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Urbana delays posting for permanent arts coordinator until FY27 budget approves higher salary
Summary
City staff said the permanent arts and culture coordinator position will be posted at coordinator level after the FY27 budget is finalized on July 1, 2026, because the higher salary required was not budgeted midyear. In the interim Rachel Storm will provide part-time support.
Olivia Jovi, director of community development services, told the commission the city plans to fill the permanent arts and culture coordinator position at the coordinator level rather than the prior specialist-level role. That change requires a higher salary and the increased salary is not budgeted in the current fiscal year, so staff said the city will post the position after the FY27 budget is approved on July 1, 2026.
Why it matters: Commissioners expressed concern about the delay because the coordinator’s duties include managing grant contracts and attending funded events; staff said keeping the position at an appropriate salary is important to meet the role’s complexity and responsibilities.
Interim coverage: Rachel Storm will serve part time (staff said up to 20 hours a week) to maintain continuity for the arts grant program and other activities until a permanent hire can start. Staff and 40 North will also help maintain program operations.
Budget process: Jovi said she has requested the salary bump through the FY27 budget process; if the budget approves the increase, the position will be opened for hire after July 1. She said the process is long but that the city is prepared to recruit at the coordinator level if budget approval occurs.
Quotes: Jovi explained, "I'm hoping to hire for this position at the coordinator level, which does require an increase in salary...because we're in the middle of a fiscal year, that salary is not budgeted for." A commissioner responded that July seems far off but acknowledged the need to budget appropriately.
Contact and continuity: Staff provided an evergreen arts grant email for applicant questions and Rachel Storm's city email for follow-up. Commissioners were encouraged to direct community questions to staff while the recruitment proceeds.
Next steps: Staff will pursue the salary request in the FY27 budget; if approved, the city will post and recruit the coordinator position for hire following the new fiscal year.
