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Council questions $7,000–$8,000 annual cost to advertise board vacancies in local papers
Summary
Staff told council that advertising board and commission vacancies in two newspapers costs about $7,000–$8,000 per year; members asked staff to analyze which outreach channels produce applicants and return with a report.
Columbia — Staff told the council that advertising board and commission vacancies in two local newspapers — the Tribune and the Missouri (name in transcript) — costs roughly $7,000–$8,000 annually, and councilors questioned whether the newspaper ad buys still reach the intended audience.
Sheila, who presented the analysis, said the city uses multiple channels to recruit applicants: newspaper ads, website postings, social media, press releases, utility-bill mailings and outreach through neighborhood associations. She said staff has observed increasing application sources through online channels and that some applicants report learning about vacancies through email advisories or neighborhood contacts.
Council members asked staff to analyze which outreach channels produce the highest number of applicants and whether the city could reduce or eliminate paid newspaper advertising while increasing other outreach methods. Staff said they would return with a report showing where applicants indicate they learned about vacancies and a recommended outreach strategy.
Ending — Council asked staff to bring back a draft outreach plan and the commission-appointment report for final council action.
