HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.2. Appointment of Finance DirectorCITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Appointment of Finance Director
DATE: February 11, 2011
INTRODUCTION:
The City Council is asked to authorize the hiring of Julie Linnihan as the City's next Finance
Director.
BACKGROUND:
In late 2010, current Finance Director Gregg Voxland gave notice of his intent to retire in March
of this year. On November 23, Council authorized staff to advertise the opening and begin the
selection process. Since that time, applications have been solicited and received, and both first
and second round interviews have been conducted, involving a variety of city staff and officials.
Two finalists participated in a variety of management testing and exercises conducted by
Personnel Decisions Inc., and a thorough background check has been conducted.
Based on this process, it is recommended that the City Council authorize the hiring of Julie
Linnihan as the City's next Finance Director, subject to the successful completion of a pre-
employment physical and drug test.
Ms. Linnihan has 29 years of experience in the field of municipal finance. She is currently the
Finance Director for the City of Dayton, MN and previously served in similar roles for the cities
of New Hope and Waseca. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Minnesota State
University — Mankato.
The proposed compensation and benefits for Ms. Linnihan are as follows:
1. Starting Salary: Step E of Grade 11 of the City's 2011 Pay Plan for Full -Time
Employees ($91,498 per year). Eligible for an increase to Step D ($95,017) on October
1, 2011, with future step increases occurring annually based on this October 1 date.
2. Vacation Leave: A starting balance of 100 hours, with future accumulation at a rate
equaling 160 hours annually. (This is the second tier of our vacation accrual schedule for
exempt employees, normally granted to employees with 6 — 15 years of employment.)
3. Sick Leave: A starting balance of 80 hours, with the standard accumulation rate and cap
as provided for in the Personnel Handbook.
Ms. Linnihan will need to complete the required pre- employment physical and provide 30 -days
notice to her current employer, therefore her anticipated state date is on or about March 21. This
will provide for a short overlap between her and Mr. Voxland which will be beneficial to the
City. Additionally, Ms. Linnihan has indicated that she will be available to meet with Mr.
Voxland on a part-time basis prior to the 21 if necessary.
RELATIONSHIP TO VISION:
This agenda item relates to Goal E: Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of
well- trained, caring and professional employees.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Julie Linnihan be hired for the position of Finance Director, contingent
upon successful completion of a pre - employment physical / drug test and subject to a one -year
probationary period.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Council concurs, they should offer a motion to hire Julie Linnihan for the position of
Finance Director, with the compensation and benefits as outlined previously in this memo,
contingent upon successful completion of a pre - employment physical / drug test and subject to a
one -year probationary period.