Commission confirms city manager's HR pick amid divided comments over internal candidate

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to confirm the city manager's appointment of Jane Marie Hubanks as Human Resources Director effective Nov. 3, 2015, following discussion about hiring process, charter authority and internal candidates.

City administration described a multi-step hiring process that included a three-person interview committee (the city administrator, city attorney and city clerk) that unanimously recommended the candidate. The administration said the process was thorough, the position had been advertised, and the recommended start date would allow overlap with the outgoing director. The proposed starting salary in the packet was $65,000 with standard benefits.

Several commissioners said they respected the committee's unanimous recommendation and the charter's delegation of appointment authority to the city administrator. Other commissioners and public commenters expressed strong support for an acting department employee identified in the record as Sarah, who had performed HR duties for 18 months; some argued promoting a long-serving internal employee would recognize institutional knowledge and continuity.

The commission held a roll-call vote and confirmed the appointment. The transcript records both affirmative and negative votes and lengthy recorded comments; the exact numerical tally in the transcript is unclear in places. Staff said the appointment follows the charter process and will allow the new director to overlap with outgoing personnel for knowledge transfer.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a department-head post responsible for hiring, personnel policy and employee relations and was a focal point for local concerns about internal promotion and charter authority.

What comes next: The new director's effective date was presented as Nov. 3, 2015. Staff said they will continue to provide training and support for current HR employees and communicate any transition details to staff.