Council tables proposal to create council‑appointed public information officer amid legal and HR questions

Mayor Robertson presented a proposal on June 3 to establish a citywide public information office headed by a council‑appointed communications director/public information officer to coordinate citywide branding, social media and economic-marketing work. The proposal generated broad support for expanding marketing capacity but also produced objections from Human Resources and staff about reporting structure, municipal-code implications and budget treatment. The council agreed to table the item and directed staff to return with a revised implementation plan, salary-resolution options and a draft job posting.

The mayor argued the city needs a unified professional to “harness all of the great things that our city is doing” and to improve the city’s marketing presence to attract business and residents. Supporters said a dedicated communications leader would better coordinate trade-show work, social media, and community outreach.

Human Resources advised that under Selma’s council‑manager structure the city manager is the administrative head of the organization and typically supervises regular employees; HR recommended either a contract appointment for a fixed amount (to retain flexibility) or placing the role under the city manager rather than creating a council‑direct report. HR also highlighted fiscal considerations: a proposed salary range of $92,000–$120,000 would add roughly 30% in benefits if it were a full‑time, CalPERS‑covered position. HR urged assessment of operational needs and possible use of Fresno City College internships or a contractor as interim measures.

City Attorney explained the council has authority to create positions appointed by the council but advised attention to municipal-code provisions that vest many administrative duties in the city manager; legal counsel said creating a council‑appointed staff position is not per se illegal but recommended care in defining reporting and authority to preserve the city manager form of government.

Public commenters generally supported a communications role. Some suggested a contract model to begin while the council tests operational needs and controls costs; others argued for an internal full‑time hire. Given those procedural and fiscal questions, the council agreed to table the resolution so staff could prepare a salary schedule and a clear reporting structure, including CalPERS implications and the resolution required to publish salary when hiring a CalPERS‑covered employee.