By Sara StrongLongtime Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes is leaving his post Friday, after 33 years of working for the city of Luverne.Huiskes said it was a hard decision that he didn’t take lightly. When the idea of leaving was first raised, in fact, he didn’t think it would work. Huiskes said, "I thought about it a lot, and rather than see young people who are trying to make a living be cut, I decided to step down."Huiskes’ salary is $67,392. He would have been eligible to retire in August by the rule of 90, but wasn’t planning on leaving because he’s just 57.Huiskes agreed to retire based on the terms of the following agreement:oHe will receive payment of $8,084.80 for unused vacation time, which is standard in the personnel policy.
He will be able to bank unused sick time ($38,425.60) in the city’s version of a flex or cafeteria plan, which is standard personnel policy for retiring staff.
He will continue to receive city contributions for health insurance for 30 months, which was a part of the incentive package for early retirement.
He will receive his current salary until Sept. 30 as part of the early retirement incentive.Utilities Coordinator Red Arndt will retire in September. The Luverne City Council has previously discussed combining Public Works Director with the Utilities Coordinator position, but Interim City Administrator Jeff Haubrich said it doesn’t look like there is enough money in the budget to fill that joint position.For the time being, there will be no department heads for City Utilities and Public Works, with the chain of command starting with existing supervisors.
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