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A new government position for assistant city administrator has been created in Shenandoah after City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing the position June 10.
Council member Jim Pollard was not present for the vote.
Explaining the role
The new position would fall within the pay grade range from $147,000 to $222,350, according to meeting documents.
The position is meant to improve operational support and coordination and assist with implementing city priorities and initiatives, among other duties, according to the resolution. A new city administrator, Sam Masiel, was named this March in Shenandoah.
The specifics
In a separate vote, council members approved a new policy that would allow the city administrator to make personnel appointments needed to implement organizational restructuring or succession planning. That could mean reassigning existing employees to another position, according to the policy.
"It was an idea from both myself and the council; we were both on the same page," Masiel said of creating the position.
Council member Frank Robinson said at the meeting that he agreed with the need for the position.
"I think this is excellent," he said. "I think it's needed."
At the previous May 27 meeting, former council member Ron Raymaker spoke during the citizens forum section of the meeting, saying he disagreed with adding the position. The item was originally on the May 27 agenda but was tabled.
"If there's [a] clearly defined need, it should come with measurable duties and outcomes. If not, we should be cautious about taking on ongoing costs without clear need," he said.
Masiel said after the meeting, they plan to look internally, and he hopes to make a recommendation at an upcoming council meeting. The position could be included in the current year's budget, he said.
