Managing editor
Marion City Council discussed Monday whether an existing secretarial position could be combined with a proposed new city economic development and tourism position.
The primary functions of the position will be to assist Kjellin with economic development endeavors and promote and accommodate use of the Community Center.
Kjellin said it made sense to him to have a city-paid person take care of the city-owned facility.
Councilman Steve Smith said the city needed to redefine the city administrator’s position with additional economic development responsibilities and be certain descriptions of current administrative positions — city clerk, treasurer/billing clerk, and receptionist — were accurate.
The new position was not intended to earn the same amount Kjellin was paid when he was promoted — around $48,000 per year.
When it was suggested that this position could be filled with current staff, Kjellin clarified that the current clerk and treasurer are maximized now.
“There might be something with the receptionist position,” he said. “I would caution against filling the position with current staff.”
Kjellin will present an updated position description at the next council meeting Feb. 7.