Committee tables request to rename office‑supervisor position to 'Financial Officer'

The Lawrence City Ordinance Committee discussed a proposal Oct. 28 to rename an existing municipal "Office Supervisor" role to "Financial Officer," but the committee voted unanimously to table the matter for later consideration.

Mr. Ruiz, covering for the HR director, explained the change would clarify duties and add supervisory responsibility for three clerks; he said the salary range in the adopted budget already reflects about a $14,000 annual increase over the current title. "This position is not to reactivate a 6 month position. It's to rename a current position to this title," Mr. Ruiz said.

Several committee members voiced concern about moving personnel changes immediately before the end of the term and a possible change in administration. One member said he has consistently taken the position of letting incoming administrations review personnel decisions and therefore preferred tabling the item. A motion to table was made and passed by unanimous voice vote.

The committee chair said the item will be brought to the full council for consideration at a later date; the councilor who voted to table said he would support a motion to send it without recommendation but would oppose a tabling motion if presented differently. No formal appointment or hiring action occurred at the meeting.

Next steps: Item remains on committee files and will be rescheduled for full‑council consideration or future committee action with clearer documentation of duties and the budgeted salary range.