Committee approves ordinance and updated pay range for director of environmental health

The Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee on July 20 approved findings and moved an ordinance to establish the director of environmental health as an unclassified position with updated pay endpoints.

Brenda Miller, classification supervisor, told the committee the job was evaluated at 3,575 points (grade 12) and that the 2026 salary schedule ranges from $132,000 to $156,000. She said the incremental cost is about $5,000 and that those costs are included in the Health Department's budget. Miller said the position reports to the health commissioner and leads environmental health policy and strategic planning in line with the mayor, council and health commissioner priorities. "Please find that the director of environmental health continues to meet the appointing criteria and forward it on to city council for approval," she said.

Council member Chavez asked whether the item represented a new position or a repurposed existing position; Brenda Miller said the position is existing, currently vacant, and was reevaluated as part of the hiring process. Council member Stevenson asked why it was being reevaluated; staff explained the vacancy prompted a refresh and reclassification.

Chair Palmisano noted the position had been held for many years by Cindy Weckworth and moved approval. The committee voted in favor of the ordinance on a voice vote; the item will be forwarded to city council for final adoption and would take effect on July 30, 2026 if enacted as presented.

The staffing change was described as part of regular classification review tied to filling a long-vacant role rather than the creation of a new position.