With Helling retiring, Iowa City plans changes to the assistant city manager job

IOWA CITY – Iowa City Manager Tom Markus wants to reclassify the duties and pay scale of the assistant city manager position after longtime Assistant City Manager Dale Helling retires.

The 66-year-old Helling has not decided when he'll retire, but he said Thursday he'll step down at some point before the end of the year, probably no sooner than the fall.

Markus, who took over as city manager in December, wants to eliminate the “assistant city manager” position and add an “assistant to the city manager.” The new position would have different primary duties and move down pay grades, saving the city an estimated $26,475 annually.

Markus stressed the changes were not a reflection on what he considers the outstanding job Helling has done. Rather, he believes it will be a better structure for his office while also serving as an example to other city departments by showing that as jobs come open, the city needs to look for ways to save money.

“Because I think that this economy is going to continue to be a challenge for the private and public sectors, and it might last longer in the public sector because it tends to come to us a little later and then linger a little longer,” Markus said.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the matter at its June 21 meeting.

Mayor Matt Hayek said Markus is an experienced professional who knows how to structure a leadership team.

“He's been on the job long enough to identify challenges and opportunities,” Hayek wrote in an email. “I'm confident he will structure the city manager's office to maximize its effectiveness.”

The assistant to the city manager would not supervise the city's civil rights, human resources and cable TV divisions, as Helling has. The person also would not oversee labor relations and collective bargaining.

Instead, the new position would help the city manager with City Council initiatives and work on special assignments.

Markus believes the changes will attract a larger pool of candidates for the job, including internal ones. The position could grow into an assistant city manager role similar to what the city has now if the person stays long enough, Markus said.

Helling said his position took a similar trajectory. He started as an Iowa City police officer in 1975 before becoming the assistant city manager in 1978. He started the administrative position at a lower classification, with the job evolving over time.

Helling said if Markus believes the proposed changes are for the best, “then that's good for the city … especially internally.”

Helling has served as interim city manager three times in his career, including twice since 2007. The last two times, City Council members said they were comfortable conducting extended searches because of their confidence in Helling serving as the city's chief administrative officer.

“Dale is highly respected – both within city hall and out in the community – and his retirement will leave a significant void,” Hayek wrote.

Markus also praised Helling and said Helling delayed retirement at his request. Helling, who originally was to retire this summer, said he felt it was his responsibility to help with the transition.

Additionally, Kathi Johansen, the administrative assistant to the city manager, is moving out of state. Markus said she too will be greatly missed. Her position will be filled, but with a slightly different focus to attract candidates interested in a career as a city manager.