The Hollister City Council approved the job description for
economic development manager this week and gave City Manager Clint
Quilter the go-ahead to start recruiting for the job.
Hollister – The Hollister City Council approved the job description for economic development manager this week and gave City Manager Clint Quilter the go-ahead to start recruiting for the job.
Hiring an economic development manager position was a key component of a work plan drafted last month by the council’s ad hoc economic development committee. Among other tasks, the economic development manager will be charged with creating a strategy to market the city to new businesses, working to retain existing businesses and coordinating the economic development efforts of other groups and agencies.
“I really want to see this position get going,” Councilman Brad Pike said shortly before the council voted Tuesday to approve the position’s job description and salary range.
Before the council voted, local resident Annette Giacomazzi asked that the decision be delayed a few months until a draft business plan for the city was created first. She said the board should try to work with the county and private entities to identify the city’s strengths and weaknesses.
Though council members and Quilter said they appreciated Giacomazzi’s ideas, they seemed eager to approve the position and start the recruitment process.
“I find it quite daunting that in four months we could come to consensus in this city on what our plan for economic development should be,” Quilter said. “A lot of people have good ideas … but they never end up getting put into public policy.”
Now that the position has been approved, Quilter said he will start recruiting immediately.
The salary for the position will range from $70,332 to $85,488, based on experience, and be paid by the Hollister Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Monica Johnson said she feels good about the prospect of having a person looking out for Hollister’s economic development full time.
“It’s an important step,” she said. “I’m excited.”
Luke Roney covers politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
