Partner Spotlight: Dakota City, Nebraska

Background: Dakota City, Nebraska has contracted with PeopleService since January 2024.

The Issue: In December 2023, Dakota City’s city administrator, Bob Kratky, found himself in a pinch. The city’s fully licensed water and wastewater operator, with 13 years’ experience, submitted her resignation. There were two reliable water and wastewater employees still on staff, but they lacked experience and the necessary certification to serve as operator. Kratky, who also serves as the city’s clerk and treasurer, needed a solution – and he needed it fast.

The PeopleService Solution: After investigating options to partner with neighboring communities – and quickly realizing that wasn’t an option – Kratky reached out to PeopleService. As part of its range of consulting services, PeopleService provides communities long- and short-term staffing solutions. In this case, PeopleService provides a fully licensed operator who not only keeps Dakota City’s water and wastewater plant running smoothly, but also mentors and trains its inexperienced staff members. PeopleService Region Manager Mike Adair meets with water and wastewater employees on a weekly basis, either by phone or in-person, and provides immediate leadership during emergencies – like a major water main break that occurred in late October.

The ultimate goal, Kratky said, is for at least one of the employees to gain the certification and experience necessary to step into the operator role. But in the meantime, PeopleService is exactly what the city needs.

“We were up against the wall,” Kratky said, “and they were able to step in and help right away.”