Planning director defends 5% pay request, outlines junior planner duties

Teresa, who identified herself to the group as “the plan director and the zoning administrator,” presented her department’s staffing request and explained why she asked for a 5% increase for assistant staff and a junior planner position. She told commissioners the comparison data were pulled from similar smaller counties and regions rather than large cities and argued the increase would bring assistant staff closer to regional pay averages.

Commissioners questioned minimum qualifications and whether the department required specific certifications or degree baselines. Teresa said the department lacks formal tiered certification requirements and instead promotes employees based on experience and demonstrated progression: “There is no requirement,” she said when asked whether a college degree is mandatory for the role. She also asked that the board restore a small uniform budget so field staff can be identifiable in the community. Commissioners did not take a formal vote but asked staff to confirm budget lines and clarify the job description and salary progression for hiring.