Also Monday, council members formally recognized City Engineer Stephen Schnieder for his work in submitting required documentation to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and closing out 35 projects that had been open in the State Aid Finance System dating back to 1994.
Over the past three years, the City of Worthington received $721,841.06 by closing out all 35 open projects. These funds were placed in the 401-reserve account to be used for funding future Municipal State Aid Street projects.
In an additional matter, the council approved a resolution directing the preparation of a report for the proposed extension of East Flower Lane from West Gateway Drive to approximately 800 feet west. Also approved was a 2025 budget amendment to adjust the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to accommodate the construction of the East Flower Lane project.
Monday's meeting closed with remarks from councilman-at-large Chad Cummings, who was taking part in his final meeting after being elected to and completing two consecutive four-year-terms. Robinson praised Cummings as a "dedicated, outspoken advocate" for Worthington, and other council members lauded and thanks Cummings for his service. Cummings, meanwhile, urged others in the community to step forward and let their voices be heard, and urged the continuation of progressive efforts to solidify Worthington as a regional hub.
