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Council questions $99,000 recreation post and interim appointment as Freedom Jackson Center nears opening
Summary
Councilors pressed administration about a roughly $98,000–$99,000 recreation-director salary that appears in the budget and about interim staffing at the Freedom Jackson Center. Administration said the position was advertised last year, duties were tied to the center’s opening, and staff recently converted a long-serving part-time point person, Renita Clayborn, to salary to avoid overtime for extended duties.
Council members raised concerns during the budget workshop about a recreation-manager salary line (listed in the packet at about $98,000–$99,000) and questioned how a part-time employee became the apparent lead for Freedom Jackson Center duties without a formal interview process.
Members noted the recreation job was advertised previously and asked why interviews had not been completed; they also asked whether the council should vote to confirm a permanent or interim director. Administration staff said the prior recreation arrangement had been a contract with a private company; when that contract ended the city retained staff who were already performing many recreation functions and had to pick up construction- and opening-related responsibilities for the new Freedom Jackson Center. Staff said the position was intended to be paired with Freedom Jackson operations once the center opened, and that applications remain on file.
Renita Clayborn, who administration described as the point person for recreation and Freedom Jackson coordination, outlined ongoing programs she manages (tennis and pickleball scheduling, hosting high-school regional tennis, flag football, Cal Ripken youth programs, and a CTE workforce program for students). Administrators said she had been moved from hourly to salaried status recently to avoid overtime issues given extensive hours across multiple facilities; Ms. Tammy (an administration representative) said the conversion to payroll status followed municipal rules that prevent an existing employee from being rehired as a consultant or contractor without a multi-year break.
Council members said they wanted clarity on the hiring process and the council’s role in approving interim or permanent department-head appointments; they cited precedent for 90-day interim approvals on earlier positions. Administration said it is willing to bring a formal appointment before council for consideration once the council indicates the preferred title and scope for the role.
Council directed staff to clarify the hiring timeline, the job description and whether the council should schedule a confirmation vote before finalizing the budget.
