Consent Item 4f
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: April 7, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Matthew A. Eberhardt, Interim Chief of Police
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization to Pay the Position of Police Lieutenant at Step 5 as shown in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Full-Time Pay Rate Schedule Staff Recommendation:
Authorize to pay the position of Police Lieutenant at Step 5 as shown in the FY 2024-25 full-time pay rate schedule.
Executive Summary:
With the current Lieutenant serving as Interim Police Chief, a vacancy exists in the department’s Lieutenant position. This role is pivotal to the department’s operations and leadership. The department has identified a highly qualified candidate for this position, Senior Sergeant Jason Kadle.
Sgt. Kadle has dedicated over 22 years of service to the City of Fortuna as a sworn officer and held a leadership position as a Sergeant with the Fortuna Police Department for 16 ½ years. Throughout his career, he has taken on numerous specialized assignments, including Police K9 Handler, K9 Supervisor and Traffic Officer. Currently he serves as the department’s Communications Supervisor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Training Manager, Background Investigator and Internal Affairs Investigator, among other responsibilities. His extensive experience and leadership make him exceptionally suited for the role of Police Lieutenant.
In addition to his professional experience, Sgt. Kadle has pursued continuous professional development. He successfully completed the POST Management Training Program in 2023, fulfilling the training requirements for this position. He is also actively working toward completing his Bachelor’s degree, demonstrating his commitment to higher education and professional growth.
Sgt. Kadle has deep ties to the community. He previously served as President of the Safe and Sober Committee for Fortuna Union High School and was an active member of the high school’s football boosters’ program. Currently he volunteers as a coach for high school football, further contributing to the development and mentorship of local youth.
Additionally, the Police Lieutenant position requires a compensation review to ensure alignment with the responsibilities of the role and industry standards. The current pay scale does not accurately reflect the demands of the position, and the department will be working with the city to address this matter in the future.
Consent Item 4f
Sgt. Kadle’s leadership, experience, and dedication to both the department and the community make him an exceptional candidate for the role of Police Lieutenant.
Per the City of Fortuna’s Personnel Rules and Regulations, Rule X, Section 10.3 Schedule of Salary Ranges and Application of Pay Level, the City Manager may, when circumstances warrant it, authorize appointment above the minimum salary level, but not higher than 10 percent except with the concurrence of the City Council, therefore this authorization must come before the City Council for approval.
Financial Impact:
This position is fully budgeted in FY 2024-25 and the outgoing Lieutenant was funded at pay scale step (5), therefore there is no new budget impact because of promoting at the proposed step. A copy of FY 2024-25 pay rate schedule is included as an attachment, which the position of Lieutenant is highlighted.
Recommended Council Action:
Authorize to pay the position of Police Lieutenant at Step 5 as shown in the FY 2024-25 full-time pay rate schedule. Consent Agenda vote.
ATTACHMENTS:
• FY 2024-25 Full-time Pay Rate Schedule