Laguna Hills Council approves reorganization to create assistant city manager and community services director

The Laguna Hills City Council voted March 11 to adopt a resolution that updates several city job classifications and salary ranges, including establishing an assistant city manager and a community services director.

Finance Director presented the proposal, saying the assistant city manager will direct and manage the public works department in addition to citywide administration and special projects. The proposal also recommends replacing the deputy city manager title, combining two community services leader positions into a single part‑time community services leader role, and establishing a permanent community services director to oversee recreation programs, special events, facility rentals, sports programs and community center activities. The staff presentation noted the reorganization will not increase the city’s full‑time employee count and that recruitment for vacancies will follow a 2–3 month process with application windows of roughly 3–4 weeks.

Councilwoman Hazel moved the item; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Mayor Sweeney, Council member Wheeler and Council member Mathis voted in favor. The council recorded the change as an administrative reorganization; a staff member will serve as interim community services director while recruitment proceeds.

The resolution includes a recommended pay range of $18 to $25 per hour for the consolidated part‑time community services leader position. The finance director said the public works director/city engineer is expected to be reclassified to the assistant city manager at a future date. The council did not make additional management position adjustments at this time.

Next steps: staff will post the approved job descriptions, open the recruitment windows and return with additional personnel actions as needed.