By Sara StrongThe city of Luverne is in the middle of formulating an advertising campaign to draw businesses to town with the JOB Zone tax breaks.The Luverne Economic Development Authority met Wednesday to develop ideas and come up with a budget.EDA Director Dan Statema said the Sioux Falls market, and other parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa would make good targets for the ads.The city is also developing a Web site with the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce as a place to showcase JOBZ and the city itself.Energy servicesThe city is looking into a possible contract for utility management through Missouri River Energy. The management contract would mean the city wouldn’t have to hire an engineer to manage the department, as previously planned. Also, city workers would become Missouri River employees.City Administrator Greg LaFond said the current electric employees are included in conversations on the possible switch. Their wages and benefits may actually increase with the possible change.Another benefit to a shared management would be that other Missouri River employees could help Luverne in special projects. Luverne employees could be expected to do some travel for the job if they weren’t busy in town and there was another project that needed attention elsewhere.The management agreement will come before the council for approval.City wagesThe city could pay about $15,000 more in salaries after a review of employees’ responsibilities. The comparative worth evaluations are mostly complete by city employees. A private firm will likely be hired to confirm the findings. Most employees reviewed will earn more, but it appears a few will get pay freezes.Sioux Valley at poolThe city got word from Sioux Valley Regional Hospitals that negotiations will be on hold for a management contract at the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center. This was brought on largely because the county pulled out of joint ownership of the facility.
