By Annyssa Howerton The Holbrook City Council convened on Thursday, Sept. 23. All council members were present except for Vice Mayor Francie Payne, and councilmembers Tim Dixon and Earl Kester. During call to the public Jenny Craigenbaum, who stated her husband was a part-time employee of the city, went before the council to discuss the city payroll error that occurred on Sept. 2 and again on Sept. 16. “If you are not aware of the situation, there was reportedly a computer software glitch on the bank’s end. Although remedied, the error caused a multitude of families to be charged overdraft fees and which upset their budgets, as well as cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.” Craigenbaum expressed her concern with this situation that she stated affected bills being paid on time for employees, even though the work was done and the wages were earned. “I decided to speak directly with payroll and the city manager, if necessary,” she said. “I encountered defensiveness, excuses on behalf of the bank. Deflections, shame, dismissiveness and ultimately rudeness with the statement ‘I’m tired of you.’ There was no compassion. I have since learned that many in this town have little confidence or trust that much if anything will be done to help them.” She added referring to those that work at the city, that some voiced concern that saying anything will cost them their job and retirement. “I am asking you, as those in a position of leadership and an understanding of the community, to discuss the situation and find a permanent solution, including a contingency plan to prevent the people from ever having to experience this again. If nothing is done, I am concerned the town will continue to descend into hopelessness and that people will continue to leave looking to other towns to meet the needs of their families.” She concluded by stating that she saw this as an opportunity for hope and restored confidence for those in leadership. Mayor Merrill Young responded to Craigenbaum stating “My wife works at the bank and I’m quite aware of what was happening and it had absolutely nothing to do with what was happening here (at the city) or what was happening at the bank.” He explained that Bank of the West is in the process of a transition of a different payroll system and that the city profile was accidentally deleted. “I can tell you now that I know from inside knowledge, that the discrepancy has been fixed and it should not happen again.” As far as concerns with leadership, Young stated that he had spoken with City Manager Ted Soltis and was assured “things will be better.” Soltis noted the city’s portion of the $600,000 Brownfield grant that is to be shared as part of Apache County Coalition may be used for the Bucket of Blood and the other historic buildings in the Henning Block to do an asbestos and lead survey of those buildings. “We are also in the process of having the structures evaluated by historical preservation experts. This way we can know what’s wrong with the buildings (and) how we can stabilize the buildings and what the costs are and make sure that whatever is done, is done properly.” The council also commented on the success of the fair and Councilman Adam Marsh thanked residents for taking part at the city cleanup day. Councilman Kip Woolford encouraged his fellow council members to consider putting together a float for this year’s Parade of Lights. The only item of business on the agenda was the first reading of sale of real property Parcel No. 109-37-006A, located on East Hermosa Drive. No action was required for this item.
