There has been much debate regarding the city administrator position proposed in this year’s budget. After recent articles, including an editorial opinion by Daily Bee Publisher Jim McKiernan, it is clear some questions need to be answered.

Why do we need a city administrator?

With the retirement of the last of the baby boomers, Sandpoint, together with many other government agencies, will be faced with losing most of its seasoned department heads, along with other seasoned staff, over the next few years. public works, finance, parks and rec, fire, and legal will all be affected. With their departure also goes years of experience, expertise, and established working relationships that will be very difficult to replace. Combine this with changes in the elected body, and the city is at risk of having a sustained period of inexperienced leadership and limited knowledge throughout City Hall.

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