Finance committee approves permits coordinator job description, tables senior planner amid pay concerns

Alec, representing land‑use staff, told the finance committee two job descriptions were recommended by the land‑use and personnel committees to reorganize the department ahead of the land‑use director’s planned retirement. He said the restructure would realign responsibilities and enable cross‑training with a net personnel cost comparable to the current staffing structure.

Committee members voiced concern about the proposed salary range for the senior planner (one member questioned whether the salary band would attract candidates with the three years’ experience required) and urged caution against creating a “springboard” position that would lead to rapid turnover. Staff noted that if the county cannot fill the role from applicants, the work can be contracted with engineering firms in the interim.

The committee approved the permits/records/operations coordinator job description on a voice vote (motion by Joe; second by Jerry). Members then moved to table the senior planner position to allow more discussion; after roll‑call voting and an alternate motion, the committee decided to forward a pilot recommendation of the second (senior planner) position to the full county board by roll call vote (motion passed 4–2). If the board approves, HR will post and begin interviewing; staff said net personnel cost is comparable and that contracting will fill gaps until a hire is made.