New Carlisle council adopts ordinance creating Department of Human Resources and Communications

The City of New Carlisle council on June 1 approved Ordinance 2026-14, creating a Department of Human Resources and Communications that will fold records management and external communications under a single director. The measure passed on unanimous voice votes after staff outlined the rationale.

City Manager Mr. Hall told council the change arose after the finance director retired and an incoming finance director assumed tax administration duties. ‘‘Records management being a major soft spot for the city,’’ Hall said, and consolidating communications with HR will centralize public records requests, social media, internal and external communications, and records oversight to reduce audit risk. He said the reorganization helps justify a full-time director role rather than multiple directors wearing several hats.

Vice Mayor Shammy moved the ordinance; Councilwoman Agelston seconded. Council members present voted yes in roll-call, and the ordinance was introduced and acted on the same night as permitted by the council agenda.

City staff said implementation will include moving existing communications functions into the new director’s portfolio and that records management will be a priority going forward. No specific new budget line or salary figures were disclosed at the meeting. The introductory materials listed ordinance 2026-14 as introduced and acted on June 1; staff said any implementing details would follow through regular administrative channels.

The council’s action comes as the city prepares for seasonal and operational demands including a pending budget process scheduled for August. The ordinance takes effect according to the city’s ordinance procedures and any next steps will be published with forthcoming administrative documents.