Item 7.2 Staff Resignation Emergency Services Director
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Human Resources Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille July 28, 2025
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Administration City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 7.2 – Accept Resignation
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Council accept a resignation.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
City staff received a resignation letter from Daryl Rausch on the morning of July 28, 2025. Daryl will be stepping away
from his role to focus on his health and recovery, as he has been advised to do by his medical team. His last day with the
City will be August 30, 2025. Daryl has asked for privacy as his family processes this transition.
City Staff will return to City Council with updates on filling the position at a later date.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Resignation Letter
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to accept the resignation of Daryl Rausch from the position of Emergency Services Director, effective August
30, 2025.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
N/A
N/A
July 28, 2025
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and City Council members,
I have been managing a chronic and increasingly complex medical condition over the past
several months. I am now preparing for a significant medical procedure to address the underlying
issues and begin what will be an extended period of recovery. After extensive consultation with
my VA medical team—and with the full support of my family—it has become clear that I must
step back from full-time responsibilities to focus fully on treatment, healing, and long-term
health. While the condition is not currently life-threatening, it has progressed in recent months
and now requires my full attention, energy, and time.
As such, I am formally resigning as Director of Emergency Services for the City of Otsego,
effective August 30, 2025.
This decision has not come easily. Stepping away from public service, especially at a time of
growth and change, is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. However, after decades in
this profession, I know when it’s time to shift priorities. Right now, that means focusing on my
health and spending more time with my family.
This moment also marks the culmination of a 45-year career in fire and emergency services—
one that has taken me through five departments across four states. It has been a privilege to serve
in this field and to work alongside so many dedicated professionals and public servants. I am
grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to lead, teach, and contribute to the safety of others.
My wife and I will be relocating to our vacation home in northwest Wisconsin, where I hope to
continue contributing in a limited capacity—through certification testing, instruction, emergency
management training, and consulting for public safety agencies—after a period of rest and
recovery.
I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition in the coming weeks and am confident that
the department is positioned for success with the team in place. I’m thankful for the support I've
received during my time here and proud of what we've accomplished together.
With sincere appreciation,
Daryl Rausch
Director of Emergency Services
City of Otsego