Falls City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum has submitted his resignation, effective Feb. 20, citing personal and professional priorities.
In a letter dated Feb. 3 and addressed to Mayor Mark Harkendorff and members of the City Council, Nussbaum wrote, “After thoughtful reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my current role and bring this chapter of my professional career to a close.”
Nussbaum wrote that serving in public leadership had been “an honor,” but said the demands of the position were no longer compatible with his family and long term goals. He wrote that the decision was made with family wellbeing and long term sustainability in mind.
The resignation follows months of City Council discussion regarding proposed wage increases for non union city employees, including the city administrator and public works director. The proposal, recommended by the city’s non union negotiation committee, included raising the administrator’s salary from $95,604.60 to $156,000 in the first year and adding severance and pension provisions. The council rejected the proposal twice, most recently in a 5-3 vote.
In his resignation letter, Nussbaum wrote that he is open to “discussing interim contracted support, if helpful,” if the position cannot be filled by his departure date.
Nussbaum was hired in 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw several infrastructure projects, including the wastewater force main replacement and the Downtown Electric Project.
Mayor Mark Harkendorff said he received Nussbaum’s resignation on Tuesday, Feb. 3. In a press release, Harkendorff said he accepted the resignation and wished Nussbaum well in his future endeavors.
According to the release, city operations will continue with the Deputy City Clerk and Deputy City Treasurer performing the functions of those offices until the vacancy is filled.
Harkendorff said he will submit a name for appointment to the Falls City Council for confirmation at a future meeting.
