Civil Municipal - June 2024

the job market.” For example, the city has struggled to find enough lifeguards for community pools—a seemingly minor issue highlighting more considerable systemic challenges. “When we tried to return lifeguards, we realized our wage offerings were not competitive. Thankfully, we’ve adjusted those wages now,” Simonson explains. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to make city positions more attractive to potential employees. Beyond immediate staffing needs, Simonson discusses broader initiatives aimed at bolstering the local workforce. “We’ve utilized our facilities for recruitment events and leveraged our social media platforms to aid local businesses in their hiring efforts,” she states. The recent opening of a new housing development in Zumbrota plays a crucial role in this strategy. Simonson says, “Before this development, we didn’t have a large apartment complex.We’re attracting new residents like teachers and professionals from the metro area who find our Real People. Real Results. FrandsenBank.com CA032423 ZUMBROTA | 507.732.7555 PINE ISLAND | 507.892.7000 OUR IN-HOUSE APPROVALS CAN SAVE YOU TIME! CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE. MANUFACTURING LOANS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS EQUIPMENT LOANS COMMERCIAL LINE OF CREDIT (LOC) SBA LOANS (SBA PREFERRED LENDER) Loans & Financing to Assist Your Business Whether starting or growing a business, we’ll find the best loan options for you. WE MEAN BUSINESS 141 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 ZUMBROTA, MN