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Committee tables proposal to allow hiring above mid‑range without council approval, asks for guardrails
Summary
Councilors expressed support for competitiveness but concern about fairness if the mayor or departments could hire at higher pay without council sign-off; the committee asked HR and law to define 'special circumstances' and tabled the item.
The Ordinance Committee on Nov. 12 debated two related orders that would allow department heads or the mayor to hire Schedule A employees above the mid salary range up to the maximum without prior City Council approval under narrowly defined "special circumstances."
Supporters said flexibility is required to recruit hard‑to‑fill roles such as engineers or a DPW superintendent. Councilor McGrath Smith said she’s torn: while the city needs flexibility to attract candidates, broad authority could demoralize legacy employees hired at lower rates.
HR Director Kelly Curran said the intention is to increase competitiveness and that increasing ranges does not automatically create immediate raises. Councilor Vagan and others recommended defining special circumstances (for example: position open more than six months, high turnover, or an exceptionally qualified candidate) and running the language by the law department and the mayor’s office. The committee voted to table the proposal and asked staff to return with a definition of special circumstances and legal review.
Next steps: HR will coordinate with the mayor’s office and law to craft acceptable definitions and guardrails for using the authority; the committee expects a follow‑up report.
