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Fernley council approves most new senior roles, delays HR hire
Summary
The Fernley City Council approved proposed job descriptions and an organizational chart that create chief development and chief operating officer posts but held the human‑resources technician position for further review; votes on the org chart and positions passed 4‑0.
City Treasurer Robert Carson presented proposed job descriptions and an organizational chart for the fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget that would create a chief development officer to oversee planning, building and engineering and a chief operating officer to oversee public works, parks and utilities.
"This person is more of a collaborator that'll bring those three departments together and really help to move the city forward," Carson said, describing the CDO role and its responsibilities.
Carson told the council the proposed starting salary for both the CDO and COO would be $141,000 and said the city could approve the org chart with or without individual positions depending on council direction. Council members discussed whether to vote on positions individually or as a package; Councilwoman Zabrowski said she preferred seeing all positions together before deciding.
Councilman Torres moved to approve all proposed positions except the HR technician and asked that the HR position return for a vote at the May 20 meeting; Councilwoman Zabrowski seconded and the motion carried 4‑0. Later, Councilman Mendoza moved and Councilman Hannon seconded approval of the organizational chart without the HR assistant; that motion also passed 4‑0.
Carson said the HR technician would shift day‑to‑day paperwork from a single overburdened HR manager to a backup role that would reduce burnout and improve continuity for hiring and records. Barry Williams, the public works director, and other staff answered council questions about certifications and cross‑training but maintained that HR compliance requires a dedicated specialist.
The council did not finalize salaries for individual hires; Carson said exempt positions could be negotiated at offer time. City Attorney Aaron Mortensen reminded council that discussing specific employees' wages would require notice if personnel were identified.
The council directed staff to return with the HR job description and related details at the May 20 budget meeting so members could reconsider funding and placement on the org chart.
