Council adopts treasurer qualifications and sets salary range amid debate over grade

The council debated qualifications and pay for an appointed treasurer on Nov. 18, ultimately amending the ordinance language to list a salary range rather than a pay grade and adopting the measure unanimously.

Councilor Rivera, who presented the committee’s work, said the order would establish minimum eligibility standards for candidates, including degree and management experience, and that HR staff had participated in prior meetings. Councilor Bacon and others emphasized the committee’s desire to see the position at a higher grade because of scope; Councilor McGrath Smith urged clarity so candidates would not feel “baited and switched” if responsibilities changed after hiring.

Attorney Bissonnette advised that inserting a dollar range in the ordinance would effectively change what the law specifies for pay and that councils rarely place explicit dollar amounts in ordinance. Given timing concerns — committee members and the mayor urged filling the post quickly — the council moved to eliminate the grade and place a salary range in the ordinance. The council voted to set the range at $101,000 to $140,000 and adopt the amended ordinance. The clerk recorded a unanimous vote to pass the amended measure.

What this means: City staff said the city will post the position and begin recruitment consistent with the new qualifications and salary range. Councilors stressed the range can be amended in the future and that the appointment will proceed under the rules agreed on at the meeting.