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Committee revisits 2023 change to department head appointments, asks mayor’s office for clarification
Summary
The committee discussed a 2023 charter amendment that changed the department head hiring sequence (mayor nominates; council appoints) and asked the city attorney/administration for a memo on whether the change has impeded recruitment or functioning of departments.
Committee members debated a 2023 charter change that altered how department heads are appointed. The current language requires the mayor to nominate and the city council to appoint; the administration’s legal staff suggested returning to mayor‑appoint/council‑confirm could help recruit and retain senior administrators.
A city attorney memo submitted to the committee argued the 2023 amendment limits the mayor’s authority to appoint and could make recruiting more difficult because nominees may not be able to assume full duties or might face delays during a confirmation process. Several council members disagreed that the change had demonstrably harmed recruitment and requested specific examples.
Members asked whether nominees can serve in an interim capacity and whether interim appointees can carry out duties and be paid while awaiting confirmation. The committee noted differences between an interim acting appointment (often filled by existing city employees) and a permanent appointment subject to council action.
The committee asked the administration and legal staff to provide a follow‑up memo documenting whether any hiring delays or recruitment obstacles have resulted from the 2023 amendment, and to clarify the limits and duration of interim appointments.
Next steps: Request clarifying documentation from city attorney and mayor’s office with examples of positions and recruitment impacts, if any.
