Santa Fe Council approves funding for permanent community services administrative assistant

The City of Santa Fe on Jan. 9 approved funding to add an administrative assistant in the Community Services Department, a position city staff said is needed to handle permit tracking, facility rentals and other administrative tasks.

Community Services Director Georgia told the council the department previously had an administrative assistant before staffing reductions and that current workloads — including permit processing and third‑party engineering invoice tracking — are straining the receptionist and the department. City Manager Alan explained the hire would support an ambitious zoning‑reform schedule and ongoing department workload.

The position was proposed at pay grade 14 with an hourly range of $18.59 to $24.98. Staff provided cost estimates including benefits: annual total cost with benefits would range from $56,770.23 to $73,003.65; monthly cost with benefits $4,730.85 to $6,083.64; and a prorated cost if hired in February through the end of the fiscal year of $37,846.80 to $48,669.12.

Council discussion covered recruitment challenges for other technical positions (building inspectors) and whether the assistant should be permanent or temporary for the zoning project. The community services director said she preferred a permanent hire but was open to a time‑limited option; council members also raised phasing the zoning reform to reduce immediate burden.

Council moved and seconded the funding allocation; the motion passed by a 3–2 vote.

The council directed staff to proceed with recruitment and to report back to council as the position is filled and as the zoning timetable develops.