Page 3 - April Newsletter

Participation
Direct engagement of the public and other stakeholders is another critical aspect of integrity. For example, the
Water Reclamation Facility hosts tours for schools, interested citizens, and the River City Leadership Academy.
These tours offer a chance to showcase our facilities, explain the wastewater reclamation process, and build
trust by demonstrating how we operate in the community’s best interest. When I participated in the River City
Leadership Academy, I had the opportunity to tour Parks and Police Department facilities as well. These
experiences provided valuable insights into the work happening in these areas.

Accountability
Finally, accountability is perhaps the most important characteristic of integrity in municipal service. Internally,
creating a culture where employees feel empowered to report mistakes and collaborate on solutions
strengthens team trust. Externally, residents are more likely to trust municipal services when they see a
genuine commitment to the community’s well-being. Consistently addressing service interruptions, both small
and large, fosters confidence that we are working diligently to minimize the impact on end users. Keen
observers may recall the Water Department’s clear messaging about anticipated and unanticipated service
disruptions; efforts like these are vital in maintaining public trust.

Our work is not hidden from view. Even when specific actions go unnoticed, completing our tasks with
transparency, participation, and accountability ensures that we uphold our commitment to delivering a high
quality of life for our community.

-Craig Borrenpohl, Utilities Manager