Osseo Approves Dual Police Chief-City Administrator Role
The Osseo City Council has approved a rare leadership arrangement that will allow the city’s police chief to continue to fill the role of city administrator.
Police Chief Shane Mikkelson has been serving as city administrator in an interim capacity since May. Previous City Administrator Riley Grams resigned in what was described as a mutual parting of ways.
After a 4-1 vote Monday night, Mikkelson’s dual role will become permanent.
Under terms of the agreement, Mikkelson will spend 55 percent of his time as police chief and 45 percent as city administrator.
Osseo City Council Member John Hall was the lone no vote after raising conflict of interest concerns.
“Last year when it came to the three squad cars, Shane said he had to speak with the city administrator,” said Hall. “Where is he going to go now?”
Council Member Mark Schulz responded by saying Mikkelson ultimately reports to the council, which provides input on budget decisions.
While such dual roles are rare, they are not completely uncommon.
In 2022, the city of New Hope turned to Police Chief Tim Hoyt to serve as acting city manager. The arrangement lasted for more than a year before the city eventually hired a full-time city manager and Hoyt returned to full-time police chief.
Osseo Police Chief Shane Mikkelson in a recent interview with CCX News.
Assistant City Administrator Role Approved
In addition to approving the dual role for Mikkelson, the Osseo City Council also approved posting for an assistant city administrator position.
Hall raised concern about the starting salary of $100,000 plus benefits for the position.
“I’m afraid we’re going to budget Osseo out of Osseo,” said Hall.
Mikkelson said a previous review on salaries put that job in line with that particular salary.
Osseo Council Member Mark Cook said the current staffing situation that includes the dual role adds up to about $127,000 in savings compared to the previous situation.
“I think we can get the job done,” said Cook. “I think we can get a really cohesive group working in that office together and save some along the way.”
