Discussion Regarding the Economic Development Manager Recruitment

Staff met with Ms. Sharon Klumpp of Springsted, Inc. to discuss the the search process for the Economic Development Manager.    The discussion included the following items:  overview of the search process, the role of the Economic Development Manager, the focus of the position, immediate and long-term goals of the position, the desired experience and background of the next Economic Development Manager, and the recruitment strategies -- including wages.

Per Springsted, Inc. (an excerpt from the attached memo) "The City of Ramsey currently assigns the Economic Development Manager a pay range of $67,753 to $84,690. Based on our review of the position and the market, we believe that the City should increase the pay range to at least $90,000. We are recommending an 8% increase which would bring the range up to $73,173-$91,465. The midpoint of the recommended range is $82,319. Hiring expectations would be around the midpoint (slightly higher or lower) if warranted based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience."

Note:  Springsted Inc.'s full memo is attached for your review. 

From an internal equity perspective, this range is in-line with the Police Captain and the Parks/Assistant PW Superintendent positions. The intent and goal will be to hire between step 1 and step 3 / or very near the mid-point range, based on qualifications and experience.

Option #1:  To increase the current 2013 pay scale by eight percent which would bring the range up to $73,173-$91,465.
Option #2:  Do not increase the current 2013 pay scale, keeping it at $67,753 to $84,690.
Option #3    Direct staff to adjust the 2013 pay scale based on Council discussion.  

Staff recommends following Springsted's recommendation to raise the 2013 pay scale to $73,173-$91,465.   Note:  The 2014 wage scale would be adjusted upward by whatever amount the City Council approves for non-union employees in 2014.  

With an anticipated November 2013 hire date; the 2013 funding is well within the 2013 budget.    The 2014 budget has not been adopted at this time; however, the funding for this position will be accounted for in the 2014 budget and is anticipated to be not more than $112,957 (wages, taxes, benefits). Funding for the ED Position is from the Economic & Development Authority (EDA) budget, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) budget and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Approve Option 1, based upon discussion, to increase the wage scale by eight percent / $73,173-$91,465.