The Sandpoint City Council spent more than an hour Dec. 3 discussing whether the city should reinstate a city administrator position, but took no formal action.

Council President Deb Rule introduced the agenda item and clarified packet figures after public questions: the $335,000 number cited in local reporting represented the office budgeted funds that included two filled positions and operating costs, not a single salary. "That was actually for the office of city administrator that included professional technical support, purchased supplies. It also covered 2 positions," she said, asking the public not to conflate that figure with one salary.

Council members and staff outlined competing views. Supporters said a city administrator would provide professional daily operations, continuity across administrations and stronger budget and grant management. "It ensures that day-to-day decisions are made by someone with technical expertise rather than elected officials," Council President Rule said, listing potential improvements in coordination and long-term planning.

Skeptics stressed the city’s limited budget and the need to define the problem before hiring. "We ought to sit down with the mayor and talk…what role do you want to take on yourself?" Councilman Howarth said, adding that department heads told him any move to hire a full-time administrator should be carefully timed and scoped. Several councilors said an interim or part‑time role and precise job description might be more appropriate than a permanent high-salary hire.

Members also discussed governance and accountability. Several said state code limits what the council can require of an elected mayor and noted that a city administrator would be removable by council action but not directly elected. "You can write rules for a city administrator that you cannot write for an elected mayor," Councilor Schreiber said, arguing a professional administrator could ensure execution of council priorities while the council focuses on policy.

Public speakers had raised similar concerns during the comment period, including questions about mayoral hours and whether the community wanted an appointed administrator. Council asked staff to gather more information, to solicit input from department heads and to schedule additional public engagement. Council President Rule said she anticipated further work on job descriptions, budget impacts and guardrails before any hiring decision.

No vote was taken. Council scheduled follow-up discussion and requested a presentation from an Association of Idaho Cities attorney about executive vs. legislative standards at an upcoming meeting.