FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – On “News and Views”, Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg said she moved former mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney’s appointment for Fargo Cass Public Health Officer off the consent agenda because she wanted people to know what’s being done with taxpayer money.
The position pays $38,000 a year for roughly four hours of work per week.
Turnberg said there were plenty of questions surrounding this and didn’t bring it up because of any prior issues with Mahoney.
“Is this cronyism? Mahoney hired Jenn Faul (as Fargo Cass Public Health Director). Now Jenn Faul hires the mayor without any other discussion. He had just donated, or requested to donate, over $140,000 of donated flood relief money to the new downtown engagement center. Is this payback?” Turnberg asked.
Mahoney will be paid nearly $173 per media event or interview. Turnberg believes that should be part of his salary.
Mayor Josh Boschee has defended Mahoney’s hiring.
On “Afternoons Live”, he said Mahoney earned the role through a competitive civil service process.
“He comes strongly qualified. In terms of the amount, $38,000 a year does come across as a lot, but what the public health department has done over the last several years is they’ve reduced that amount from $120,000 now to $38,000 for those services,” Boschee explained.
Mahoney begins his five year contract on September 1.
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