by Anna Phalen
Correspondent
The Crookston City Council reviewed the ABDO Classification and Compensation Study at its meeting Monday, Dec. 15.
Michael Mooney of ABDO presented the results of the study, explaining that ABDO worked closely with the city to review the current state of job descriptions and compare Crookston’s wages with those in similar communities.
The study followed a three-step process:
• Market Data Collection utilizing the 2025 League of Minnesota Cities Survey and a manual market survey
• Matching, where comparable job titles and summary descriptions were aligned with City of Crookston positions
• Analysis, comparing average minimum and maximum wages for each position
Positions were scored using four primary factors: Know-How, Problem Solving, Accountability, and Special Conditions, which included physical effort, hazard exposure, and sensory attention.
Market data was collected from Alexandria, Cloquet, Detroit Lakes, East Grand Forks, Fergus Falls, Hermantown, International Falls, Little Falls, Luverne, Park Rapids, Pipestone, Redwood Falls, Sauk Centre, Thief River Falls, Virginia, and Windom. Mooney noted that the search area was expanded to account for Crookston’s role as a hub community surrounded by smaller towns.
The market analysis showed that union pay range minimums are approximately 6% below market minimums, while union pay range maximums are approximately 13% below market maximums. Mooney emphasized that individual employee wages may fall anywhere within the current pay range, meaning minimum and maximum market comparisons do not necessarily reflect each employee’s compensation compared to the market.
ABDO recommended a Step and Grade compensation model consisting of 23 grades and nine steps, with average minimum pay aligned to market minimums. The proposed model includes a 5.25% increase between grades and a 3.75% increase between steps. Both the current and proposed compensation systems were confirmed to be compliant with Minnesota Pay Equity requirements.
The estimated current annual payroll is $1,624,000. Implementation costs include:
• Phase 1 implementation, effective Jan. 1, 2026: $32,000 (2%)
• Phase 2 – 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment, effective Jan. 1, 2026: $64,000 (4%)
The combined annualized cost totals $96,000, representing a 5.86% increase.
Council member Joseph Shostell asked whether years of service were considered when determining market value. Mooney responded that years in position were not factored into the market comparison; instead, the study focused on wage ranges among comparable communities. With no further questions, the presentation concluded.
Public hearing on Minnesota Department of Transportation project
A public hearing was held regarding municipal consent for Minnesota Department of Transportation State Project 6002-76, presented by MnDOT Project Manager Matt Upgren and consultant Jake Nordick.
Upgren explained that municipal consent is required whenever a state project runs through a city. The project originated from a 2021 corridor study conducted jointly by MnDOT and the City of Crookston, which included a community panel.
The project corridor includes downtown portions of Main Street and Broadway and proposes reducing the roadway from three through lanes to two lanes, along with lighting and safety improvements. Two traffic signals on Broadway will be replaced, crosswalk striping refreshed, and various curb and turning radius improvements made to accommodate truck traffic while improving pedestrian safety.
Specific design elements include:
• Widened turning radius at Roberts Street and Broadway
• Bike lane accommodations on the east side of Broadway and south side of Roberts
• Improved turning radius at Roberts and Main
• Bike lanes continuing between Fourth and Sixth streets
• Sidewalk-based bike lane routing on the north side of Sixth Street
• Elimination of dual westbound lanes at Roberts and Ash Street
• Curb line adjustments near the Tri-Valley building and bridge tie-in
Traffic signal evaluations showed insufficient volumes at several intersections. As a result, the Second Street and Ash Street signal will be removed, while signals at Roberts and Main and Roberts and Broadway will be reinstalled.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons will be installed near City Hall and the library to assist pedestrians crossing the roadway.
The project timeline is as follows:
• December 2025: Municipal consent
• February 2026: 60% plan submittal
• June 2026: Final plans completed
• December 2026: Project advertising and bidding
• May to October 2027: Construction
MnDOT representatives noted that business owners were shown the plans during a three-day outreach period. With no public comments, the hearing was closed.
After the public hearing closed, the council approved a resolution granting municipal consent for the project, formally allowing the downtown sidewalk and roadway project to move forward. The resolution passed without additional discussion.
BDPI grant application
The council also approved a resolution authorizing submission of a Business Development Public Infrastructure grant application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The Crookston Industrial Park Infrastructure Expansion Project would construct roadway, water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure to support approximately 73 acres of new industrial land and provide access to a railroad spur scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
Contract with interim city administrator
The council approved an updated interim city administrator contract for Police Chief Darrin Selzler, effective Jan. 1, 2026. His previous contract was for the latter part of 2025.
Council reports
Council member Dylane Klatt asked whether pool-related questions would appear on an upcoming ballot; it was reported that the task is in progress.
Council Member Morgan Hibma reported that the Park Board met and that the pool will be closed through Monday, Ja. 5 due to lifeguard shortages during the traveling holiday and for scheduled maintenance. She also noted that the Crookston Area Community Fund donated winter gear to local schools and contributed food items to the Backpack Program that supplies food items for students during weekends and holiday breaks.
Shostell thanked Michelle Christopherson and Keenan Devier for organizing the upcoming Crookston Connected event, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Crookston Inn.
Council member Clayton Briggs thanked the Water Department for assistance with needed repairs on a residential street.
Mayor Dale Stainbrook reported that pool attendance numbers are up, thanked the Street Department for their work, and wished the community a Merry Christmas.