Committee softens administrator qualifications and recommends hiring recruiting firm

At its Sept. 23 meeting the Administrative Committee narrowed and clarified minimum qualifications for the city administrator position and recommended the board authorize a recruiting firm to assist the search.

Unidentified Speaker 1 led a review of the posted minimum qualifications and said the committee would consider allowing equivalent experience in lieu of a degree. The packet language read that candidates must be at least 21 and hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business, engineering or a related field, but the posting also allows "any equivalent combination of education, internship, and experience." Committee members said the experience clause should be clearer so qualified applicants without degrees are not automatically excluded.

Members debated a requirement for "previous water and sewer management experience," with some saying the phrasing could deter candidates who had utility experience outside of city‑owned systems. The committee agreed to soften the requirement and, by motion, changed the final posted wording to "previous water and sewer experience with knowledge of industry standards related to water and sewer services." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Unidentified Speaker 1 also presented two recruiting firms — SGR (governmentresource.com) and MGT/govHR — and moved the committee recommend hiring a recruiter and forward that recommendation to the full board. The motion carried in committee by voice vote; Unidentified Speaker 2 recorded a 'no' vote during that voice vote. The committee noted any contract with a recruiting firm and related financials must be approved by the full board.

What’s next: The committee’s changes to the job posting and its recommendation to hire a recruiting firm will be forwarded to the full board for final approval.