Council debates community engagement positions and economic-development staffing after Willdan study

Council considered multiple proposed staffing additions: a community engagement administrator, a community engagement coordinator and a director of marketing/communications, as well as an economic development administrator tied to a Willdan consultant study. Staff presented two compensation-package scenarios and the combined salary total for the three community positions (about $329,673), then described options to collapse roles or phase hires to match the Willdan deliverable.

Several councilmembers urged caution and proposed alternatives: delay a director-level hire until the Willdan economic study is complete; consolidate roles into a communications specialist plus hourly assistance; or use contract dollars to bridge near-term needs. One councilmember suggested establishing measurable KPIs for any new position so the council can evaluate performance. Staff said they will prepare alternate exhibits that reflect different phasing and funding options for the packet.