Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
A former Mason City city administrator now working in Waukee is set to get a healthy pay bump, the Des Moines Register reported Monday.
Moerman is now the city administrator in Waukee, a burgeoning Des Moines suburb of about 13,000 with really good high school sports teams. I knew Tim Moerman back in the early 2000’s when I worked at the Globe. He picked me to re-build the city of Mason City’s web site. Real nice guy. Told me he had no answers for the loud trains, I remember. He left Mason City after 4 years, in 2005, to work as an assistant city administrator in Ankeny.
I’ve also been to Waukee. It is somewhat picturesque, with strip malls, some affluence, with fancy landscaping scattered about town. No old trees; all freshly planted. I’ve known more than a few former Mason City residents who have ended up there. They absolutely love it.
The Register reported that Moerman will receive a 13% incremented salary increase if the Waukee council approves it tonight. His salary will jump to $151,822 after an additional 3% bump he will get in July. He’s been on the job there about a year. Sounds like he’s doing a good job.
Moerman’s pay will then surpass that of Mason City city administrator Brent Trout. (Trout’s salary is $133,910.40. Benefits are a car allowance for $400/mo. ICMA retirement is 10% of salary.)
Moerman is in charge of a city half the size (for now) of Mason City yet makes more money than Trout. The difference, you could say, is that Waukee is a welcoming, progressive community on the rise. You could say that Mason City is somewhat the opposite. Welcoming? We stunted our Human Rights agency, but you do get 17 minutes to park at the Visit Mason City Center. Progressive? Sure, we let people frolic through our city streets in their underpants. On the rise? Certainly, Mason City is the place to be if you want your choice of jobs that pay $7.50 to $9.50 an hour.
One has to wonder what Brent Trout thinks of the news that Moerman is now making more money than he is. Recent troubles at home that include police visits, with a new wife that lives in the Des Moines area, compounded by working for a city in an obvious, painful decline, has to have Mr. Trout wondering what his next move is. Worse, your boss is a boob named Eric who has you doing his dirty work, like playing bouncer at the library.
What are the odds Mr. Trout is flooding Monster.com with his resume?
Trout is the whipping boy of the mayor, council, etc. A person in his position can only be as productive as the bozo’s around him let him be. I say, good luck to him when he finally does get out of this stagnant hole.
Allen-Don’t misunderstand. I have met Trout several times and was impressed with his intelligence and knowledge. It is only since Brookmeyer came around that Trout started protecting his position at the expense of his personal pride. I too hope he can get out from under the rock he is living under and get his pride and sense of accomplishment back. It must be a terrible way to live. Trout should have left here two or three years ago but I think he is staying until his son graduates. In no way do I blame Brent for what his son did. He wasn’t home and I am sure he was disappointed when he found out.
There’s no misunderstanding, as I agree with what you say. I have talked to Brent several times and have always had positive conversations with him. Most people can’t see past news print, or understand why he can’t do his job as he should. It all revolves around the nucleus we call city hall, and the powers that be.
Moerman was a control freak, micro mananger staff hated him!
@Ramrod-they are not real fond of Trout or Bookie either.
In the past, it was well known ‘here’ that Mr. Moerman wasn’t that greatly thought of either. He got smart and moved on. Better pay, it was. Now will come the day that Mr. Trout will do the same. Mason City is just a stepping stone. A good place to get experience, another hole in the belt. Disclosure I knew neither Mr. Moerman or Mr. Trout. Just sayin…
He should be getting double. He is twice the man and leader that Brent Trout ever will be. He was his own person and didn’t play politics at every turn. He didn’t have his head up Mayor’s wazoo, he did not run around with the Mayor and council people. He did not think the job was a popularity contest. Sometimes he pissed people off, but, that is the name of that tune. And, he knew when it was time to move on. Brent should have moved along at least 2 years ago. Hopefully, when his son graduates, he will leave a trail of blue smoke down the highway!!! One can always hope….
Trout’s brand new Chrysler 300 (that we pay for) spews blue smoke?