MONROE — City officials hope a new economic development manager will attract more businesses and better help those that are already here.
The first step is finding a way to pay for the position’s salary.
The manager would help Monroe generate more tax revenue by increasing the number of businesses inside city limits, Mayor Robert Zimmerman said.
“This is an investment for our city’s future,” he said.
Monroe is not the only city taking the step.
Mountlake Terrace recently hired an economic development director. He started Wednesday and is working to revitalize the city’s downtown area, something that Monroe wants to do as well.
The city wants to start recruiting an economic development manager as soon as funding is available, human resources manager Teri Smith said. People interested in learning more about the position can call her at 360-863-4523.
The city also created a planning and permitting manager position. That person will focus on long-term planning and propose amendments to the comprehensive plan, public works director Brad Feilberg said.
Each position will pay between $87,024 and $110,664 a year, including benefits.
On April 5, the City Council voted 4-1 to approve creating these two positions. Councilman Tony Balk voted against it. Council members Kurt Goering and Margie Rodriguez were absent.
The council has not given approval to fill the two positions. The council has approved filling an associate planner spot, which has been vacant since March 31.
That job, which pays an annual salary of between $53,892 and $69,708, depending on the experience, would only be advertised in Washington.
This job focuses on reviewing land use and permit applications.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
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