Meadowlakes must do better job of informing employees of policies

On the surface, the matter is a simple budget issue, which is easily understandable. The city wants to save money.

But new factors have also come to light that raise a few eyebrows.

What has become readily apparent is that Meadowlakes city officials in the future must do a better job of ensuring their employees understand the city’s rules and policies and what’s expected of them.

That seems to be the case of Koenning, who was let go due to to financial reasons,  according to Mayor John Aaron. But since his dismissal, troubling aspects about how he spent his time in Meadowlakes have arisen, the city claims.

Many residents disagree with the mayor’s reasons to let Koenning go and lambasted Aaron and the City Council Tuesday night, demanding they bring the officer back. Koenning worked part-time for the city; he is a full-time Burnet County deputy.

The council upheld its decision amid claims by Aaron that Koenning willfully accepted more than $1,000 in free rounds of golf at Hidden Falls Country Club since it was taken over by the city in April. 

Club records indicate Koenning played several rounds of golf for free since the acquisition.

According to the mayor, state, county and city statues prohibit public officials from accepting free gifts or gratuities from individuals or businesses under that official’s jurisdiction.

Koenning has said he wasn’t aware of the rule, adding many businesses offer discounts or free products to peace officers and other groups.

It is not uncommon for employees at shops and restaurants to show their gratitude for police protection and patrols by offering free coffee, soft drinks or even meals.

Some might argue a cup of java is a far cry from free rounds of golf, though.

Koenning says he never received a copy of the employee manual, which prohibits any public official from receiving free gifts or gratuities on the grounds they could influence the official.

He also maintains that the services he received gratis never influenced him or led him to waver in his duty.

Finally, the deputy said he never once received a written reprimand during his six years of service to Meadowlakes.

The raucous applause the residents showered on Koenning Tuesday night at the meeting seems to indicate they agree. They have praised the deputy sheriff for his courtesy and friendliness. At one point some neighbors even staged a protest at the city gates, urging Aaron to rehire Koenning.

But Koenning’s assertion he was not influenced by free services is the start of a slippery slope in the eyes of some, and it can be argued one man’s gift is another man’s gaffe.

Aaron says the “rationalization” by Koenning indicates his conduct and mindset are in direct conflict with what is expected of a Meadowlakes city employee.

Aaron also cited other issues, including claims the part-time officer did not vary his patrol routine and spent too much time visiting instead of driving around on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Koenning may or may not get his job back with Meadowlakes. At the moment, the prospect looks very doubtful.

And in the meantime, he should probably let the matter drop, satisified in the knowledge that many residents feel he did a great job.

But his dismissal should teach the city one lesson: In the future, administrators will need to keep a tighter rein on employees. Officials must also dedicate themselves anew to ensuring all employees have a clear and coherent understanding of what’s expected of them. There should be frequent written reviews and small in-service sessions.

In the end, such initiatives can save everybody a lot of grief.