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Baldwin City amends and approves city administrator job description; education requirement softened
Summary
Council approved an amended job description that asks applicants to have or obtain a master’s in public administration (or equivalent certificate) within three years, with flexibility to treat credentials as preferred rather than strict prerequisites.
The Baldwin City Council reviewed and approved a revised city administrator job description and the related recruitment approach, with an amendment to clarify acceptable educational credentials.
Councilmember Scott (speaker 8) summarized the consultant‑recommended approach: use a broad job description to solicit resumes and build a survey around a job description/resume posting. Discussion focused on the education language. Councilmember Jay (speaker 2) asked whether the job should require a Master of Public Administration, accept similar degrees, or allow certificate programs for candidates who change careers.
Council amended the draft to state candidates must have "completed or half completed the master's of public administration course, city and county management certificate, or equivalent within three years of employment" (discussion phrased as "or equivalent" during council consideration). Council voted to approve the job description as amended; staff said approval allows the city to proceed with recruitment and to coordinate with the league for posting and candidate outreach.
The amendment is intended to broaden the candidate pool by recognizing certificate programs and equivalents while signaling the council's preference that administrators obtain formal municipal management education early in tenure.
