Falls City City Administrator, Clerk and Treasurer Anthony Nussbaum had resigned, effective Feb. 20, 2026.
Last week after the paper went to print Mayor Mark Harkendorff sent a press release saying he had received the resignation from Nussbaum. Harkendorff added that city operations would continue with the Deputy City Clerk and Deputy City Treasurer performing the functions of those offices until the vacancy is filled.
At the end of last week the Falls City Council agenda stated that Mayor Harkendorff was to make a recommendation to consider the appointment of Gary Jorn as city administrator, clerk and treasurer at the Feb. 17, 2026 City Council meeting.
The agenda listed under Discussion and Action, confirm the appointment by Mayor Mark Harkendorff of Gary Jorn as City Administrator, Clerk and Treasurer. Appointment to be effective February 24, 2026 on a part time basis at a rate of $75.00 per hour with no benefits, to become full time effective March 1, 2026 at same salary as current City Administrator, Clerk and Treasurer with full benefits. First year would include three weeks paid vacation time and will move up vacation scale from there.
Jorn was previously appointed to the position in 2007 at the recommendation of the late Rod Vandeberg, who was Mayor of Falls City at the time.
At that time Vandeberg had noted Jorn’s accounting, auditing and budgeting background skills as critical to the position. Vandeberg said Jorn would be, “an excellent addition to our staff” and possesses the skill that the City “really, really needs.
When Jorn offered his resignation in June 2021, he said it was because he had been contemplating going back to school.
“It’s been a multi-year decision because I really enjoy my job here at the City. But I’m at a point where if I want to go back to school, I need to make that decision today and not tomorrow and that’s what I want to do is go back to school and further my education.”
“It will be over 14 years of my employment with the City. Its been a pleasure to serve the many councils and the mayors that I have served.” Jorn stated at the time.
The Journal will update the story once the Council makes its final decision.