St. Charles council creates deputy city administrator position, eliminates director role

Human Resources presenter Jen proposed an ordinance to create a deputy city administrator position that would not increase head count (the role would be filled by a current senior staff member) and would absorb the duties of economic development while overseeing communications, IT, finance and human resources. Jen said comparable communities typically have such a role and that the city administrator currently functions as the default escalation point without a consistent second-in-command.

The proposed change would eliminate the director of economic development position (named in the discussion as Derek Conley) and result in a net zero authorized staff change but an estimated increased cost of about $11,285 for wages and benefits. City Administrator Heather Maguire and other staff said the position would increase executive-level capacity and help advance council strategic priorities.

Council moved and seconded the ordinance and voted in favor by roll call during the meeting record.