A Tuscaloosa City committee approved creating a chief innovation officer classification after staff said the role has been reviewed for four months, is fully budgeted, and will not create a new full-time equivalent.

An unidentified staff member presenting the proposal referenced similar roles created in other cities and said the classification is intended to cover technology, process and workflow improvements across departments rather than only software work. “We're fully budgeted on all items that's been verified by accounting finance, human resources,” the presenter said, and added the position would likely begin in late January.

The presenter emphasized the classification is not intended to add headcount: “I do wanna note this will not be a new FTE.” The committee moved, seconded and approved the classification by voice vote.

What happens next: staff said they will fill the role using an existing vacancy in operations and reassign duties; the classification will be added to HR materials and hiring can proceed under the approved job class.