Posted: Nov. 11, 2009

A new position created to lead economic development activities in Wauwatosa could become the city's highest-paid post.

What started as a manager position when it was initially approved by the Common Council in August likely will get a promotion to a directorship, which would give its holder more independence but cost taxpayers more to fund.

The Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday recommended a salary range of $70,000 to $130,000 for the post - a manager level salary range would be closer to $65,000 to $92,000 - and categorizing the job as unclassified, meaning it would be easier to terminate a director or change the position if it does not pan out.

The Common Council still needs to weigh in on the topic before an official candidate search can begin. The city already has allocated $180,000 for the economic development position in the 2010 budget, and about $25,000 of that would be used to fund a candidate search.

Whomever is chosen for the job would report directly to City Administrator James Archambo. Previously, the position was conceptualized as a manager for a division that would fall under the umbrella of the Community Development Department and report to Director Nancy Welch.

Alderman Robert Dennik, who attended the meeting as a representative of the Economic Development Advisory Committee, said the idea is to provide the new economic development guru with "the autonomy and authority" to go out and get the job done. The Community Development Department has had a lot on its plate and has struggled to accomplish much in the way of economic development, he added.

"We want to let the whole world know that economic development is under new management in Wauwatosa," he said.

Alderman Michael Walsh cast the lone vote against making the position unclassified, promoting the job to a director level and the salary range. He worries that the city administrator already has too heavy a workload. This would bring the number of people reporting to him to 18.

Also, he predicts that by making the position unclassified, likely a contract position, the holder could come back in a couple of years and ask for more compensation.

There also was some concern that qualified candidates who already have a stable job would be deterred from applying if they feel they could be dismissed from the city's position at any time.

On the upside, a little pressure could weed out some of the less committed candidates, Committee Chairman Brian Ewerdt said.

"I want somebody who is going to be swift on their feet and get things done," he said.

Ewerdt said he also is torn about paying such a high salary level because it could top that of other city managers.

"When you're making more than your boss, that doesn't always sit well," he said.

The city's highest paid employees currently are Public Works Director William Kappel, $116,000, and Archambo, $112,000.

Next Step

WHAT: Council consideration of economic development position's salary range

WHEN: 7: 30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: City Hall, 7725 W. North Ave.