City auditor resigns

In an unexpected twist at city hall, Becki Schumacher has submitted her resignation as auditor for the city of New Rockford, and on Tuesday, Sept. 5, city commissioners named 19-year-old Andrew Presnell the city's new interim auditor.

Schumacher resigned after serving as the city's auditor for little over two years, and commissioners were reluctant to approve her resignation, noting how effective she's been for the city.

However, Schumacher said she got an opportunity to work remotely and therefore spend more time being a mom for her children, and decided to go for it.

But even though she's moving on, Schumacher expressed confidence that she's leaving the auditor's office in good hands with Andrew Presnell – who's effectively been her right-hand man for the past year.

Presnell has been working for New Rockford as the assistant auditor since August of 2022, when he was brought on to help with a long list of projects the city had recently undertaken.

“In the office, Andrew has been a godsend,” said Schumacher. “I cannot commend his work ethic, intellect, problem solving skills and integrity enough. He has learned so many facets of not only the auditor's office but has a great understanding of the city as a whole. In short, I think he is the best option for the interim auditor.”

Presnell, a 2022 graduate of New Rockford-Sheyenne, appears to have made a good impression on city commissioners as well. Both Schumacher and Commission President Stu Richter commended his willingness to help out wherever and whenever he’s needed.

“People might be surprised to know that during this year Andrew has filled many roles,” said Schumacher. “Andrew learned how to operate the RO system at the water plant and has worked there covering shifts during vacations, weekends and medical leave.

“He has been our go to IT support, has read and re-read meters multiple times when Rick was unable to, made many trips to the landfill, and is always volunteering to assist anyone in a pinch.”

Though he’s done much over the past year and is spoken of highly, commissioner Kelly McKnight recognized Presnell’s relative lack of experience during Tuesday’s commission meeting, and commissioners agreed to begin advertising for the auditor position as soon as possible and indefinitely – until a permanent auditor is found.

Commissioners then unanimously carried a motion to make Presnell the interim auditor for up to 6 months.

Though Presnell says he never expected to be in this position, he said he’s been well-positioned to take over the auditor’s office and is excited to continue supporting his community.

“Every day since I started I have learned and grown in my previous position as Auditor Assistant,” said Presnell. “So I am coming into this position with a plethora of information I have learned in the past year.

“I want everyone to know that I want to continue to grow and better this community that I have called home for many years,” he added. “Becki has agreed to assist me if I may need it, which I really appreciate her offering to do that, and I will be sure to ask for her assistance when I need it.”

Reflecting on her time as the city’s auditor, Schumacher said it’s been a bit of a whirlwind with all of the city’s recent projects, but that she has enjoyed working with so many great individuals at city hall over the past two years.

“The city has really great people at the helm,” she said. "It is enjoyable to work with like-minded individuals that want to create a place that people choose to live.

“It has been my pleasure working with all employees at City Hall including Dennis Nybo, Parks Director; Bruce Hirchert, PWS; Rick Swenson, Water Plant Operator; Jason Munson, City Employee; Andrew Presnell, Auditor Assistant; Amanda Hegland, NRABC Director; and all the part-time staff. I appreciate all their support and teamwork over the past couple of years.”