City to discuss administrator position
SANDPOINT – Whether or not to hire a city administrator — a hot topic at the July 22 council meeting — could be decided as soon as the Sandpoint City Council approves a proposed $31.7 million budget.
The council is slated to take up the budget at its Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
Deputy City Clerk Melissa Ward said the city would begin advertising for the position “shortly” after the meeting, if council approves the budget. The job will be posted until the third week of September and they are hopeful to have a candidate at the Oct. 21 regular council meeting.
According to the July 22 council meeting minutes, furniture would be needed for the city administrator, and “minor remodeling” will be neeeded to create an office space.
City Tresurer Shannon Syth told the council meeting that hiring a city administrator has been discussed for several years. The preliminary budget has in place about $98,000 for the salary of the city administrator.
The firefighters union in Idaho is moving from their own retirement system to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho. The city has been paying about 28.8 percent of gross wages for more than 30 years to fund the firefighters’ retirement, but with the change to PERSI, the program is almost entirely funded and the city has been reduced to paying about 16 percent. These savings would fund the city administrator position.
According to the minutes, Syth said to the council that there are no hard numbers or figures to demonstrate how the city administrator will enhance the city’s efficiency or if it is a fiscal movement for the city. She said the city has been more efficient with Mayor Carrie Logan acting in the capacity of a city administrator.
Logan said to the council that her job responsibilites are not specified, but the new position would have a full job description.
City Attorney Scot Campbell said to the council that the mayor will still be elected by the voters, preside over City Council meetings, and carry out goals and objectives. The city administrator would report to the mayor and the council.
Logan said to the council that contracting with someone to act as the city administrator is an option. She said with the added position, the Mayor and council can focus on policy making and a vision for Sandpoint.
Logan said that a “solid hiring process” will be key to finding the right employee and should no suitable candidates apply, the position will not be filled. The hiring process involves good interview questions and assembling a good team, which may have department heads involved in the process. A detailed background check will also occur.
Syth stated she is in favor of an individual who understands every department, however, Campbell, Aaron Qualls, director of planning and economic development, and Police Chief Corey Coon have mixed feelings, they told the council.
Campbell said another layer of supervision causes his mixed feelings, but believes consistency will come from the position.
“As the city grows, and as many of the longtime department heads prepare to retire in the near future, the full benefit of this position will come to light, and the city should take advantage of the unique funding opportunity that has presented itself, which will most likely not be available in the future,” Campbell said.
Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff said it is the council’s decision whether to hire the postion.
Kody Van Dyk, public works director, said he is “ambivalent” and feels he is fully capable of taking care of the needs of his department. He added the position would help “bridge the gaps between departments and ensure collaboration.”
Ron Stocking, fire chief, said he is accustomed to working with city administrators.
Stocking said to the board that the city needs a strong individual to lead the future and the budget allows for a city administrator so it makes sense.
The council will adopt the budget Wednesday, and make the decision at that time if they want to hire a city administrator.