| Fiscal Impact: |
Internal resources will be use to create a job announcement
(Attachment A), advertise the vacancy and administer a selection process.
By utilizing internal resources rather than using a professional recruitment
firm for this process, we anticipate a savings of approximately $20,000.
We anticipate normal costs for a department head-level recruitment such as
travel and reimbursement costs for candidates traveling from out of the area,
background investigation expenses on the finalists, and potential relocation
expenses for the candidate ultimately selected for the position. The City
will also see a savings in salary and benefit costs under the proposed range. |
| Background: |
The current City Attorney will be leaving the employ of the city no later
than June 30, 2004. It is time for the City to start the recruitment process
to refill this key position. Staff is requesting approval from the council
to move forward with our recruitment strategy and selection process internally
with a modification to the salary range.
A draft job announcement has been prepared describing the community, legal
department and position for perspective candidates. As our market for this
position is primarily practicing Oregon Attorneys with municipal and management
experience, staff feels we can attract qualified candidates without the added
expense of employing a recruitment firm. The job qualifications currently
require admittance to the Oregon State Bar and Oregon Municipal experience.
Staff recommends the recruitment process be handled internally and capitalize
on recruitment resources available in Oregon.
Recruitment Resources for City Attorney Recruitment Process
- Oregon State Bar Bulletin (Publication)
- League of Oregon Cities Website and/or LOC Focus Newsletter
- City of Ashland Website
- Local Newspapers
Salary
Staff is recommending a reduction in the salary range to make the City Attorney
salary range equivalent to the range offered to other City Department Heads.
We do not anticipate that the lower salary range will be a detriment to
attracting a suitable candidate. A current salary survey using comparable
cities that we have established with our bargaining units shows that our
current salary for City Attorney is significantly above average and would
remain above average if advertised at the proposed range. The Mayor and Council
would have the ability to recommend a salary increase once they have had
time to evaluate the new attorney's performance.
Current City Attorney Salary Range
| Step 1 |
$6,973/mo. |
$83,676/yr |
| Step 2 |
$7,250/mo. |
$87,000/yr |
| Step 3 |
$7,542/mo. |
$90,504/yr |
| Step 4 |
$7,844/mo. |
$94,128/yr |
Proposed City Attorney Salary Range
| Step 1 |
$6,450/mo. |
$77,400/yr |
| Step 2 |
$6,706/mo. |
$80,472/yr |
| Step 3 |
$6,973/mo. |
$83,676/yr |
| Step 4 |
$7,250/mo. |
$87,000/yr |
Selection Process
Staff recommends a panel interview process composed of the Mayor and City
Council similar to the process used for City Administrator. As this position
serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council, it is critical that both
parties have a high level of involvement in the selection process. Staff
will work with Mayor and Council to gather input on interview questions and
process. |
