Personnel Committee approves reclassifying utility manager role to assistant public works director

The Green Bay Personnel Committee on Nov. 4 approved reclassifying the vacant Public Works utility manager position to Assistant Public Works Director for Utilities with a one‑grade salary bump. Staff presented the change as a response to an evolution of duties — increased oversight of multiple capital and operating budgets, grant‑funded projects and rate‑setting responsibilities tied to sanitary and stormwater systems.

The Public Works director (identified in the transcript as S10) told the committee the role has grown to include sustainability and grant management, review of infiltration/inflow issues that can affect rates, and coordination with Green Bay Water Utility on billing. Staff said the position has been posted for about five months with 20 applicants and two advanced to onsite interview; one offer was declined for salary reasons.

Committee members discussed whether the grade and title change would be sufficient to attract candidates, whether the money in the range can be used flexibly during negotiations, and the urgency of filling the position to manage ongoing utility projects and compliance obligations. Staff said they can negotiate within the posted range but could not meet the last candidate’s salary demands.

A motion to approve the reclassification was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote without dissent. The committee also received an informational personnel report and set the next Personnel Committee meeting for Dec. 9, 2025.