The city of Austin and Mower County are partnering to share the services of the city finance director.

Council members approved a contract Tuesday between the city and county authorizing Finance Director Tom Dankert to aid the county in developing a five-year capital improvement plan.

Dankert has put together the city’s capital improvement plan for several years, but the county has never had such a plan.

The county will pay Dankert $70 an hour for his services.

Austin and Albert Lea briefly shared Dankert’s services in spring of 2011, but the contract only lasted one month. Dankert said he’s willing to continue trying new things, but he knows that not everything will work out.

“You win some, you lose some,” he said. “You can’t be afraid to try new things. If you’re afraid … you’re doomed from the start.”

Dankert said the city has successfully teamed up with the county on many services over the years, including a joint housing program and Austin Mower County Area Transit.