A replacement for Betty Rivenbark (longtime Mayor's Office Executive Secretary/Assistant, recently retired after 28 years) was discussed at Monday's Council Meeting. Personnel Manager Rhonda Bishop (formerly White) suggested the Council establish a salary range between $18-21/hr--but was interrupted by the Mayor who said he had "already posted that" on his own at $21-25/hr.
A discussion then ensued about the correct title for the position (Executive Secretary vs Administrative Assistant)-- and who had actual hiring authority: the Mayor claiming he did, but the Council referred to City Ord. 2-1(a) as its hiring authority (Administrative Assistants).
Kant: "Oh no, its not in there." [Ord. 2-1(a)]
Personnel Manger White: "There are 3 people in the city "coded" as Administrative Assistants: she's one. (referring to Rivenbark)"
Kant: "If Gregg (City Administrator Mims) hires his own assistant . . . that would be an Administrative Assistant."
[Note: Ordinance 2-1(a) also lists an Assistant City Administrator position; besides that of administrative assistants--both being appointed by the Council]
Kant: "We're moving forward . . . already got 75 applications . . . posted for $21-25/hr ($42 to 50K/yr)."
Mixon: "No. . .The only thing is . . . the Council has to set the salary."
Kant: "That's correct."
Council President Quinn: ". . . and that's what we're doing . . . she's (Bishop) recommending $18-21/hr instead."
Kingrea: "That seems like a sack of money to me . . . whether we call her a secretary or assistant -- $36 to $42K a year. . ."
[Rivenbark's "high" salary ($54K per year) was discussed here: attributed to her seniority.]
White replied the position requires a B.A degree, extensive computer skills and someone who's "been in a similar position 10-15 years" and she had set the salary range by doing a "wage survey" --and comparing similar positions in nearby cities with comparable populations." Bishop: "This wouldn't be somebody . . . to just come in off the street."
Kant: "Its not just . . . they have to take minutes at Council meetings, Recreation Board, other duties . . . other Boards too . . . have to be a notary public."
Kant: "If you want to set it at $40 or 42K/year. . . thats fine."
Kingrea: "Can I make a suggestion . . . table this . . . Rhonda get with the Mayor . . . figure out what we call it . . . a job description . . . personally I don't care . . . bring it back up in 2 weeks."
The motion passed unanimously.
President Quinn: "Rhonda, bring it back in 2 weeeks."
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