Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Development Reorg topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council confirms Jason Stevens and approves new economic development and finance manager position with $85,000 salary
Summary
The council confirmed Jason Michael Stevens as director of community development and planning, approved creation of a combined economic development and finance manager role, and amended the proposed salary to $85,000 with a 70/30 city/CDBG funding split.
The Gardner City Council confirmed Jason Michael Stevens on May 19 as director of community development and planning and approved a reorganization that creates a new economic development and finance manager position to combine two existing roles.
Councillor Hegland moved to confirm Stevens’ appointment and the council approved the motion. The clerk swore in Stevens at a brief recess; Stevens repeated the oath and took the position for a term expiring Jan. 16, 2026.
Separately, the council adopted an order authorizing creation of the economic development and finance manager role and approved the job description. The council then amended the proposed salary: Councillor Kacinskas moved — and the council approved — raising the salary from $75,000 to $85,000 and sending the ordinance to first printing as amended. The amended breakdown places $59,500 on the city pay line and $25,500 on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) portion, reflecting a 70/30 split described in the motion.
Council discussion described the position as a consolidation of the former budget/project manager and EcoDev coordinator roles. Councillor Haglund, speaking for the Finance Committee, said combining two positions into one is “fundamentally a good idea” and estimated the change could save the city roughly $55,000–$65,000 in salary and benefits compared to maintaining both positions separately. Councillor Kosinskas and other members said the higher salary is intended to attract candidates with the combined skill set needed to manage economic development initiatives, grants, and municipal finance.
Councillors also expressed continuing concern about department systems and turnover. Haglund urged a broader review of department organization and policies even as the council approved the structural change. Councillor Kacinskas noted that removing a full-time position and relying on grant funds frees over $30,000 that would be reinvested into CDBG-eligible projects.
The council voted to adopt the order creating the position and to send the ordinance adding the position and amended salary to first printing; both actions passed on voice votes.
No recruitment decision was made at the May 19 meeting; Director Stevens will proceed under the city’s hiring procedures and the position’s funding structure.
