Trustees prioritize economic development director; community developer to be revisited

Swansea trustees debated a proposed combined "community and economic director" job description and agreed to prioritize hiring an economic development director while further refining the role and funding before proceeding.

Mayor opened discussion asking for trustees’ input on whether the position should focus on economic development or combine community development duties. Trustee Kerry urged including marketing and community outreach language, saying municipal momentum should be sustained: "If we plant the proper seeds and we water said seeds, they will work." Several trustees, including Trustee Lanner, cautioned that the combined description risked making the new hire a ‘‘dumping ground’’ for administrative tasks rather than a sales‑oriented economic recruiter. One trustee suggested splitting the duties into two roles—a full‑time economic development director and a part‑time community developer—while other trustees asked staff to present comparator job descriptions from other communities.

Finance questions focused on timing and funding. Trustees discussed potential funding mixes for a new position: staff estimated roughly 15% from the TIF district, 10–15% from the business district, 20–25% from sewer/enterprise funds and the remainder from the general fund; an initial hire could cover half a year’s salary if hired immediately. Trustees requested a written comparison showing the village administrator’s duties and how the proposed position would align with existing responsibilities.

The board did not finalize a hire; trustees directed staff to return with refined job descriptions, funding breakdowns and suggested reporting lines so the board can consider formal action at a future meeting.