MASON CITY — Mason City officials are preparing to add two more full-time employees to help operate the city-managed facilities inside downtown’s Southbridge Mall, including its costly multipurpose arena.
The Mason City City Council will consider hiring a new Southbridge operations manager and creating an arena and ice-maintenance position during its regular meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Both appointments appear on the council’s consent agenda, meaning they could be approved together with other routine city business without separate discussion unless a council member requests that an item be pulled.
City Administrator Aaron Burnett is recommending the hiring of Madison Nelson as Southbridge operations manager. Nelson would be placed at Grade J, Step 4 of the city’s wage schedule and paid $34.22 per hour.
At a standard 40-hour workweek, that rate would equal approximately $71,178 in annual base wages before health insurance, retirement contributions and other taxpayer-funded benefits are added.
The operations manager position is being updated because of an employee retirement expected in August, according to the city administrator’s monthly report. Recruitment began in June.
Burnett is also recommending that Brian McHenry be hired as the city’s new arena and ice-maintenance technician. McHenry would start at Grade H, Step 3 and receive $27.66 per hour.
That rate would equal approximately $57,533 in annual base pay for a standard full-time schedule, excluding benefits and any additional compensation.
Together, the two employees would receive approximately $128,710 in annual base wages. The total cost to taxpayers would be higher after insurance, IPERS retirement contributions, payroll taxes and other employment costs are included.
Unlike the Southbridge operations manager job, the arena and ice-maintenance technician is identified as a new city position. The Parks and Recreation Department began recruiting for the position in June.
The proposed additions come as Mason City continues pouring staff time and public resources into Southbridge Mall and the adjoining Mason City Arena, a centerpiece of the city’s River City Renaissance campaign.
The arena was constructed inside the mall’s former JCPenney building under an approximately $18 million city-backed development and lease arrangement. The venue opened in late 2019 and includes an NHL-size ice sheet, seating for more than 2,000 hockey spectators and space for larger concerts and other events.
The facility serves as home ice for hockey programs and has also hosted concerts, graduations, mixed martial arts events and community gatherings.
City officials have promoted the arena as an important downtown attraction, but its cost and the city’s continuing financial commitment to the mall and arena have drawn criticism from residents who believe taxpayers are being asked to carry too much of the expense.
The latest city financial report provides additional context for that concern. As of May 31, city officials reported that both the arena and mall were running below their budgeted revenue pace.
The city nevertheless reported activity at both facilities during June. The arena hosted a sold-out Big Daddy Weave concert June 19, while Southbridge Theater offered several family movie screenings. City employees also continued efforts to recruit businesses to the mall, with Lenvie Elegante Chic and Malibu Juice Bar expected to open.
The Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department described the arena as a growing regional event venue and said the new businesses represented progress toward making Southbridge Mall a stronger community destination.
The City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, in the Mason City Room at the Mason City Public Library, 225 Second Street SE. Residents may address agenda items during the meeting’s public forum.