Commission reviews recruitment outreach, vacancy report and Baker Tilly job‑description timeline

Commissioners on July 29 reviewed recruitment outreach efforts and the city’s vacancy report, and received an update on Baker Tilly’s job‑description project.

Staff described outreach by Maria Starlet, who has tabled at the Russell Library, represented the city at a mid‑state Chamber job fair (about 270 attendees), attended diversity and HR conferences and built a contact list that staff will use to circulate job postings. Commissioners praised the outreach and suggested additional venues (car shows, open‑air markets and neighboring town events) to reach trade‑oriented and blue‑collar candidates.

Committee members requested metrics linking outreach activities to application rates. Staff said Maria is working to provide such metrics and that some roles — notably mechanics and public‑works positions — remain difficult to recruit. At the time of the vacancy report a posted public‑works role had 13 applicants; other positions were still in requisition or review stages.

On the Baker Tilly engagement staff said the project is in Phase 2 (job‑description review) and that internal reviews should be completed and sent to Baker Tilly by August 31. "What I hope to have is out of my hands and off to the consultants to finish up the job," said Director Richardson, who provided the update, while cautioning the commission that consultant turnaround time will determine when results can be presented to Council.

A commissioner asked whether Baker Tilly will use 2025 market data or older data adjusted to 2025; staff said the consultant likely would "age" existing market data but that the commission will require clarification from Baker Tilly on their process. Staff committed to provide updated vacancy and metrics information in the coming weeks.