By Brittany Anderson
KYLE — A number of unfilled positions in the city of Kyle have led some to question what is being done to ensure they are filled in order to meet the needs of the city.
The item was brought forward by council member Yvonne Flores-Cale, who shared her concerns that the library director, economic development director and chief building inspector positions — which make up “a third of the city’s leadership” — are currently unfilled. The city’s planning director position has also remained unfilled for nearly a year.
Flores-Cale said that there is no way the city can grow the way that it does without someone leading these important positions.
“I have a real fear that we’re going to put a lot of stress on staff if we continue to go down this road without a solid plan, and today I did not hear a solid plan,” Flores-Cale said. “I’ve heard the same thing I’ve heard for the last year.”
Acting City Manager Jerry Hendrix said that dozens of people have applied for the planning director position specifically, but like when hiring for other positions, the city “doesn’t settle.”
“We wait until we find that person that's going to come in and help us achieve that gold standard in leading that position, and for me, meet those core [“K.Y.L.E”] values,” Hendrix said. “I know it’s frustrating when it takes longer than what you would like, but I think we have a pretty good track record of hiring quality staff, especially department heads, and that’s our goal moving forward,” adding that he believes they need to be “more nimble” in how offers are made and how qualified applicants are considered.
Hendrix said that city positions are advertised in various ways, and that they utilize job search engines such as Indeed, professional organizations and career fairs, but he and other council members also acknowledged that the job market is simply challenging right now.
“Even though people say ‘everybody’s hiring,’ not everybody has the same expertise as what we’re looking for. That’s something that we need to keep in mind,” said council member Michael Tobias, with council member Daniela Parsley later saying she believes it’s “even harder” to hire the type of staff the city is needing as there are other cities around who also have these needs.
Mayor Travis Mitchell noted that council, as a legislative body, also has the power to greatly influence the hiring process, as they can impact wages and benefits.
“I have a lot of confidence that you will fill those positions in the time that you think is appropriate, not necessarily in the time that I individually think is appropriate. I know you’re weighing a lot of different factors,” Mitchell told Hendrix. “There’s no one more qualified and has more experience hiring department heads and leadership in the city of Kyle. He has more experience and knowledge in these matters than this dais put together, times ten.”
Those interested in working for the city of Kyle or who know someone who might be, visit www.cityofkyle.com/humanresources/hiring-team-kyle for a list of open positions.
