PIO or Communications Mgr & How Much?

Last year, with many on the council voicing trepidation about it, a new position, Public Information Officer was created.  The stated compensation was to be about $70K and the indications were that that would include salary and benefits.


Now, fast forward from that point to 11/1/2013.  That is when the city sent out a notice announcing the Public Information Office opening:

JOB POSTING 2013

DEPARTMENT: Administration
JOB TITLE: Public Information Officer
STARTING SALARY: Starting Salary:  $56,388 - $64,800 (DOQ)
Application Deadline: First review of resumes beginning November 15, 2013, open until filled


That posting was eventually replaced with this on 2/19/2014:

Job Posting

Position:  Communications Manager
Department:  Administration
Hiring Salary:  $60,000 - $69,000 (DOQ)
Position Open Until Filled
First review of application materials beginning March 21, 2014.


It would now appear that the compensation, including salary and benefits, can very easily exceed the original amount presented to the council.  Yet, I cannot find anything that indicates the council was notified about the potential increase, nor that it approved or supported same.
During the original conversations Councilmember Neal Sawyer even made comments about how he had in the past heard items quoted at one level and then came in higher.  (side note:  that would have been very true for the costs involved if we did have a spring mail ballot for the proposed sales tax increases)


I think the council needs to look into this.


It will be interesting to see what happens when the position gets filled.  Will the individual "speak the truth" or will they provide senior city official sanctioned misinformation.  See, local bloggers and media have been accused of providing misinformation to the public.  Anybody want to see the misinformation provided by senior city officials?  Some of which has already been documented here.


The person filling this position, whatever you want to call it, is being paid with our tax dollars.
He or she BETTER provide accurate information and answers to questions.  If not, their toes will get toasty from having their feet held to the fire.


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