Committee delays action on new economic development and finance manager position; members request ordinance and narrative

The committee discussed two related items: an order authorizing creation of an Economic Development and Finance Manager position in the Community Development and Planning Department, and an ordinance amendment to add the position to the city’s personnel schedule.

Council members expressed support for filling staff capacity but urged a deliberate review. Councilor Judge Harris said the department is addressing legacy problems and recommended a deliberate pause to document the desired future organizational structure and to codify duties and accountability for the proposed positions.

Council members requested that the administration provide an ordinance update and a supporting narrative that explains why the position is being created, how responsibilities will be allocated between the director, assistant director and the proposed manager, and how the structure will avoid repeating past management gaps. Director Stevens said administrative changes to job descriptions had been made in December and that the city is working with the eCode vendor to publish updated ordinance language online; he also said the administration planned to provide a consolidated list of current job descriptions during the budget process.

The committee agreed to take more time and review example job descriptions from peer communities that staff provided. No vote was taken on the position or ordinance; the committee will review revised documentation before making a recommendation.

Ending: Committee members said they want a clear ordinance amendment, a department narrative describing roles and responsibilities, and the consolidated job descriptions before advancing the new position for recommendation.