City Council members voted unanimously on Aug. 22 to spend as much as $365,000 a year to pay the salaries of assistants who will help them with managing their schedules, policy research, communications and serving constituents.
The money allows for four full-time assistants, although all the positions might not be filled.
Council members currently have no staff, but two administrative employees who also work with the city manager’s office assist them part-time.
Mayor Scott Singer proposed the new positions at a June 12 meeting, saying that as the city has grown, council members’ jobs have become more complex and time-consuming.
“I see the work of all of us is increasing,” he said.
Other council members supported the idea, saying they especially could use help with managing their schedules and policy research. They differed on how many assistants are needed.
During the Aug. 22 meeting, council member Fran Nachlas said she had changed her mind and decided she does not need an assistant.
Council members or commissioners in other large cities already have varying amounts of support.
Riviera Beach’s mayor has a chief of staff and council members have legislative aides. West Palm Beach commissioners have aides whose duties include responding to correspondence and requests for information, drafting expense reports, managing commissioners’ schedules and representing commissioners at community events.
Boynton Beach commissioners share one assistant who primarily assists them with scheduling. Delray Beach commissioners have administrative assistants whose duties include scheduling meetings and preparing agendas, attending meetings and performing office management functions.
— Mary Hladky
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