Hilliard appoints new city engineer amid discussions on competitive pay for engineering roles

The Committee of the Whole meeting held by the Hilliard City Council on March 10, 2025, focused on key personnel changes and discussions regarding pay adjustments for city positions.

One of the most significant announcements was the appointment of a new city engineer, which was met with enthusiasm from council members. A council member expressed delight at the new role, particularly in light of International Women's Day, highlighting the importance of women in leadership positions within the engineering field. The new city engineer acknowledged the opportunity and expressed a long-standing ambition to serve in this capacity for the community.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the city's pay bands, particularly for engineering positions. A council member inquired about the rationale behind increasing pay bands, questioning whether it was due to a lack of qualified applicants. The response indicated that the city is facing challenges in attracting qualified candidates, as it competes with both other municipalities and the private sector. The adjustments to the pay scale are intended to enhance competitiveness and attract a better pool of applicants.

The meeting concluded with no additional items from council members, and a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. This session underscored the city's commitment to improving its workforce and addressing the challenges of recruitment in key technical roles.