As Council is aware, the City Manager has hired a new Technology and Innovations Director who is slated to begin his employment with the City on June 1, 2022.  As a division director, this position meets the criteria for Senior Management Service as outlined in Sections 121.055 and 121.021, Florida Statutes. Section 121.055(1)(c), Florida Statutes states, "Each position added to the class must be a managerial or policymaking position filled by an employee who is not subject to continuing contract and serves at the pleasure of the local agency employer without civil service protection, and who:

• (I) Heads an organizational unit; or
• (II) Has responsibility to effect or recommend personnel, budget, expenditure, or policy decisions in his or her areas of responsibility."

Furthermore, Section 121.021(11) defines an officer or employee as "any person receiving salary payments for work performed in a regularly established position and, if employed by a municipality, a metropolitan planning organization, or a special district, employed in a covered group."

The City of New Port Richey is currently utilizing 8 of 9 SMSC approved positions and is under the statutory limited cap of 10 such positions.  With the addition of the Technology and Innovations Director position, the City will reach the limit of these positions without additional justification. It should be noted that all other statutory requirements have been met.